Battery Maintenance Tips for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

For people with mobility disabilities, a reliable accessible vehicle is incredibly important. Often, it's the only transportation option available, especially for those using specialized equipment like hand controls or ramps. Easily switching between vehicles isn't always possible for those with disabilities. This makes battery maintenance of accessible vehicles crucial. By keeping your vehicle's battery well maintained, you ensure continued mobility and independence, reducing the risk of unexpected roadblocks. 

What Are Some Tips to Extend the Battery Life of an Accessible Vehicle?

Battery maintenance plays a significant role in ensuring the longevity of your wheelchair accessible vehicle. Regular maintenance not only extends the battery’s lifespan but also prevents unexpected breakdowns, so you’re always ready to hit the road. 

There are a few tips you can utilize at home to help maintain your vehicle’s battery, including: 

• Parking: When possible, park in a garage, shaded area, or carport. 
• Regular driving: The longer your vehicle is dormant, the more likely your battery will not turn on. 
• Minimize power drain: Turn off all interior vehicle lights, radio, and unplug interior electronic chargers when the vehicle is not in use. 

Does BraunAbility Warranty Cover Battery Replacement?

BraunAbility warranties last for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers the modifications made to convert a vehicle into a handicap accessible vehicle. Vehicle ramps and any mobility products made by BraunAbility are covered under a BraunAbility warranty. Additionally, there are important modifications that might not be visible from the outside but are essential for making the vehicle accessible. These modifications are also covered under a BraunAbility warranty. 

If you have questions about maintenance, need replacement parts, or have any warranty-related concerns, it's best to reach out to your local BraunAbility dealer. Your local mobility dealer can help you understand whether a specific part of your handicap van or wheelchair accessible SUV is covered by the BraunAbility warranty or the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) warranty—Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, or Chevrolet. The coverage depends on whether the vehicle parts were modified when being made wheelchair accessible. Parts of the vehicle that were not changed during the conversion process are usually covered by the OEM warranty. 

Recommended Battery Maintenance Routines for Accessible Vehicles

It is recommended to schedule regular vehicle maintenance with your local BraunAbility dealer twice a year. Seeing your local mobility dealer every six months for preventative maintenance will not only protect your battery but your vehicle as well. Regular maintenance can help prevent any vehicle problems before they occur. 

During a maintenance appointment, your mobility dealer will: 

• Check the vehicle battery: The battery is the heart of your vehicle's electrical system. If it's not functioning properly, it can lead to issues with starting the vehicle and powering essential systems like the vehicle ramp. 
• Clean and seal battery terminals: Just like the batteries in a TV remote, over time, the battery in your car can corrode. Cleaning and sealing these terminals helps prevent corrosion. 
• Check door and ramp hardware: These components allow the door to open and close, and ramp to stow and deploy smoothly. If these parts are not functioning correctly, it can affect accessibility, making it difficult for users to enter or exit the vehicle. 
• Lubricate hinge and pivot points, as well as door slides and rollers: Proper lubrication of moving parts allows for smooth operation. Without it, doors and ramps may become stiff, noisy, or even jam, compromising accessibility. 
• Clean the lower door channel: The lower door channel is where the door slides open and closed. As a vehicle ramp deploys and stows, dirt, debris, and sidewalk salt can accumulate in this channel, obstructing movement and potentially damaging the door mechanism. Keeping it clean ensures optimal door and ramp operation. 
• Check wheelchair securement systems: Your mobility dealer checks wheelchair tiedown straps, occupant restraint belts, and tie-down tracks to ensure wheelchair users can travel safely and securely. 
• Check tire pressure and inflate tires if needed: Under-inflated tires can lead to poor vehicle handling and increased wear. Properly inflated tires can ensure greater safety. 
• Test the door, ramp, and kneeling system: These systems are essential for accessibility. Testing ensures that all components are functioning correctly, providing a smooth and safe entry and exit for users. 

Unlike typical car dealerships, local BraunAbility dealers have specialized expertise in maintaining accessible vehicles. BraunAbility dealers have the skilled personnel to address specific maintenance needs, ensuring your vehicle is both accessible and reliable. Contact your local mobility dealer today to schedule regular vehicle maintenance, so you can preserve your mobility and independence.