Taking Care of Manual Wheelchairs
Wheelchair is often compared to a car. A bit of tuning at regular intervals can do wonders; its life gets extended and performance is enhanced. How your chair looks would even reflect your personality. Fortunately, regular maintenance is not a tough job when it comes to a manual wheelchair. The following insights would definitely be of help if you are someone seeking recommendations in this regard.
Maintaining manual wheelchairs
As mentioned above, taking good care of your manual wheelchair is not that difficult. Doing a few regular checkups and cleaning would be enough most of the time. Still, acquiring scientific information is generally recommended. Doing this would make sure that you are able to enjoy the freedom you gained for long. Besides, moving around in a well-maintained chair is quite easy; you won’t have to tire your arms and shoulders to maneuver it. Proper care would also make it safer. Studies reveal that a majority of wheelchair users encounter difficulties when operating their chairs within a few months of purchasing. Experts feel that this happens because of negligence in maintenance. Keep the following things in mind when taking care of your manual wheelchair.
1. Clean it at regular intervals
This is something every tool requires for its smooth functioning. Take care to clean your chair regularly; at least once in a month. A paper towel or a clean piece of cloth would do the job. You can use Armor All or anything like that to clean the tires and casters.
2. Inspect it for damages
When cleaning the chair, you should look for the signs of damage like bent parts, loose nuts and scratches. If you happen to notice any fault that you cannot repair on your own, take it to a reliable wheelchair dealer. It is always advised that you should refrain from modifying a wheelchair on your own. Let a professional do the job.
3. Check the tires
Check the tires as often as possible. You should do it at least once a week. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires would cause serious damage to your wheelchair. Inspect the pressure using a pressure gage. It is marked on the edges of the tires. Fill them using a pump until the pressure reaches the recommended limit. The wheels should spin freely. Dirt, dust and hair may get into the axle. This may make movement a bit difficult. All you need to do is to press the "quick release" button to clean them up.
Some general tips
Keep the following points in mind to keep your wheelchair in good condition for a long time.
- Lubricate all the vital parts of your chair on a daily basis.
- Make sure that its axle house is clean all the time.
Know that the life of your wheelchair depends on how much you expect from it. The environment, weather and the type of chair you use too would play a vital role in determining its durability. Manual wheelchairs are designed to last long. But, lack of care would lead to an untimely death.
Get help maintain your chairs from Better life Mobility Center. Visit their website and schedule a service. More info for you at BetterLifeMobility