Five Tips to Get Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Summer Ready

Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or visiting a local park, summer typically leads to more time spent on the road. As the weather heats up, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind to ensure your wheelchair accessible vehicle can get you from point A to point B all summer long.

What Are Some Tips for Preparing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle for Summer?

Preparing a wheelchair accessible vehicle for the summer heat is much like preparing a traditional vehicle for the summer heat. But if you rely on one vehicle day-to-day to get around, you’ll want to keep these five tips in mind:

1. Ensuring Proper Air Conditioning for Your Vehicle

Did you know your car can heat up to over 120 degrees on hot summer days? Not only can these high temperatures become uncomfortable, but studies show summer heat can lead to road rage. To keep both your car and your temper cool, make sure to check your vehicle's air conditioning. A cool car isn't just about comfort; it's also important for people with medical conditions who may be sensitive to warmer temperatures.

2. Check Your Engine's Cooling System

Have you ever noticed your phone can overheat on hot days? Like your phone, your car engine can overheat if not properly taken care of. Coolant plays a significant role in keeping your vehicle's engine from overheating. If your coolant levels are low, your engine might run hotter than usual, especially on hot days.

To keep your engine running smoothly, regularly check your coolant levels and top them off as needed. If you have persistent issues with your engine or its cooling system, take your accessible vehicle to your local BraunAbility dealer to address any underlying issues.

3. Tire Care and Safety

While colder temperatures can decrease tire pressure, warmer temperatures can cause it to increase. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands, leading to higher tire pressure. Essentially, the hotter it is outside, the higher your tire pressure will be. Although tire pressure typically doesn't change drastically, both high and low tire pressure can affect traction and lead to uneven tire wear.

4. Check Your Vehicle’s Hoses and Tubing

Just like a traditional vehicle, wheelchair accessible vehicles have hoses and tubing. These hoses typically carry liquids from one area of your car to another. For example, radiator hoses carry coolant to your engine. Fuel hoses carry gasoline from your tank to your engine.

Over time, high temperatures can cause cracks in your vehicle’s hoses and tubing, like how changes in temperature can cause potholes and cracks in the road. Cracks in hoses and tubing could lead to leaking fluids, causing damage to your engine and other important vehicle parts. Regular service and the replacing of parts as needed will help prevent damage to your wheelchair accessible vehicle.

5. Keep up with Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is important, especially if your accessible vehicle is your primary mode of transportation. Keeping up with general maintenance ensures your wheelchair accessible vehicle remains functional. Scheduling routine maintenance appointments with your local BraunAbility dealer can help address any issues and determine if you need the accessible modifications in your vehicle to be serviced. Keeping up with routine maintenance tasks will help you avoid unexpected problems and ensure your vehicle continues to meet your mobility needs effectively.

Additional Tips for Summer Driving with a Wheelchair Van

Summer driving with a wheelchair van can be more enjoyable and comfortable with a few additional tips:

• Buy a Windshield Shade: These keep direct sunlight from heating up your car's interior, including the steering wheel and any hand controls or adaptive driving equipment.
• Keep a Car Emergency Kit: Essential year-round, you may want to consider keeping additional items in your car emergency kit during the summer months like extra water bottles, a spare pair of sunglasses, or even a portable fan.
• Plan Ahead: Wheelchair accessible vehicles, like any other vehicle, can handle summer temperatures when properly maintained. However, if you’d prefer to avoid the heat for physical comfort or medical reasons, consider driving early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

Wherever you live, as the weather changes, you’ll need to keep vehicle maintenance tips in mind. Be sure to read our guides on getting your wheelchair accessible vehicle ready for winter and protecting your vehicle from flood damage during cold and rainy seasons.