wheelchair iconUnlike the average van and large utility vehicle, vans designed to accommodate wheelchairs are much more complicated when it comes to maintenance and service on a regular basis. The good news for consumers is that the majority of vehicles of this kind come with outstanding warranties and a team of experts who are on standby to answer questions and concerns that customers may have. It is a good idea for people using wheelchair-accommodating vans on a daily basis to adopt a schedule of regular maintenance that they conduct from home in order to avoid costly repairs down the road as the vehicle ages.

Develop Relationships

The first step in securing the future of your vehicle is to keep in constant contact with the dealer that services your equipment. When there is a detailed history regarding the problems and conditions of the vehicle’s operation, the problems you might encounter will be easier to diagnose and fix. It is also wise to rely only on the expertise of these individuals. Local repair shops rarely deal with vans of this kind.

Clean and In Control

Equipment tends to breakdown much sooner when it is left to accumulate grime and rust. A regular cleaning will keep debris from damaging critical electronics and joints, lowering the cost and likelihood of repairs over time. A maximum of four weeks between every cleaning is a good schedule to maintain. In terms of the actual components that are the most vulnerable, pay special attention to the retractable ramp and sliding door tracks.

Avoid Procrastination

In addition to establishing a regular cleaning schedule, adopt a strict maintenance schedule, and stick to it. Even when there are no discernible problems, an inspection by a qualified professional can reveal potential issues that are slowly developing. The experts may also discover items that you have overlooked. During inspections, certified workers can also lubricate all of the moving parts on the vehicle.

Plan B

Mechanical devices eventually fail. Although the instances are rare, it is wise to be familiar with the systems that provide secondary support when this eventuality takes place. The ramp, kneeling systems, and the sliding door all have back-up power sources that are designed to get you out of a tough spot when things are not going as planned. Should you be unfamiliar with these systems or your vehicle happened to have come without an owner’s manual, then dealers can guide you through the workings of all of these components. In order to keep the procedures fresh, run through their operation every few months.

Automotive Engineering

Wheelchair-equipped vans are still vans in and of themselves. Do not neglect to conduct the regular maintenance items that are needed to keep any car or truck running in good shape. These annual duties include changing the oil and critical fluids, rotating and balancing tires, and replacing brake pads when necessary.