Every vehicle needs maintenance on a periodic basis, and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle is no exception. Do you take your van to a regular mechanic occasionally for oil changes and tune-ups and then a mobility dealer for the adaptive equipment check-up every six months? Read More →
For people with disabilities, it is vital to remember how to correctly fasten the wheelchair securements in an accessible van. The four-point tiedown secures a wheelchair with four straps attached to the wheelchair at four separate securement points and attached to the vehicle at four separate anchor points. Read More →
This time of year, your handicap van may not be much of a handicap to criminals, but a tempting target. Like Santa’s sleigh, it will be full of gifts. And if crooks see them, they and your van may “disappear” in the twinkle of an eye. Read More →
Did you know there’s a “normal maintenance schedule” and a “severe schedule” for maintaining your vehicle? How you drive, where you drive and the climate all contribute to which schedule to follow to prevent expensive repairs to any vehicle—especially an accessible van. Read More →
OnStar, a GPS service that has been found only in General Motors vehicles, became available July 24 as an add-on rearview mirror compatible with 90 million older vehicles – and it is ideal for seniors and those with disabilities. Read More →
All new vehicles have a manufacturer’s warranty, but you must maintain routine service to make sure that coverage remains in effect. New and used car warranties keep the cost of ownership down. Besides, you want to keep your accessible vehicle in great working order all the time. Read More →
It is inconvenient and time consuming to schedule car maintenance, and we all tend to put it off. Don’t. Today’s vehicles can easily surpass 200,000 miles with regular maintenance. Taking good care of them will save money in the long run and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Yes, maintenance can be pricey. Many service locations offer 10% discount on labor and services to seniors. Ask about it. If you know your vehicle needs something changed like spark plugs, shop around for pricing and labor costs. Read More →
Dread that rattling noise the car makes when your battery has a hard time starting? You can get out the jumper cables, find someone with a car to help or call road service… or there are also other solutions. No cables required. No road service required.
We found 2 different kinds of cable-less jumper gadgets on the web, but there’s dozens more.
The SelfCharge Auto Jumper (Approx. $45) eliminates the need for jumper cables, opening the hood, or even needing another car. When your battery needs a jump, simply plug the Auto Jumper into the car’s cigarette lighter. It jump starts a weak battery in 10 minutes and can be recharged over 500 times.
Essentially a large battery, charge it using the included AC adapter (or by plugging it into your car’s cigarette lighter while the car is running).
You can also recharge your cell phone, laptop or PDA with the adapter.
Wagan Easy Quick Jumper In-Car Jumpstarter (Approx. $25) requires a second car, but you don’t have to open the hoods. Simply connect one end of the Easy Quick Jumper to the cigarette lighter of the “dead” car and plug the other end into the cigarette lighter of the other car while it’s running. (It has an 18-foot cord.) Red indicator lights let you know it’s charging. In 5 to 10 minutes the green light will come on and the battery is ready.
These gadgets work with all automobiles that have 12-volt electrical systems, the vast majority of cars. Check your owner’s manual for its voltage. Look for them at automotive departments or online.
Of course, if your battery is truly dead, not just weak or run down, you’ll need a new battery, not a jump. And since these are “gadgets,” keep those jumper cables just in case.
This mobility safety update has been brought to you by NMEDA – the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. Need some information on how to make your vehicle wheelchair accessible or upgraded with the latest and most convenient features? Contact a NMEDA dealer in your local area. Your local NMEDA member is an expert in mobility equipment and accessibility!
Independence Day (July 4) is the busiest day of the year for emergency roadside assistance calls and a reminder to “weatherize” your car. Summer heat and unexpected breakdowns are hard on seniors and those with disabilities. High summer temperatures also take their toll on the engine. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and your car will hopefully make it through the summer in a breeze.
Some jobs you or a friend may be able do, while others are best left to the professionals. Read More →
The national average retail price of a gallon of regular gasoline in March 2011 was $3.63. In 2000 it was $1.60. Ouch! Did you know it’s possible to improve fuel economy by 38% just by changing the way you drive and by maintaining your vehicle?
Hypermilers know that. (Hypermiling is driving using techniques that maximize fuel economy).
“Hypermilers” practice the following to minimize gas costs:
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