Summer season is right here! Which means lazy seashore days, lengthy holidays, and the summer season warmth. Whereas this feels like a recipe for enjoyable, the warmth will be the worst enemy in the case of your wheelchair accessible car. The truth is, July is likely one of the busiest months of the yr for emergency roadside help calls, which suggests surprising breakdowns. Excessive summer season temperatures can take their toll on the engine and different parts akin to the inside, paint, tires, and brakes. As an example, on a day that’s 80°F, the temperature in a car can attain over 120°F from the warmth being trapped inside.

Inside

In relation to the warmth and the inside of your car, nothing is secure. From the leather-based seats to the steering wheel and dashboard, the solar’s fury in the course of the summer season leaves nothing untouched. Investing in a car shade to put contained in the windshield is likely one of the simplest methods to keep away from any lasting harm and to maintain it cool.

Paint

Identical to we defend our pores and skin from the solar’s harsh rays, we should do the identical for our car’s exterior. Whereas harm to the paint gained’t cease it from functioning, the aftermath and restore price will be costly. Fortunately, stopping UV rays from damaging your car’s paint is so simple as simply washing it. Some additionally recommend waxing for security from the solar.

Tires

Extraordinarily scorching roads and tires are merely not appropriate. The truth is, an excessive amount of warmth from the pavement could be a critical risk to your wheels, inflicting a failure or blowout in the event that they’re not in good condition. Have your tires inspected throughout each routine oil change for put on and tear, small piercing objects, and tread depth. Additionally guarantee to regularly test the strain for indicators of deflation.

Brakes

If there’s one factor you don’t need, it’s brake failure. Throughout the scorching summer season days, your braking system is tremendously affected by the excessive temperatures. Attainable malfunctions that might happen embody brake fluid boiling contained in the brake strains, pedal fading, or perhaps a lack of full braking energy. Getting your brakes inspected in the beginning of the summer season is one of the simplest ways to stop any issues.

To keep away from any further troubles together with your accessible car, observe the producer’s really useful upkeep schedule within the proprietor’s guide and your car will hopefully make it by means of the summer season in a breeze.

Fast At-Residence Test Record

Some jobs you or a pal might find a way do, whereas others are greatest left to mobility professionals.

• Test the air con and examine belts and hoses. When is the final time you had the complete system inspected?
• Have a automotive mobility professional examine your brake pads and linings for put on.
• Change the engine oil and filter in response to the service schedule. Test fluids, together with coolant, brake, automated transmission, windshield wiper and energy steering.
• Examine batteries and cables for corrosion, cracks and filth. Have it examined if it’s close to the top of its guarantee. It’s loads simpler to switch a battery earlier than a visit than change a lifeless one on the facet of the highway.
• Change the air filter. A unclean filter lowers gasoline mileage and reduces engine efficiency.
• Change wiper blades yearly.
• Test your tires’ air strain and the spare.
• You may considerably alter the automotive’s efficiency by rotating the tires.
• Check the lights – inside and exterior, together with flip alerts and excessive beams – to ensure they work. And clear them.
• Hold some spare coolant round simply in case.
• An expert ought to examine the radiator, strain cap, belts and hoses. If it’s time, flush and refill the cooling system.
• Take into account an inspection by a NMEDA vendor or certified technician earlier than leaving on a visit.
• Repairs made on the highway will be extra expensive.
• All the time hold a security equipment in your automotive and jumper cables.

Lastly, buckle up and don’t go away residence with out your cellphone and your specialised parking allow.

The Nationwide Mobility Tools Sellers Affiliation (NMEDA) is an advocate for mobility and accessibility for drivers with disabilities. For those who need assistance with changing or shopping for an accessible automotive, truck or van, please take into account one in every of our High quality Assurance Program mobility gear sellers.