Keeping wheelchair accessible vans safe during winter

The prolonged blistering cold winter months can wreak havoc on your wheelchair accessible van. The icy cold weather can cause damage that wouldn’t occur during warmer months. Cold air in the van, icy windows and damp and frozen seats are the many maladies your van will begin to suffer from.

It’s also very important to stay warm and safe inside the van itself. Vehicles are more prone to breaking down in the cold and you don’t want a long wait ahead of you till some form of help arrives. There are various ways to stay safe in your van and the following are the most common methods.

Keeping warm in your wheelchair accessible van

• One of the simplest thing you can do while setting off on your van is to sip on hot coffee or tea to keep yourself warm. Make sure you carry it in an insulated travel mug so that it stays hot for longer.
• You can fit your steering wheels with covers so that they keep your hands warm while driving. They provide good traction as well in the case of slippery weather conditions.
• Silicone spray when sprayed along the edges of the windows and doors of the van prevent accumulation of moisture. This means that you won’t find your doors and windows frozen shut after a long cold night.
• You can buy a car starter which is remote controlled. If you’re worried your van might be frozen, start the car from the comfort of your own home to give it time to heat up.
• Seat warmers are a great idea to keep yourself warm during winter. They do not usually come with the vehicles but can be purchased separately.
• You can also program the air in your wheelchair accessible van to re-circulate so that there is only warm air inside.

Staying safe in your wheelchair accessible van

• Always drive with extra gas during winter – at least about half a tank. In case you run out of fuel, you don’t have to stay out in the cold waiting for help or going out and looking for it. The extra gas also helps to keep your van weighted and centered in icy conditions.
• Keep plenty of woolen garments in your wheelchair accessible van. Hats, jackets, gloves, scarves can go a long way if your van suddenly stops and you have to wait awhile for assistance.
• All vehicles come with anti-freeze liquids that are a safeguard against the cold. Check the level of anti-freeze in your van regularly, at least once in a week or two so that you’re not caught off guard when your van breaks down due to freezing.
• Keep a fully charged cell phone battery in your van in case of emergencies when your phone has died.
• You should also change the fluid in the vipers of your wheelchair accessible vans to something that is suited to cold weather. If you don’t the liquid is likely to freeze in winter when you use your wipers.

Choose Toyota Sienna handicap vans from http://www.betterlifemobility.com/ and have a peace of mind. See available Toyota Sienna fleet at http://www.betterlifemobility.com/

Todd Dawson Is a freelance writer