Tips and Tricks for Driving Your WAV During the Summer

Summer brings sunshine, road trips, and a greater incentive to enjoy the outdoors. But for disabled people and caregivers using a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), warm weather also brings a few extra challenges. To help you stay safe, comfortable and independent all season long, we’ve put together a list of essential tips and tricks to keep your WAV experience smooth and enjoyable during the summer months.

Ensure Your Vehicle Has Been Serviced

The best way to make sure your mobility car is road ready all year round is by keeping on top of your annual vehicle service which ensures everything is in safe working order.

The good news is, as an Allied Mobility customer, you can have your WAV serviced right outside your front door thanks to HomeStay™ mobile servicing*, exclusively available with Allied Mobility.

One of our qualified automotive mechanics will come to your home on a day that suits you and examine things like your brakes and tyres, change your engine oil and vital lubricants if required and attend to a full list of checks designed to keep everything running smoothly.

You don’t have to wait until your service is due – we’ll note your details and take care of everything when your service date does come round, arranging a date and time that suits you for us to carry out your road-side service. We’ll even send a handy reminder of when your vehicle service will be carried out!

Essential Pre-Journey Checks

There are some things that you or your carer / companion can routinely check over the summer months to help avoid any issues on the road, these are:

• Transmission fluid, engine oil and coolant: All fluids can be topped up and cleaned to handle extra summer strain.
• Brakes: Check for wear and responsiveness.
• Tyres: Check tyre pressure and inspect for cracks, worn treads or bulges. You can also store a spare tyre in your WAV too if you have one.
• Ramp: Check for any signs of rust or sticking, especially if you haven’t used it in a while.

Plan Your Route Wisely

Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic and construction delays. Look for accessible stops along the way; rest areas, petrol stations and restaurants. Before setting out, check accessibility at your destination; this includes parking, entry and toilet facilities.

Things to Keep in Your WAV

Hydration Essentials

Always have a supply of water on hand for both passengers and service animals, if you have any. Consider keeping a small cooler in your WAV stocked with bottled water or electrolyte drinks.

Sun Protection

Keep sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), sunglasses and hats handy. Consider using a sunshade or curtain inside your WAV to protect against direct sunlight and reduce temperature.

Cooling Aids

Carry battery operated fans, cooling towels or gel seat cushions for extra comfort. If your WAV has windows that don’t open, these items can be particularly helpful.

Emergency Kit

Your summer-ready WAV emergency kit should include:

• A fully charged phone power bank
• Basic first aid supplies
• Tyre repair kit or inflator
• Jumper cables / car battery booster
• Flashlight
• Accessible ramp/lift backup tools (if applicable)

Questions or Emergencies

Our customer care team is on hand if you have any queries regarding the accessible parts of your WAV, such as the wheelchair restraints, electric-assist winch or ramp. To find out more about or book your HomeStay™ Mobile Servicing read our blog here.

Customers who lease their vehicle through the Motability Scheme can find their handy support guide of who to call in an emergency here.

Safe travels and stay cool!

*Mobile servicing available for Ford, Peugeot (with the exception of ehorizon™) and Citroën WAVs on the Motability Scheme. For other manufacturers, we’ll arrange your vehicle service with your local garage. Vehicle service charges apply as standard for WAVs purchased outright.