Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Accessible Vehicle Cruising into Fall
Fall has arrived and that means cooler temperatures are on the way. Due to the changing weather, it's a good time to do some maintenance on your wheelchair accessible vehicle. Below we look at a regular maintenance schedule that will keep your wheelchair accessible vehicle running smoothly providing you with dependable, accessible transportation.
Tires
When it comes to safety, tires are one of the most important components of the vehicle to maintain. Motorized wheelchairs can add as much as 300 pounds (136.08 kg) of weight to your vehicle, increasing the weight on your tires causing them to wear out faster. Schedule a regular rotation schedule, for example, every time you change your oil. Be sure to have the tire pressure and tread checked regularly and replace the tires as needed.
Battery
When seasons change, it's a great reminder to have your vehicle's battery checked. Make sure terminals and cables are snug and clean. If your battery has removable caps, you'll also want to check the water level periodically, and refill with distilled water as needed.
Windshield Wipers
Whether you get rain or snow where you live, chances are, you'll see some wet weather over the winter. That's why it's a good idea this time of year to check your wiper blades to make sure they're ready when you need them. As a general rule of thumb for a vehicle that is used daily is that wipers should be changes once or twice a year. Don't forget to check your wiper fluid, too!
Heating and Cooling
With unpredictable weather ahead, you'll also want to check your HVAC system to make sure it's functioning properly. It's not only important for interior comfort and safety when you need heat, but defrosting, too.
Headlights
Days will keep getting shorter and shorter as we approach winter, so good headlights are really important. Bulbs tend to last a couple years, and when one goes out, you can be sure the other is not far behind. That's why it's best to replace them in pairs to avoid losing a headlight at night. Also, as a vehicle ages, headlight covers can become cloudy, which significantly reduces visibility. There are some cleaning solutions that can remove a lot of the film or you can look for some covers in better condition at a wrecking yard.
Brakes
Another component of the vehicle that needs to be maintained to keep you safe are your brakes. Be sure to have brake pads inspected and replaced as needed so you're able to stop effectively, especially in inclement weather.
Ramps & Adaptive Equipment
Just like any other part of your vehicle, the ramp mechanism, hand controls and other adaptive driving equipment needs to be maintained to get the best performance and lifespan. Be sure to perform regular inspections and cleaning of the ramp or lift, door tracks, as well as tie down tracks. NMEDA's recommended schedule for an accessible vehicle maintenance service call is twice a year. During this service call, the tech inspects all the electrical components, ramp motors, kneeling mechanism and other adaptive equipment. They will also lubricate and clean all the cables, door tracks, and support wheels. .
When Getting Service, Find Someone You Trust
Being treated with respect and dignity, receiving excellent service, and having all your questions addressed is important. Finding and working with the right people who will give you the time and attention you deserve is just as important as service itself. At AMS Vans, we understand the importance of good customer service and we really care. Buying a new or used wheelchair van conversion from AMS Vans isn’t the end of a process — but rather, the beginning of a meaningful relationship. And when it comes to servicing your vehicle, we give you options to fit your lifestyle. For our local customers situated near Atlanta, Houston or Phoenix, we offer a team of experienced, certified mechanics operating in our high-tech service facilities performing every conceivable adjustment — from system repairs to installations and more. Did you know? AMS Vans customers also have exclusive access to VMI Assurance, which includes At-Home Service™ provided by Wrench, Inc. Through this program, Wrench, Inc. mobile mechanics will provide the convenience of certified automotive technicians dispatched to the customer’s home, office or other location to complete the maintenance or repairs and get their vehicle back on the road again.