Quick Tips to Winterize a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
If you never wake up worried there will be six inches of newly-fallen snow on the ground, this post is not for you.
For some of us, "winterize" is a word that holds no weight. For others, especially in the northern states, it is a serious undertaking. Not paying attention to the weather forecast religiously in the winter months could mean you're in for a world of hurt, and no one wants that! It pays to learn how to winterize an accessible vehicle and stay safe in the frigid months ahead. Follow these tips to prepare your wheelchair accessible vehicle for winter.
Always dress responsibly.
Should the worst happen and you are stranded in your wheelchair van, you'll be thankful you decided to wear warm layers. It's never a bad idea to keep an extra blanket or two around as well...and snacks!
Scraping the ice off your wheelchair van isn't fun, but it's a must.
Hopefully, you have a garage and this isn't a problem for you, but for everyone else, YOU HAVE TO DO IT. If you are a wheelchair user, this could definitely be challenging, but it's important you have full visibility when driving in the wintery weather. The same rules apply for snow on top of the van. Keep a large broom around to knock the inches of accumulation off the top. When that huge block of white fluff doesn't slide into your line of sight, it will be well worth the extra minutes you spent brushing off the top.
De-icer is a cheap investment that could really save you valuable minutes when you are on your way out the door.
Spray a little on your mirrors, windows and door locks to help fight ice buildup.
Some of the above may be difficult to accomplish if you don't have a little assistance.
Ask your neighbors to help out before they leave for work. Call a relative who lives nearby to assist you in clearing your car so you can go to work and run errands. A few extra minutes of their time can save you hours, and it's okay to ask for help to make your life easier.
Snow tires for your wheelchair van could really save you in tricky driving situations.
Even 4WD won't help you if you don't have good tires. Their special tread is designed to cut through snow and ice better than your all-purpose tires will. The rubber is also softer in cool temperatures, which helps grip the road. Check to see that the tires you DO have are equipped with adequate tread.
Remember: your wheelchair van has a floor that has been lowered.
Keep in mind that your ground clearance is reduced, and you'll want to take it slow when there is snow on the ground.
Finally, we recommend calling for a wheelchair van maintenance appointment to make sure everything is working properly.
Winter is war, and you need to make sure your armor is up to par if you are going to beat it.
While you may not feel ready for winter to arrive, you can at least make sure your wheelchair accessible vehicle is. Contact your local dealer to schedule a service appointment and be prepared this winter.