How to Keep Your Wheelchair Van Running Smoothly This Summer: Your Ultimate Guide

Michigan summers are wild in the best way. One weekend, you’re watching fireworks over the Detroit River, the next you’re off-roading near Silver Lake Sand Dunes, taking pictures of lighthouses along Lake Michigan, or attending the Cherry Festival in Traverse City.

But is your wheelchair van ready for all these summer adventures? During summer, batteries wear down faster, radiators overheat, tires lose grip when exposed to scorching asphalt, and AC blows anything but cool air. To save you the headache, we have put together this handy guide with wheelchair van maintenance tips, expert hacks, and easy fixes for common summer issues.

Beating the Heat: Engine and Cooling System Essentials for Your Wheelchair Van

The engine in your wheelchair-accessible van generates a lot of heat, especially during summer. If that heat isn’t managed properly, it can lead to severe damage such as warped engine parts, blown gaskets, or even complete failure. That’s why the cooling system is essential.

Coolant and Radiator Basics

Also known as antifreeze, coolant helps regulate your engine’s temperature by carrying heat away from the engine and into the radiator, where it can safely dissipate. This is especially important for mobility vans, which often carry additional weight from conversions and equipment.

Signs of Cooling System Problems

There are a few warning signs to catch early:

• Dashboard temperature warning lights
• Steam from under the hood
• A rising temperature gauge
• Sweet, chemical smells coming from the front of the vehicle (a possible coolant leak)

If you notice any of these, it’s important to stop and have the system checked immediately.

How to Check Coolant Levels Safely

Checking your coolant is quick and simple, but timing is everything. Do it only when the engine is completely cool; otherwise, the scalding liquid might do more damage.

1. Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank with “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
2. If the coolant level is below “MIN,” you’ll need to add more.
3. If the reservoir is empty, check the radiator directly. Again, make sure the engine is cold. Simply twist off the radiator cap using a rag for grip.
4. The fluid should be near the top. To top off the coolant, use a clean funnel and the type of coolant recommended for your vehicle. Avoid mixing types unless the label specifically allows it.

Over time, coolant becomes less effective and can turn acidic, damaging internal components. Most manufacturers recommend flushing the cooling system every 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of coolant used. If you’re unsure, a Clock Mobility technician can test it for you.

Don’t forget the radiator cap. A damaged or weak cap can cause overheating by allowing coolant to boil off too soon. Inspect the cap for wear, cracks, or a broken seal. Replace it if anything looks off.

What Type of Coolant Should You Use?

Coolant comes in different types: conventional (green), extended-life (orange or red), and hybrid options. It’s important to note that mixing incompatible coolants or the wrong type can reduce effectiveness and cause corrosion in your system. To avoid that, check your car manual or speak with a technician to confirm the correct formulation for your wheelchair-accessible van.

Belt and Hoses

Belts and hoses may not seem like much, but these rubber components degrade faster in hot conditions. Combined with engine vibration and pressure, this increases the chance of sudden belt or hose failure, especially during long drives or stop-and-go traffic in summer heat.

Before hitting the road, inspect the belt and hoses.

• Belts (like the serpentine belt) should have no visible cracks, glazing, fraying, or missing chunks. If the edges look worn or the underside shows deep grooves, it may be time for a replacement. Most serpentine belts last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but signs of wear can appear earlier in hot climates or under heavy loads. If you hear squealing, it may be due to poor tension or belt misalignment, so you must contact your service technician for inspection.
• Hoses should feel firm but flexible. Watch for bulges, soft spots, cracking along the sides, or any sign of leaking coolant around connection points.

These inspections should be done with the engine off and cool.

Paving the Way: Tire Maintenance for Your Summer Wheelchair Van Adventures

As temperatures rise, so does air pressure inside your tires. On average, tire pressure may increase by 1–2 PSI for every 10°F rise in temperature. Overinflated tires reduce grip and increase wear in the center of the tread, while underinflated tires generate excess heat, which can lead to blowouts.

How to Check Tire Pressure Accurately

1. Driving heats up the tires and can give inaccurate readings. Always check pressure when tires are cold, preferably before driving or at least three hours after parking.
2. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge.
3. Compare your readings with the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which is mentioned on the driver’s side door jamb.

This value may differ for front and rear tires, especially if your van has a rear-entry conversion or added equipment weight. So you must check each tire individually. Don’t forget the tire tread. Tread depth affects traction, especially in wet weather. To check:

• Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down.
• If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow, and the tire must be replaced.

A minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch is considered legally worn, but most technicians recommend replacement once it reaches 4/32 inch for safer handling and improved traction. Also, rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as recommended in your owner’s manual.