Owning a wheelchair minivan is incredibly important if you or your loved one lives with a disability.
Whether you’re a senior citizen, veteran with a disability, or adjusting to life with a physical impairment, mobility vans can offer you a great deal of freedom and independence you may not otherwise have.
However, just like your average car, owning a handicap van requires care and maintenance.
Below is a list of things to be aware of when it comes to your mobility van.
- Keep your van moving! Yes, gas prices have become ridiculous. We totally understand limiting your van’s use. However, letting your van sit for too long, either outside (depending on the weather) or in your garage, can increase the chances of your tires, hoses and gaskets getting dry rot. This will lead to LARGE repair bills. Using your vehicle semi-frequently will actually slow down corrosion.
- Involved in an accident? We hope not! But accidents happen, and you will need to have an insurance agent or appraiser on-hand with knowledge of accessible equipment needs. A typical insurance agent will not know about adaptive equipment, lifts, ramps or their value. Inquire with the dealership you have purchased your mobility van from about who they suggest will provide you with the type of insurance you need.
- Review your owner’s manual. Yes, those heavy books are more than just dead weight sitting in your glove compartment. When you purchase your mobility van, be sure you: A) Have an owner’s manual (if not ask the dealer to help you locate one), and B) You glance through it well enough so you don’t “freak out” when a ramp doesn’t deploy or something doesn’t seem right. It can often be a simple solution to what feels like a very complicated vehicle!
- Check your wheelchair van tires often. Wheelchairs are heavy! The area where the wheelchair rests will cause more pressure to the van and tires. If the wheelchair sits in the front driver’s seat, check that front left tire more often. Remember, a wheelchair can add 300 pounds to your vehicle. Rotate your tires every time you get your oil changed for maximum care.
- Routinely inspect your ramp for debris. One of the biggest problems wheelchair van owners run into are ramp failures. These can usually be avoided by removing debris on a day-to-day basis. Routine ramp checks from a trusted mobility savvy mechanic doesn’t hurt as well!
If you are looking for a new or used wheelchair van, check out the inventory at Classic Vans. We have the largest selection of wheelchair minivans and full-sized wheelchair vans. Call (866) 370-8222 and talk to an expert about our low-cost nationwide van delivery.