Recognizing Vehicle Problems

Keep Your Accessibility Van Operating Smoothly

You need your accessibility van to stay in good condition because you and your family require heavily on it for your transportation needs. As a result, you must do your part to keep it in good condition. A significant part of accomplishing this goal involves keeping maintenance a top priority. Learn some critical maintenance steps you can take to achieve this goal. 

Check for Debris

Always check for debris around the door of the vehicle. A large part of the enhanced functionality of the van is that the door can open remotely. However, if there is an obstruction in the way, the door cannot move along the track as it should. Instead, the door could get stuck and depending on how large the obstruction is, the door could even be damaged. Always look along the track for any debris and remove it right away. 

Inspect the Battery

Regularly check the state of the van's battery. An accessibility van requires a higher power load than a traditional van given its unique features, such as the chairlift. If the battery is low, these features will not work. However, they could stop working at the most inconvenient time, such as in the middle of the lift. Your technician will be able to tell you what level your battery should not fall below. If you check it and it's below the threshold, take the vehicle for repairs.

Keep the Interior Clean

You should also keep the inside of the van clean. Many accessibility vans have interior accessibility features, such as swiveling seats. Similar to the van door, if there are any obstructions under the seat, it may prevent the seat from turning correctly. If your loved one is still able to get into their seat on their own, it's essential that the seat is in the correct position to ensure their safety. Always look for trash and other items and remove them.

Check Tire Pressure

Ensure your tires remain at a good tire pressure level. Whether you realize it or not, the level of pressure in a tire will affect the height of the van. If the tire pressure is too low, this can cause the vehicle to rest lower than normal. As a result, your wheelchair ramp or lift may not function correctly. Monitor the tire pressure level and add air whenever the pressure reading is low. 

In addition to your efforts, don't hesitate to take your vehicle into a professional at the first sign of a problem. Your local wheelchair van repair services will be able to quickly diagnose and resolve the issue to get you and your family back on the road safely. 


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