Car Care Tips

Adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors before driving

Proper driving posture is essential for safety, comfort, and control. Poor seat and mirror adjustments can limit your visibility, slow your reaction time, and increase the risk of serious accidents.

✔ Seat Position

• Sit upright with your back fully against the seatback.
• Adjust the seat so your feet comfortably reach the pedals without stretching. Your knees should remain slightly bent.
• Keep a minimum of 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel to ensure optimal airbag performance.

✔ Steering Wheel

• Position the steering wheel so your arms are slightly bent (~90° angle) when holding it.
• Make sure you can see the instrument panel clearly and maintain a relaxed grip.

✔ Mirror Adjustment

• Adjust side mirrors outward to reduce blind spots—just beyond the side of your vehicle.
• Set the rearview mirror to frame the entire rear window.
• Proper mirror alignment minimizes the need to turn your head and maximizes awareness of surrounding traffic.

✔ Headrest & Lumbar Support

• Align the top of the headrest with the top of your ears.
• Ensure the headrest is close to the back of your head—this helps prevent whiplash.
• Use lumbar support to maintain your spine’s natural curve and reduce fatigue.

Why it matters:
A well-adjusted driving position allows you to steer, brake, and react quickly in emergencies. It also reduces strain on your neck, back, and shoulders during longer drives—keeping you safer and more comfortable on the road.

Before every trip, take a moment to adjust—because the right position can make all the difference.

Check your lights and lenses regularly for safety and performance

Fully functioning lights are critical not just for visibility—but for keeping you, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road. A quick inspection can help you avoid accidents, fines, and costly repairs.

✔ Exterior Light Check

• Turn on your headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, blinkers, and fog lights.
• Walk around your vehicle to ensure all bulbs are working and clearly visible from every angle.

✔ Clean and Clear Lenses

• Dirt, oxidation, or cracks can dramatically reduce the brightness and direction of your lights.
• Clean lenses regularly and replace any that are yellowed, cloudy, or damaged.

✔ Avoid Hidden Damage

• Cracked or broken light housings may allow moisture to seep inside—leading to short circuits, fogging, or even damage to sensitive electronic control modules.

✔ Upgrade Responsibly

• If using LED or aftermarket lights, ensure they are properly installed and aligned to avoid glare for other drivers and meet local safety standards.

Why it matters:
Regular light checks improve your visibility, ensure you’re seen by others, and help prevent electrical faults caused by water or dirt intrusion. Taking a few minutes to inspect your lights could save you from costly repairs—and from dangerous situations on the road.

Stay visible, stay safe—make light checks a regular part of your car care routine.

Maintain a clear windshield with clean glass, healthy wipers, and properly adjusted washer sprayers

Visibility is one of the most critical factors in safe driving. A clean windshield and effective wipers ensure clear vision in all weather conditions—and prevent dangerous distractions behind the wheel.

✔ Clean Your Windshield Inside and Out

• Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away interior fog, dust, and smudges.
• Spray an automotive glass cleaner and wipe again with a clean side of the cloth.
• For the exterior, wash regularly—especially after dusty roads, rain, or insects.

✔ Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades

• Check blades for splits, warping, or missed spots during use.
• Replace them every 6–12 months or sooner if they streak or chatter.

✔ Adjust Your Washer Sprayers

• Ensure sprayers cover the windshield evenly. Misaligned nozzles can waste fluid and leave spots uncleared.
• Most nozzles can be adjusted gently with a fine pin or needle.

✔ Use Proper Windshield Washer Fluid

• Refill with automotive-grade washer fluid—never plain water, which can freeze, promote bacteria, or leave streaks.
• Washer fluid helps dissolve road grime and bugs, reducing strain on your wipers and visibility.

Why it matters:
A clean windshield, reliable wipers, and correctly aimed sprayers give you the visibility you need to react quickly and drive confidently—especially in sudden rain or low light. Regular care protects your windshield from scratches and ensures every drive starts with a clear view ahead.

Good visibility is good safety—don’t wait for the rain to take care of your wipers.

Check your tires and brakes—your safety depends on them

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. That contact patch—just about the size of your hand—is what keeps you in control when braking, steering, and accelerating. Worn or poorly maintained tires can reduce grip, increase braking distances, and compromise your overall safety.

Even in Aruba’s typically dry climate, sudden showers or wet patches can create hazardous conditions. That’s when your tires and brakes are truly put to the test.

✔ Inspect Tread Depth and Tire Pressure

• Ensure tread depth is at least 3 mm. Shallow tread reduces traction and makes your vehicle more prone to skidding.
• Check tire pressure monthly, using the recommended values from your door frame label or owner’s manual (typically 200–250 kPa). Proper inflation ensures optimal handling and braking.

✔ Replace Tires Before They Become a Hazard

• Replace tires with less than 3 mm tread depth.
• Use the DOT code to check tire age—tires older than 5 years should be replaced regardless of tread, as the rubber hardens and loses grip.
• Always match your vehicle’s load index when choosing new tires. This ensures each tire can safely carry its share of your vehicle’s weight.

✔ Check Brake Condition

• Have brake pads, discs, and fluid checked regularly. Responsive brakes are critical in both dry and wet conditions.
• Moisture can reduce braking effectiveness, especially if the system isn’t well maintained.

✔ Drive Safely on Wet Roads

• Reduce speed and increase your stopping distance.
• Maintain a 3-second following distance—and increase it during rain.
• Steer and brake gently, and avoid cruise control on wet roads to prevent skidding.

Why it matters:
Tires and brakes work together to keep you safe—especially when road conditions change unexpectedly. Regular inspections and timely replacements give you the grip, stopping power, and control needed for confident driving in every season.

Your safety rides on your tires—make sure they’re ready, rain or shine.

Check your battery and electrical system—don’t get stranded unexpectedly

Your vehicle’s battery powers everything from engine ignition to lights, sensors, and entertainment systems. In hot climates like Aruba, high temperatures accelerate battery wear, increasing the risk of failure—often without warning.

✔ Test Battery Health Regularly

• Have your battery tested every 6–12 months, especially if it’s more than 3 years old.
• Weak batteries may still start your vehicle but can fail under heat or electrical load.

✔ Inspect for Corrosion and Loose Connections

• Check terminals for white or blue-green buildup. Clean with a soft brush and battery-safe cleaner.
• Make sure cables are tightly secured to prevent voltage drops or no-start issues.

✔ Check Charging System

• Ensure your alternator is charging properly—dim lights or slow starts may be signs of charging issues.
• Your mechanic can perform a quick voltage test to confirm all systems are working as intended.

✔ Watch for Early Warning Signs

• Slow engine cranking, dashboard warning lights, or unexplained electrical glitches can indicate battery or alternator trouble. Don’t ignore them.

Why it matters:
A healthy battery keeps your car reliable, especially in extreme temperatures. Routine checks help you avoid being stuck with a dead battery and ensure all electrical components—from lights to safety features—work when you need them most.

Stay powered and prepared—don’t wait for your battery to fail