Your Motability Scheme lease package includes servicing and maintenance to help keep your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) running smoothly. Between your regular services and yearly vehicle checks, you can do a few things to try and avoid unnecessary repairs or maintenance.
We spoke to Tom from TBC Conversions, who are one of the Scheme’s WAV suppliers. He shared his top tips on looking after the conversion features of your vehicle. Watch our video below to learn more:
Seven top tips for looking after your WAV
Check your wheelchair tie-downs
WAVs are equipped with a four-point restraint or ‘tie-down’ system to make sure your wheelchair stays secure while you’re on the move.
The wheelchair is secured to brackets fixed to the floor with straps that attach to the front and rear corners of the wheelchair. The front straps help bring the wheelchair into the vehicle. Along with the rear tie-downs, they make sure the wheelchair user sits securely inside.
Take care by doing the following:
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If the straps get twisted, untwist them so they work properly, just like a car seatbelt
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If you have front-wheel tie-downs, always stow them away properly when not in use. Leaving them extended can damage them
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Before closing your WAV’s ramp or door, check that the tie-down straps aren’t stuck underneath
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Always check your tie-downs before each journey. If they are frayed or damaged, contact your WAV supplier for a repair or replacement
Good to remember:
Make sure whoever is driving your WAV feels comfortable, especially if it’s their first time. They should also be familiar with using the restraint system.
Keep an eye on your battery
WAVs are converted vehicles for wheelchair users. They often need extra power for their adaptations, so it’s important to keep the battery in good condition.
Take care by doing the following:
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Taking your WAV for a longer drive now and then helps keep the battery charged
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Always check that the power switch for your front tie-downs is turned off after use. If it’s left on, it will drain the battery
Read our top tips to care for your car or WAV’s battery
Look after your winches
Winches provide support to those who need extra help getting a manual wheelchair into a WAV.
If your WAV has a winch to help load a manual wheelchair, it’s important to keep it in good condition.
Take care by doing the following:
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Make sure the belt isn’t twisted or frayed.
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Store it properly when it’s not in use.
If any elements of your WAV are not working as they should, or you need additional support, please contact your WAV supplier.
Get your annual WAV check
As part of your lease, your WAV supplier will carry out a free yearly check at your home. They will make sure that features like the ramp, lift, and tie-downs are working well.
Your WAV supplier should contact you when your annual WAV check is due, but you can always contact them to arrange this.
Follow these regular maintenance checks
Cars usually have dashboard warning lights that flash up to tell you if something is wrong. All cars use symbols to help you know what needs fixing. Some vehicles also use colours to show how serious the issue is.
You can find a breakdown of the car dashboard warning lights and what they mean on the RAC website.
Alongside your WAV’s annual service, there are a few simple checks you can do to keep your vehicle in good condition:
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Check your engine oil
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Top up your windscreen washer fluid
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Look after the cooling system
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Make sure all lights are working
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Check tyre pressure
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Keep an eye on tyre tread
Read some more tips to keep your vehicle in good condition.
Keep the floor clean
It’s important to keep any vehicle clean, especially if going out in your WAV is a part of your daily routine.
There are a few simple ways to keep the flooring in your WAV in good condition:
For vinyl flooring:
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Start with a broom or brush to remove dirt.
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Use a mop for a deeper clean, but do not use too much water.
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Make sure the floor is dry before using the vehicle.
For carpeted flooring:
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No water is needed. Use a brush, vacuum, or broom to clean up dust and crumbs.
Report any damage
If you’re a Motability Scheme customer, you should report any damage to your vehicle, big or small, to our insurance provider. They will be able to assess the damage and inform you if it needs repairing or if it can wait until the end of your lease.
Remember that your Motability Scheme lease is all-inclusive, which means that all servicing, maintenance, and breakdown assistance are covered by your lease.
See what’s covered in your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) lease
Find your next WAV with the Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme offers a wide range of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles.
When you’re ready, use our tool to narrow down your choices and find the WAV that’s right for you and your needs.
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