Wheelchair Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
Maximize the Life and Trade-In Value of Your Accessible Vehicle
A mobility vehicle is more than just a big investment. It represents the independence to get where you need to go and the freedom to choose where you want to be each day.
That’s why protecting your BraunAbility product with regular maintenance, both professionally, and at home, is so critical. With a little care, your accessible vehicle will be your gateway to the road for years to come while preserving maximum trade-in value. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your investment and independence are well protected.
From choosing the right maintenance professional to outlining specific maintenance schedules, we’ve broken it all down.
Choose The Right Service Technician Professional
You purchased a mobility vehicle because it was specially designed for your needs. The same care should go into choosing the right professional to help you maintain it.
The spectrum of modifications on handicap accessible vans mean that not just any mechanic can properly maintain and repair them. Your local BraunAbility vehicle technician is specially trained to understand not just the vehicle, but the conversion components and how they are designed to operate.
To find your closest Mobility Service Excellence (MSE) trained technician, call our Customer Care line at 1-800-488-0359.
We’ve created an easy checklist, below, that you can bring to maintenance visits and use to mark your calendar, so you always feel secure in the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Recommended Maintenance Schedule
The checklists below outline which systems need to be checked and at what intervals of time. Use them to mark your calendar in advance and get back to your life.
**Keep in mind that all options may not be applicable to your vehicle, depending on your unique accessible van modifications.
Every 5,000 miles or every 6 months (whichever comes first):
Ramp access door system operation and alignment: Inspect, clean and lube
Ramp system operation: Inspect, clean and lube system
Kneel system operation: Inspect, clean and lube system
Electronic control systems: Verify most current software
Undercarriage and ground effects: Inspect and maintain
Wheelchair tie-downs and occupant restraints: Inspect and maintain
Every 30,000 miles or every 3 years (whichever comes first):
Door rollers: Inspect and replace, as needed
Kneel chain: Inspect and replace, as needed
Foldout ramp chain: Inspect and replace, as needed
Infloor ramp belt and rollers: inspect and maintain
Know the Back-ups
With regular maintenance, part failures are rare, but you have additional peace of mind knowing that backup systems are in place to ensure your independence is protected. Your certified mobility technician can ensure you have all the right systems in place and walk you through manual operations in advance. This way, you’ll have confidence that you know exactly what to do in a pinch.
In addition to professional maintenance, there are many things you can do at home to ensure the longevity of your accessible vehicle.
Protecting Your Investment at Home
Regular cleaning and inspections at home, between maintenance visits, will also ensure your accessible van is running strong when you need it most.
It is a good idea to walk through these processes with your local mobility professional the first time– or until you feel comfortable doing them independently. They can show you where to find each component, how to perform each task, and what products you might need. You’ll likely find the processes to be simple after a time or two.
We’ve got an easy guide for at-home mobility vehicle maintenance as well. Just follow the steps below:
At-Home Maintenance Quick Reference Chart
| Vehicle Parts | Mobility Parts |
|---|---|
| Start vehicle: listen for stutters or hesitations | Lower door track: check for/*remove debris |
| Run Vehicle: 20-30 minutes twice a week | Ramp: Extend, **lubricate hinge points, tighten bolts |
| Battery: Open hood, examine battery for debris on cables & contact points | Door Rollers: Check for/*remove debris, **lubricate |
| Wipers: Check/Replace | Tie-Down Tracks: Test, if slow to adjust/move: check for/*remove debris |
| Tires: check pressure (found in manual or inside car door tag) and inspect tread wear | *Debris and dirt can be dislodged with a brush or swept up with a vacuum hose. **Use light lubricant or dry lubricant spray. |
Maintain Your Accessible Vehicle to Maintain the Planet
As an additional perk, proper maintenance of your handicap accessible van also means doing what is best for the planet. A properly maintained vehicle is more fuel-efficient and releases fewer emissions, meaning greener in your wallet while keeping the environment green.
Maintain Your Mobility Vehicle, Maintain Your Independence
Protecting your BraunAbility product with regular maintenance, both professionally, and at home ensures its reliability for years to come. With a little care, your trade-in value, accessibility, and peace of mind can all be protected.
A mobility vehicle is your gateway to independence. Ensure it gets you where you need to go and gives you the freedom to choose where you want to be each day, with a dedicated maintenance schedule and partnership with a certified mobility technician.
