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

Keen’s Body Shop • April 3, 2025
A person wearing black gloves is polishing a blue car.

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

Forauto 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!

4 Ways to Decrease the Risk of Minor Cosmetic Damage to Your Car

By Keen’s Body Shop • November 26, 2025
Keeping your vehicle looking clean and dent-free doesn’t just enhance its appearance—it also helps preserve its value and reduces the need for costly cosmetic repairs. Minor damage such as scratches, door dings, and paint scuffs can accumulate quickly if you’re not mindful of everyday risks. Fortunately, a few simple habits can go a long way toward protecting your car’s exterior. But if your vehicle does incur any cosmetic damage, you’ll want to get the repairs done promptly so that rust doesn’t get a chance to set in. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert auto body repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four tips for avoiding minor cosmetic damage. Be Selective About Where You Park One of the easiest ways to prevent dents and scratches is to be careful about where you park. Crowded parking lots, tight spaces, and spots near shopping cart returns all increase the likelihood of door dings and accidental bumps. When possible, choose end spots, park farther away from heavy foot traffic, or opt for covered parking to reduce exposure to the elements. A little extra walking can help spare your vehicle from unnecessary damage. Use Proper Washing and Drying Techniques Regular car washing helps maintain your paint, but using the wrong tools can actually cause scratches. Avoid abrasive brushes and harsh sponges that can trap dirt and grit. Instead, use microfiber mitts designed for automotive finishes. Always rinse thoroughly before washing to remove loose debris. By cleaning your vehicle correctly, you reduce the risk of swirl marks and fine scratches. Apply Protective Wax Adding a layer of wax provides a protective barrier against road debris, bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants that can harm your finish. Wax not only enhances shine, but also makes it easier to wash off grime without scratching the surface. Applying wax every few months helps keep your paint in excellent condition and limits long-term wear. Avoid Following Vehicles Too Closely Driving too closely behind other cars, especially trucks, increases your exposure to flying rocks and loose debris. Maintaining a safe distance gives you more time to react and reduces the chance of small chips and scratches from kicked-up gravel. This simple driving habit can help protect both your paint and your windshield from unnecessary damage. Auto Body 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!

Basic Precautions that Can Greatly Reduce Your Car Accident Risk

By Keen’s Body Shop • November 5, 2025
While car accidents are very common, many of them can be prevented with careful driving and a proactive mindset. While it’s impossible to control everything that happens on the road, there are simple habits that make a major difference in safety. By staying alert, maintaining your vehicle, and remaining a responsible driver, you can greatly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Here are five precautions that every driver should take. Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions Distracted driving is the top cause of collisions. Even a momentary lapse in attention—such as checking a text, reaching for an item, or adjusting a GPS—can lead to serious consequences. To stay safe, make it a rule to keep your focus solely on driving. Maintain a Safe Following Distance Following too closely behind another vehicle significantly increases your chances of a rear-end crash. The general guideline is to stay at least three seconds behind the car in front of you, which provides enough time to react if they brake suddenly. In rain, fog, or heavy traffic, increase that distance to account for longer stopping times. Follow Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions Speed limits are established to promote safe driving based on road design and surrounding conditions. Driving too fast reduces your reaction time and increases stopping distance, while also making crashes more severe when they occur. Always obey posted limits and slow down during poor weather, heavy traffic, or low visibility. Remember that safe driving isn’t just about staying within the law—it’s about adapting to current conditions and prioritizing safety. Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition A well-maintained car is much less likely to experience sudden failures that could cause an accident. Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights to ensure everything functions properly. Worn brake pads, underinflated tires, and dim headlights can all make it harder to avoid danger on the road. Scheduling routine maintenance and addressing issues promptly helps keep your vehicle reliable and safe. Practice Defensive Driving No matter how careful you are, other drivers may not be. Defensive driving means anticipating potential hazards and preparing for the unexpected. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating or sudden lane changes. Always wear your seatbelt, obey traffic signals, and drive patiently. By maintaining awareness, you can greatly reduce your accident risk. Collision Repair in Columbus, OH But even if you’re cautious, you still may end up in an accident due to someone else’s recklessness, in which case our local body shop can help you out. For collision repair in Columbus, Dayton, and Lancaster, contact Keen’s Body Shop at  1-888-681-5336  . Feel free to give us a call to make an appointment!
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