Easy Ways to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident

Keen's Body Shop • March 9, 2024

two cars are damaged in a car accident on the side of the road .

According to the NHTSA, there's an average of one car accident every 60 seconds, which works out to well over 5 million accidents per year. With car wrecks being so common, it's especially important to take measures that reduce your risk of getting into one. But even if you drive defensively, every time you leave your driveway you're still at risk of getting in an accident because of somebody else's negligence. If your car is damaged in an accident, it's important that you entrust the repairs to a reputable body shop. A flawlessly restored body will keep you better protected if you get in another wreck at some point down the road. At Keen's Body Shop, our technicians are experts at meticulously repairing collision damage. Come and see us for top-quality auto body repairs in Columbus, OH.

Tips for Avoiding a Collision

Although it might sound obvious, the easiest way to prevent an accident is to simply keep your eyes on the road and two hands on the wheel. The top cause of accidents is distracted driving, with smartphone use being the main problem. However, there are other distractions that are sometimes to blame for accidents such as eating, grooming, and out-of-control children.

You can also decrease your chances of an accident by making sure that your windshield is free of blemishes that obscure your vision of the road. Windshield cracks and chips should be fixed so that your visibility is optimized. Another simple way to better see the road is to keep a good pair of polarized sunglasses in your car. At certain points in the day, the sun's glare can make it incredibly difficult to see the road. With polarized sunglasses, you'll be able to mitigate this blinding effect, which will in turn make it less likely that you get in an accident.

To minimize your risk of an accident, it's crucial that your brakes are working perfectly. Signs of brake trouble, such as squealing and grinding, should be addressed ASAP. Also, it's important to stay up to date with brake maintenance tasks like brake pad replacement and brake fluid exchanges. When your brakes are healthy and you keep a safe following distance, you'll be substantially less likely to get into a fender-bender.

Collision Repair in Columbus, OH

When you need collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, or Lancaster,contact Keen's Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336. At our local body shop, we can flawlessly repair your car's collision damage. And feel free to use our easy online estimate tool!

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Why it’s Important to Repair Car Hail Damage ASAP

By Keen’s Body Shop • April 28, 2025

Hailstorms can leave your vehicle pockmarked with dents. While it might be tempting to delay repairs—especially if the damage seems cosmetic—waiting too long can lead to bigger problems. Taking quick action after a hailstorm protects your car’s appearance and helps prevent issues that can affect its long-term value. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert automotive hail damage repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four important reasons to repair car hail damage as soon as possible. Minor Damage Can Get Worse Over Time What starts as a few small dents can become more serious if ignored. Exposure to the elements—especially moisture—can cause chipped paint to peel and eventually lead to rust forming beneath the surface. Once rust starts to spread, repairs become more expensive and time-consuming. Fixing hail damage promptly prevents these small issues from escalating into major bodywork problems. Unrepaired Damage Can Lower Your Car’s Value Whether you plan to sell or trade in your vehicle, visible hail damage will reduce its market value. Even minor cosmetic flaws can make a vehicle less appealing to buyers or dealers. Many people will assume a damaged car hasn't been well cared for and may offer less money or pass entirely. Repairing hail damage quickly helps preserve your vehicle’s resale value. Your Insurance May Have a Time Limit Auto insurance policies that cover hail damage commonly require claims to be filed within a specific timeframe. If you wait too long to report the damage or begin repairs, you may miss your window for coverage. Acting quickly ensures you stay within the terms of your insurance and get the financial help you're entitled to. Quick Repairs Prevent Further Inconvenience Once a vehicle is damaged, it becomes more vulnerable to other types of wear and tear. Water can seep into cracks, weather can worsen exposed areas, and dirt can accumulate in dents. Fixing the damage sooner rather than later avoids compounding issues and can save you time and hassle down the road. It also restores the appearance of your vehicle, helping you take pride in its condition again. Automotive Hail Damage Repair in Columbus, OH For auto body repair in Columbus , Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336 . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

What can I do to help prevent my car from developing rust?

By Keen’s Body Shop • April 3, 2025

Rust is one of the biggest threats to a vehicle’s longevity. Once it starts, it can spread quickly, weakening the car’s structure and diminishing its value. Fortunately, with proper maintenance and proactive care, you can significantly reduce the risk of rust developing on your vehicle. At Keen’s Body Shop, we can expertly repair blemishes on your car’s body that could otherwise lead to rust. Here are four tips to keep your car rust-free. Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly Dirt and other debris can accelerate rust formation by trapping moisture against your car’s surface. Washing your vehicle regularly removes these harmful elements before they have a chance to cause damage. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and lower panels where grime tends to accumulate. Applying a high-quality wax after washing adds a protective layer that shields the paint from moisture, reducing the risk of rust. Fix Paint Chips and Scratches Immediately Even small paint chips and scratches can expose the metal underneath, making it vulnerable to rust. If left untreated, these minor blemishes can allow moisture and oxygen to corrode the metal surface, leading to rust spots. For scratches and other damaged areas, professional repair will provide proper protection. Keep Your Car Dry and Store It Properly Moisture is the primary cause of rust, so keeping your car dry is important. If possible, park in a garage or use a car cover to shield your vehicle from rain and snow. Avoid leaving your car parked on wet grass, which may contribute to rust formation on the undercarriage. Inspect Drainage Areas and Remove Debris Vehicles have drainage holes and channels designed to direct water away from critical areas. When these become clogged with debris, water can accumulate and lead to rust formation. Check areas like door drains and sunroof channels to ensure proper drainage. Keeping these areas clear will help prevent standing water and reduce the likelihood of rust developing. Automotive Rust Repair in Columbus, OH For auto body repair in Columbus , Dayton, and Lancaster, OH, contact Keen’s Body Shop at 1-888-681-5336 . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!