When you rent a car—especially in a destination as exclusive as Saint-Barthélemy—you expect impeccable service, a comfortable vehicle, and, most importantly, optimal safety. At Dollar SBH, vehicle maintenance is an absolute priority. Every car is carefully inspected before and after each rental, with particular attention paid to tire condition and routine mechanical servicing.
In this article, we take you behind the scenes of our fleet maintenance process: how tires are inspected, how often maintenance is performed, who handles the work, and how all this ensures you a smooth and worry-free driving experience—no matter the roads you take.
Why Tires Matter So Much on an Island Like Saint-Barth
The roads in Saint-Barthélemy are winding, sometimes narrow, and often hilly. You’ll encounter steep inclines, hairpin turns, cliffside passages, and constant coastal humidity. In this environment, well-maintained tires are not a luxury—they are a necessity.
The Risks of Poor Tire Maintenance
- Reduced grip, especially on wet roads
- Longer braking distances
- Higher risk of hydroplaning or blowouts
- Uneven wear affecting handling
That’s why Dollar SBH has implemented a strict tire inspection protocol.
Tire Checks Between Every Rental
After each return, a technician performs a visual and manual inspection of the tires. This includes:
- Tire pressure check: adjusted to manufacturer recommendations
- Tread depth measurement: legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but we replace tires at 3 mm
- Inspection for cuts, bulges, or embedded objects
- Balancing and alignment checks when necessary
If there is even the slightest doubt, the tire is replaced before the vehicle is rented again.
Scheduled Mechanical Maintenance
Beyond visual inspections, every Dollar SBH vehicle is enrolled in a preventive maintenance schedule, based on:
- Distance traveled
- Time since the last service
This ensures each car is serviced every 6 months or every 7,500 km, whichever comes first.
Each Service Includes:
- Oil change and oil filter replacement
- Brake inspection (pads, discs, brake fluid)
- Suspension and shock absorber check
- Battery and electrical system test
- Air conditioning system check
- Top-ups of coolant, windshield fluid, and power steering fluid
- Wiper blades and full light check
- Timing belt inspection based on vehicle age
Any signs of wear or potential failure trigger immediate repairs or vehicle withdrawal from the fleet.
Trusted Local Professionals
Vehicle maintenance at Dollar SBH is handled exclusively by certified local garages who understand the island’s unique conditions and the demands of rental vehicles. These trusted partners offer:
- Quick repair turnaround times
- Responsive emergency service
- Full documentation of all interventions
- Strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines
Every visit to the workshop generates a digital maintenance report, integrated into our fleet management system.
Newer Cars = Easier Maintenance
Most vehicles in the Dollar SBH fleet are less than 24 months old, which means:
- Fewer breakdowns
- More advanced safety and driver-assist features
- Built-in warning systems (tire pressure, oil levels, emergency braking alerts)
Thanks to onboard diagnostics, our team can detect and fix issues before they become a problem.
Pre-Delivery Checklist Before Each Rental
Right before delivering a car to the customer (whether at the airport, ferry terminal, or villa), the team performs a final checklist, including:
- Tire pressure check
- Lights and indicators test
- Fluid level check
- Full interior and exterior cleaning
- Presence of safety kit (vest, triangle, parking disk, child seat if requested)
- Disinfection of contact points
This meticulous process ensures each car is clean, safe, and ready for immediate use.
What If Something Happens During Your Rental?
Even with rigorous maintenance, unexpected issues can arise—like a nail in a tire or a dashboard warning light. Don’t worry.
Dollar SBH offers 7-day support, with a dedicated WhatsApp or phone line for immediate assistance. In case of trouble:
- A technician can come to your location
- A replacement vehicle can be delivered
- Fast repairs are available through our local partners
Your safety is always our number one priority.
What About Electric Vehicles?
Dollar SBH also offers electric cars like the Honda XN-V or the Wuling Bingo. Their maintenance involves:
- Charging system inspection
- Main battery health check
- Software updates
- Tire and brake checks, just like any other vehicle
Because EVs use regenerative braking, brake wear is different and requires specialized attention—something our partners are fully trained to handle.
Why This Matters for You
As a customer, you benefit directly from this maintenance rigor:
- Peace of mind: you know your car is road-ready
- Comfort: smooth handling, no vibrations, fully functional A/C
- Safety: responsive brakes, perfect tire grip, stable driving
- No surprises: reliable, well-documented vehicles
At Dollar SBH, we believe car rental isn’t just about handing over the keys—it’s about delivering a premium experience from start to finish.
In Summary: Drive With Confidence Thanks to Dollar SBH
In Saint-Barthélemy, the roads demand caution, but also a car in perfect condition. Thanks to our strict tire and service protocols, our fleet is always ready to offer you a reliable, enjoyable, and safe driving experience.
Come see for yourself the quality of our vehicles, all inspected and maintained with care by trained professionals on the island. For any questions or specific needs, our team is available 7 days a week, whether you need a delivery, advice, or mid-rental assistance.
Choose Dollar SBH – safety is our business.