Winter Preparation: Getting Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Ready for Cold Weather
The British weather can be unpredictable, particularly during the winter months. Cold temperatures, heavy rain, frost and icy roads can all make driving more challenging and increase the risk of breakdowns.
If you own a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), a little preparation before winter arrives can help keep your vehicle in good condition and make journeys more comfortable for everyone travelling in it.
We’ve put together some straightforward checks to help you prepare your WAV for colder weather, from checking your tyres and lights to making sure the ramp and wheelchair restraints are ready for use.
Checking Your Tyres and Tyre Pressures
Your tyres are particularly important during winter, when roads can be wet, icy or covered in snow. Having sufficient tread and the correct tyre pressures helps maintain grip, handling and braking performance.
The legal minimum tyre tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. However, it is worth remembering that tyres with tread close to the legal limit will offer less grip in wet conditions than those with plenty of tread remaining.
A tyre tread-depth gauge is the most reliable way to check your tyres. If you don’t have one, a 20p coin can provide a quick indication. Place the coin into the main grooves of the tyre. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread may be close to or below the legal limit, so check it properly with a gauge.
You should also check the pressure of all four tyres. The correct pressures depend on your vehicle, tyre size and loading, so refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can usually find these in the handbook or on a label inside the driver’s door or fuel filler flap.
Remember that a WAV may carry additional weight, so make sure you use the appropriate pressure recommendation for the way the vehicle is being used.
Check your tyres for cuts, bulges or other visible damage as well. If you notice anything unusual, have the tyre inspected by a suitable tyre professional.
Checking Your Lights, Wipers and Screenwash
Winter brings shorter days, longer periods of darkness and often poor visibility. It is important to make sure your vehicle’s lights and windscreen wipers are working properly.
Check your headlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights. If a bulb has failed, replace it before driving in poor visibility.
Wiper blades can deteriorate over time, leaving streaks or failing to clear the windscreen properly. Check them for splits, damage or signs that they are no longer making good contact with the glass.
It is also worth checking that your screenwash is topped up and suitable for winter temperatures. Ordinary summer screenwash may not provide enough protection against freezing weather.
Make sure the washer jets are working and that the windscreen can be kept clear of dirt, road spray and salt.
Checking Engine Oil and Coolant
It is worth checking your engine oil level regularly, particularly before setting off on a longer journey.
Park on level ground and follow the instructions in your vehicle handbook for checking the oil. If it needs topping up, use the correct grade of oil recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid overfilling.
You should also check the engine coolant level when the engine is cold. Coolant helps regulate engine temperature and contains antifreeze to protect the cooling system in cold weather.
If the level is low, use the correct coolant specification for your vehicle. Do not remove the coolant reservoir cap when the engine is hot, as the system may be pressurised and hot coolant can cause serious burns.
If you notice that coolant levels are repeatedly dropping, have the vehicle checked rather than simply continuing to top it up.
Preparing Your WAV’s Ramp and Wheelchair Restraints
A wheelchair accessible vehicle has additional equipment that needs to be considered when preparing for winter.
Start by checking that the rear ramp can be lowered and raised correctly. Make sure the ramp surface is clean and free from mud, leaves, ice and other debris that could make it slippery.
Cold weather can also make some mechanical components feel stiffer. If your ramp has become unusually heavy or difficult to operate, don’t force it. The cause should be investigated before relying on it for regular journeys.
Check that the wheelchair restraints and passenger seatbelt are in good condition. Look for visible damage, fraying or anything that might prevent the equipment from operating correctly.
When loading a wheelchair in wet or icy weather, take extra care. A slippery ramp can make loading and unloading more difficult, so allow enough time and make sure the access area is safe before using it.
It is also worth familiarising yourself with the instructions for your particular WAV conversion, as ramp and restraint arrangements can vary between vehicles.
What to Keep in Your Vehicle During Winter
If you are travelling during the colder months, it is sensible to carry a few basic items in case you experience a breakdown or an unexpected delay.
Consider keeping the following in your vehicle:
- A warm blanket and extra warm clothing.
- Bottled water and a few long-life snacks.
- A torch with working batteries.
- A fully charged mobile phone.
- A portable power bank and charging cable.
- A high-visibility jacket.
- Any essential items the wheelchair passenger may need during a longer delay.
Make sure your phone is charged before setting off. Downloading offline maps can also be useful if you travel through areas where mobile signal is unreliable.
If you are travelling with a wheelchair passenger, think about their needs as well as your own. A warm blanket, suitable clothing and any essential personal items can make an unexpected wait much more comfortable.
Winter Driving Tips for WAV Owners
Even a well-maintained vehicle needs extra care when driving in poor winter weather.
A few simple precautions can help:
- Allow extra time: Winter journeys can take longer, particularly when roads are busy or weather conditions are poor.
- Check the forecast: Look at the weather and road conditions before setting off, especially if you are travelling a longer distance.
- Leave more space: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front to allow more time to stop.
- Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh braking, sudden acceleration and sharp steering movements, particularly on slippery roads.
- Clear your windows: Make sure all windows, mirrors, lights and number plates are clear of frost, snow and dirt before setting off.
- Consider your tyres: If you regularly travel in areas where snow and ice are common, suitable winter tyres may be worth considering. Always make sure any tyres fitted are appropriate for your vehicle.
If conditions become particularly poor, consider whether your journey is necessary. Arriving safely is more important than keeping to a particular schedule.
Keeping Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Ready for Winter
Preparing your WAV for winter doesn’t have to involve anything complicated. Checking your tyres, lights, wipers and fluid levels, along with making sure the ramp and wheelchair restraints are in good condition, can all help you prepare for the colder months.
It is also worth remembering that a WAV carries additional equipment and may be transporting someone who relies on the vehicle to travel safely and comfortably. Taking a little extra time to prepare can make a real difference if the weather turns unpleasant.
Looking for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?
Michael Harraway Cars specialises in used wheelchair accessible vehicles, with a selection of WAVs available for customers looking for practical and reliable transport.
We are based in St Georges, Weston-super-Mare, conveniently located near Junction 21 of the M5, and welcome customers from Bristol, Somerset, Bath, South Wales and the wider South West.
If you are looking for a used wheelchair accessible vehicle, you can view our current stock online or arrange an appointment to visit us.
Michael Harraway Cars Ltd
St Georges, Weston-super-Mare
Telephone: 01934 820077