Why You Should Still Get a Professional Inspection After a Minor Accident

Keen’s Body Shop • October 1, 2025

White car with blue headlights illuminated in a dark setting.

It’s easy to shrug off a small fender-bender or low-speed collision and assume that everything is fine with your vehicle. If the car still runs and the damage looks minimal, scheduling a professional inspection might not seem necessary. However, even minor accidents can cause hidden damage that isn’t immediately obvious but can lead to bigger issues down the road. That’s why it’s always smart to have an experienced professional take a closer look. Here are four important reasons to get an inspection after a minor accident.

Hidden Structural Damage Can Go Undetected

A small bump may not show obvious signs of damage, but it can still affect your vehicle’s structural integrity. Even subtle frame misalignments can weaken your car’s ability to protect you in future accidents. Professional inspections use precise equipment to detect these issues, helping to ensure that your car remains safe and structurally sound.

Mechanical Issues May Be Overlooked

A minor collision can impact more than just the exterior of your vehicle. Components like the suspension and steering system can suffer damage that isn’t visible at first glance. Left unchecked, these problems can worsen over time, leading to costly repairs and unsafe driving conditions. An inspection helps ensure that all systems are functioning properly.

Safety Features Might Not Work as Intended

Modern vehicles rely on advanced safety systems like airbags, sensors, and cameras. Even a low-speed accident can disrupt these systems, meaning they may not deploy or function correctly in another emergency. A professional inspection verifies that these critical safety features are still operational and reliable.

Ignoring Small Problems Can Lead to Bigger Costs

What seems like a minor dent or scratch can sometimes mask underlying damage that grows worse over time. For example, a small crack in a radiator or a bent suspension component might lead to major repairs later. Getting an inspection early helps catch these problems before they escalate into more expensive fixes.

Collision 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!

< Older Post

Why It’s Important to Professionally Address Car Rust Immediately

By Keen’s Body Shop • September 4, 2025

Rust is one of the most damaging problems a vehicle can face, and once it begins, it doesn’t stop on its own. Many drivers brush off small rust spots as cosmetic issues, but rust can spread quickly, potentially compromising the safety, performance, and value of your car. Addressing rust with the help of a professional as soon as it appears is the best way to protect your investment. At Keen’s Body Shop, we provide expert car rust repair in the greater Columbus, OH area. Here are four important reasons to deal with car rust right away. Rust Can Spread Quickly Rust doesn’t stay confined to one small spot. Once the paint and protective coating are compromised, rust spreads across metal surfaces. A tiny blemish on the fender can turn into widespread corrosion. The sooner you have a professional treat the problem, the less extensive the damage will be. Rust Weakens Structural Integrity Beyond appearances, rust can eat through critical parts of your car’s frame and body. This weakens the overall structure and makes the vehicle less safe in an accident. Rust in areas such as the frame components can severely compromise strength. A professional repair ensures that the issue is resolved before it becomes a worsening safety hazard. Preserve Resale Value Even small amounts of rust can hurt your car’s resale or trade-in value. Buyers often see rust as a sign that the vehicle hasn’t been properly maintained or may require costly repairs in the future. By taking care of rust right away, you preserve your car’s appearance and protect its long-term value. Pride of Ownership Rust is ugly and can make an otherwise well-maintained car look old and neglected. Professional rust repair restores your car’s smooth, polished appearance and prevents the damage from worsening. Taking care of rust quickly helps ensure your vehicle looks as good as it runs, which enhances pride of ownership. 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 . Our technicians can expertly address your vehicle’s cosmetic needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

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

By Keen’s Body Shop • August 4, 2025

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!