Things you should know if you have a lift van with a wheelchair lift
Nothing stings worse than a large bill for repairs on your wheelchair van lift. Even if you have the money to cover the cost, it’s usually hard to hold back the tears as you see your hard-earned cash leaving your pocket.
Of course, your wheelchair lift van is just as important as your chair itself, especially if you want to get out of the house this summer and enjoy the nice weather, but that doesn’t mean it has to drain your savings because of frequent repairs.
In fact, there are quite a few ways you can catch van lift problems before they become worse, and sometimes even avoid them altogether.
Use Your Ears
Your ears can be a powerful diagnostic tool when it comes to your van’s wheelchair lift. As you’ve probably used the mechanism hundreds of times by now (unless you are new to wheelchair vans), you should know the sounds it makes while in use.
If you hear any unfamiliar grinding, humming, buzzing or other onomatopoeias, something may be wrong with your lift. It would be wise to call a professional to further diagnose the problem.
Problems caught early are usually problems less costly. Plus, You don’t want to be stuck in an unfamiliar place without any means of getting back into your vehicle and driving home.
Cleanliness
It sounds simple, but if you have friends like mine you will know that this point needs to be made. Sometimes, a person’s car becomes their own personal dumpster.
Things like old Cds, fast food bags and dirty clothes can litter the floor of your lift van and obstruct the operation of your lift. Even dirt and debris can build up over time and cause damage to the wheelchair lift’s parts. It is important to make sure that the door tracks are clear of trash and other obstacles. It is also important to make sure that the motor is not collecting buildups of dirt and other forms of debris.
Scheduled Maintenance
Like anything you own, routine maintenance is the key to saving money. Sure, it costs a bit for a tune-up, but its nothing compared to the cost of replacing parts that have been neglected for years. A good rule of thumb to follow is to schedule maintenance twice a year. Add it to your list of spring and fall cleanings, oil changes, and smoke detector tests!
There are also ways for you to maintain the condition of your lift van without the help of professionals. It’s good to know how to make sure that your lift is fully functional all year round.
Get It Insured
Insurance for wheelchair lift vans is essentially the same as it is for standard vehicles. If things are damaged or need to be replaced, your insurance may cover the cost. If you are unsure as to how to go about insuring your wheelchair lift van, we can help guide you through the process.
Do you have any wheelchair van maintenance horror stories? Let us know in the comments below!