How to Maintain Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle: Seasonal Tips & Best Practices

Proper maintenance of your wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) ensures long-term performance, safety, and reliability across all seasons. Regular inspections of conversion equipment, seasonal care, and proactive service help protect both your mobility investment and your independence. 

Wheelchair accessible vehicles require more than standard car maintenance—they need extra care to keep ramps, lifts, and securement systems operating smoothly. With the right upkeep, your WAV will stay safe, comfortable, and dependable all year long. 

Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Your WAV 

Each season brings unique challenges that can affect your WAV’s conversion equipment and driving performance. 

From slippery roads in winter to rising cabin temperatures in summer, environmental factors can impact everything from ramp operation to tire traction. Performing season-specific checks helps keep your vehicle—and your mobility—uninterrupted. 

Here’s how to care for your WAV throughout the year:

Winter: 

• Keep ramp tracks and lift platforms free from ice, salt, and debris. 
• Test your vehicle battery—cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. 
• Use winter tires and check tire pressure frequently. 
• Clean the undercarriage regularly to remove road salt and prevent corrosion. 

Spring:

• Inspect weather seals on doors and ramps for leaks or wear.
• Clean pollen and grime from sensors and backup cameras. 
• Check and lubricate ramp hinges and power mechanisms. 

Summer:

• Make sure the A/C system is working properly, especially if you or passengers are sensitive to heat.
• Park in the shade when possible to protect interior surfaces and electronics.
• Inspect ramp and lift electronics for overheating or wear. 

Fall:

• Clear leaves and debris from ramp tracks, door sills, and undercarriage areas. 
• Check lights and wipers ahead of rainy or dark-weather driving. 
• Schedule a full inspection before winter arrives. 

Year-round best practices: 

• Operate ramps or lifts weekly to prevent mechanical stiffness.
• Keep conversion areas clean and dry to avoid corrosion.
• Use recommended lubricants and cleaners—avoid harsh chemicals that may damage sensitive parts.

Best Practices for Long-Term WAV Care

Routine servicing and safe operation habits extend the life of both your van and its accessibility features. 

Wheelchair accessible vehicles contain mechanical systems that require specific attention—especially ramps, lifts, and securement devices. Below is a practical comparison of common WAV maintenance tasks and suggested frequency. 

Preventive maintenance is more than a checklist—it’s a commitment to safety, comfort, and peace of mind. If you notice unusual sounds, resistance in ramp movements, or warning lights on your control panel, contact a certified mobility dealer right away. 

Contact us today to schedule a professional WAV inspection or to speak with a service expert about caring for your vehicle year-round.