Winter Maintenance for Your Wheelchair         Accessible Vehicle (WAV) 

 With the winter months here, it’s important to make sure your adaptive vehicle is in good shape to maximize                                     protection and prevent breakdowns brought on by cold weather conditions. Here are some key items we                               recommend having checked on your wheelchair accessible vehicle to keep it running at its best and avoid                                 the inconvenience of being stranded outside and emergency repairs. 

Get Your Battery Tested Cold weather can dramatically reduce the strength of your mobility vehicle’s battery. It’s important to have                               your battery tested to insure it’s fully charged. This is especially true if your battery is over two years old.                                       And don’t forget to have your battery cables, posts and fasteners inspected. The cables should be in good                                   shape and firmly connected to the battery. 

Replace Your Wiper Blades It’s recommended you replace your windshield wiper blades every six months. Ice and snow can be rough                                 on the soft rubber, so we suggest replacing them with a heavier winter blade. Windshields get dirty quickly in                                     

the winter months from the sand, salt and spray off the road, so refill your washer fluid often for optimum                                       visibility. Use a 50/50 mix of washer and water. 

Check Your Tires Make sure all of your tires including the spare are in good condition. Take a good look at the tread and                                         consider replacing or rotating your tires if they are starting to wear out. Also check your tire pressure                                   regularly. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop and may result in the sensors indicating an unsafe                                 driving pressure. Proper tire inflation makes for safer driving and better gas mileage. 

Check Hoses, Clamps and Drive Belts A belt or hose failure can cause serious engine, steering and electrical problems. Have your hoses checked                                 for leaks or soft spots especially around the clamps. The thermal fluctuation between hot and cold can be                                   even more severe in winter than summer months. Flush and refill your cooling system with a 50/50 mixture                                   of antifreeze and water. It’s also a good idea to make sure the heater and defroster are in good working                                       condition. 

Make Sure Your Mobility System Is Operating Your conversion equipment is exposed to the elements as you enter and exit your handicap accessible                               vehicle and winter weather can compound those effects. Make sure your lift or ramp are lubricated and                                 adjusted properly. Check the doors, mechanisms and ramp assembly for corrosion and rust. Snow, salt,                             sand and ice can easily cause problems. Something to remember no matter what time of year is that having your oil changed regularly is probably the                                     most important thing you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and keep it running properly. Do you have any tips for keeping your mobility vehicle in the best shape possible? Share your thoughts with                                     us on our Facebook page. The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility                           

for drivers with disabilities. If you need help with converting or buying a handicap accessible car, truck or                                   

van, please consider one of our mobility equipment dealers.