We spoke to Tom from TBC Conversions, who are one of the Scheme’s WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle suppliers. He shared his top tips on looking after the conversion features of your vehicle. Watch our video below to learn more:
Seven top tips for looking after your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Check your wheelchair tie-downs
WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles are equipped with a four-point restraint or ‘tie-down’ system to make sure your wheelchair stays secure while you’re on the move.
The wheelchair is secured to brackets fixed to the floor with straps that attach to the front and rear corners of the wheelchair. The front straps help bring the wheelchair into the vehicle. Along with the rear tie-downs, they make sure the wheelchair user sits securely inside.
Take care by doing the following:
- If the straps get twisted, untwist them so they work properly, just like a car seatbelt
- If you have front-wheel tie-downs, always stow them away properly when not in use. Leaving them extended can damage them
- Before closing your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle’s ramp or door, check that the tie-down straps aren’t stuck underneath
- Always check your tie-downs before each journey. If they are frayed or damaged, contact your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier for a repair or replacement
Good to remember:
Make sure whoever is driving your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle feels comfortable, especially if it’s their first time. They should also be familiar with using the restraint system.
Keep an eye on your battery
WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicles are converted vehicles for wheelchair users. They often need extra power for their adaptations, so it’s important to keep the battery in good condition.
Take care by doing the following:
- Taking your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle for a longer drive now and then helps keep the battery charged
- Always check that the power switch for your front tie-downs is turned off after use. If it’s left on, it will drain the battery
Read our top tips to care for your car or WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle’s battery
Look after your winches
Winches provide support to those who need extra help getting a manual wheelchair into a WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle.
If your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle has a winch to help load a manual wheelchair, it’s important to keep it in good condition.
Take care by doing the following:
- Make sure the belt isn’t twisted or frayed.
- Store it properly when it’s not in use.
If any elements of your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle are not working as they should, or you need additional support, please contact your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier.
Get your annual WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle check
As part of your lease, your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier will carry out a free yearly check at your home. They will make sure that features like the ramp, lift, and tie-downs are working well.
Your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle supplier should contact you when your annual WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle check is due, but you can always contact them to arrange this.
Follow these regular maintenance checks
Cars usually have dashboard warning lights that flash up to tell you if something is wrong. All cars use symbols to help you know what needs fixing. Some vehicles also use colours to show how serious the issue is.
You can find a breakdown of the car dashboard warning lights and what they mean on the RAC website(opens in a new window).
Alongside your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle’s annual service, there are a few simple checks you can do to keep your vehicle in good condition:
- Check your engine oil
- Top up your windscreen washer fluid
- Look after the cooling system
- Make sure all lights are working
- Check tyre pressure
- Keep an eye on tyre tread
Read some more tips to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Keep the floor clean
It’s important to keep any vehicle clean, especially if going out in your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle is a part of your daily routine.
There are a few simple ways to keep the flooring in your WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle in good condition:
For vinyl flooring:
- Start with a broom or brush to remove dirt.
- Use a mop for a deeper clean, but do not use too much water.
- Make sure the floor is dry before using the vehicle.
For carpeted flooring:
- No water is needed. Use a brush, vacuum, or broom to clean up dust and crumbs.
Report any damage
If you’re a Motability Scheme customer, you should report any damage to your vehicle, big or small, to our insurance provider. They will be able to assess the damage and inform you if it needs repairing or if it can wait until the end of your lease.
Remember that your Motability Scheme lease is all-inclusive, which means that all servicing, maintenance, and breakdown assistance are covered by your lease.
See what’s covered in your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle) lease
Find your next WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle with the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
When you’re ready, use our tool to narrow down your choices and find the WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle that’s right for you and your needs.
Find your next WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle on the Motability Scheme
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“My WAVWheelchair Accessible Vehicle has changed my life” – Beth and Sam’s story
