Why Car Frame Damage Should Be Quickly Repaired Even When It Seems Minor

Keen’s Body Shop • August 4, 2025
A person welds beneath a car, sparks flying. The underside of the vehicle and the welder's protective gear are visible.

After a fender bender or low-speed collision, it might be tempting to shrug off minor car frame damage, especially if the vehicle still drives and there are no glaring visual issues. However, even seemingly small frame problems can lead to bigger trouble down the road. Your car’s frame serves as the backbone of the vehicle, supporting everything from the engine and suspension to the body panels and safety systems. Overlooking frame damage can compromise the vehicle’s safety and performance. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert automotive frame repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are five important reasons to take any frame damage seriously and get it repaired promptly.


Safety Risks Increase

The primary reason to fix car frame damage right away is safety. Modern vehicles are designed with crumple zones and reinforced structures to absorb impact energy in a crash. If the frame is bent, cracked, or weakened, it may not perform as intended during another collision, putting you and your passengers at greater risk. Structural damage can also affect how airbags deploy and how well seat belts function, both of which are vital during an accident.


Uneven Tire Wear and Suspension Problems

A damaged frame can throw off your car’s alignment, leading to uneven pressure on the tires and suspension system. As a result, your tires may wear out more quickly and unevenly, causing you to replace them more often than necessary. Misalignment can also create a rougher ride, reduce handling performance, and increase the strain on suspension components.


Resale Value Takes a Hit

Even minor frame damage that goes unrepaired can significantly reduce your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value. Buyers and dealers are wary of structural issues, and many will walk away from a car that has a history of frame damage. Repairing the frame professionally and documenting the work can preserve more of your car’s value and make it easier to sell when the time comes.


Hidden Damage May Be Present

What appears to be a small dent or bend could be hiding more severe internal damage. Without a proper inspection, it’s easy to miss cracks, compromised welds, or alignment issues that aren’t immediately visible. Professional repair shops have the tools and expertise to uncover and address the full extent of the damage before it worsens. Acting quickly protects your car's long-term reliability and your own peace of mind.


Automotive Frame Repair in Columbus, OH

For collision 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!

By Keen’s Body Shop July 6, 2025
Even a small chip or scratch in your car’s paint may not seem like a big deal at first, but leaving it unaddressed can lead to larger problems. Car paint does more than give your vehicle a nice shine—it protects the metal underneath from moisture, corrosion, and other environmental threats. Taking quick action to fix paint damage helps preserve your vehicle’s condition. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert auto paint repair in the greater Columbus area. Here are four important reasons why prompt repair is essential. Prevents Rust from Forming When your car’s paint is chipped or scratched, the protective layer over the metal body is compromised. This allows water and oxygen to come into contact with the exposed metal, which can quickly lead to rust. Once rust begins to form, it can spread beneath the surface and cause structural issues that are far more expensive to fix than a simple paint repair. Addressing even minor paint damage right away helps protect your vehicle from corrosion. Maintains Your Vehicle’s Resale Value A car’s exterior is one of the first things buyers notice, and paint damage can give the impression that a vehicle hasn’t been well cared for. Whether you plan to trade in your car or sell it privately, a damaged paint job can significantly reduce its resale value. Fixing scratches, chips, and fading promptly shows that you’ve taken good care of the car and helps you get a better return on your investment when it’s time to sell. Stops Damage from Spreading Small areas of paint damage can worsen quickly if left untreated. A minor chip may grow into a peeling section of paint, and scratches can deepen with continued exposure to the elements. Dirt, debris, and abrasive car washes can all make existing damage worse. Promptly repairing the affected area helps prevent further degradation and keeps the issue contained before it becomes a bigger—and costlier—problem. Improves Overall Appearance Your car’s exterior plays a big role in its overall look. Even if your vehicle is in great mechanical shape, damaged paint can make it appear neglected. Touching up the paint not only restores your car’s original beauty, but also gives you a sense of pride when driving it. A well-maintained paint job contributes to a polished appearance that enhances your car’s visual appeal. Auto Painting & Paint Repair in Columbus, OH For auto painting 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!
By Keen’s Body Shop June 2, 2025
Scratches can quickly diminish the appearance and value of your vehicle. Even small scratches can lead to rust and paint damage over time. Fortunately, there are several practical steps you can take to help protect your car’s exterior. But if your vehicle does get scratched, 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 car scratch repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four tips for preventing scratches and keeping your car looking its best. Be Careful Where You Park Choosing a safe place to park is one of the easiest ways to avoid scratches. Whenever possible, park away from crowded areas where other drivers are likely to park too close or open their doors into your vehicle. Avoid parking near shopping cart return areas or next to vehicles that appear neglected. If you’re parking on the street, try to stay away from tight spaces where other vehicles might pass closely. Wash Your Car the Right Way Improper washing techniques can actually cause scratches instead of preventing them. Always rinse your car thoroughly before washing to remove loose dirt and debris that can scratch the paint. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth and an automotive-specific soap. When drying, use a microfiber towel and pat the surface instead of dragging the towel across the paint. Use a High-Quality Wax Applying a protective layer of wax adds a barrier between your car’s paint and the outside world. This can help reduce the impact of small abrasions from dirt, road debris, or even light contact with other objects. Wax not only helps maintain your vehicle’s shine, but also makes it easier to wash off contaminants that might otherwise scratch the paint. Regularly reapplying wax ensures that this layer of protection remains effective. Keep Items Away from the Car’s Surface Many scratches occur when people unintentionally brush against a car with bags, keys, or other objects. Be mindful when loading or unloading your vehicle and avoid placing anything on the roof, trunk, or hood. Even resting a box or shopping bag on the surface for a moment can lead to marks. If you use your trunk frequently, take extra care when removing large or bulky items that might graze the surrounding paint. Car Scratch 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!
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