Summer is calling. And whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, your wheelchair accessible vehicle can take you there, as long as you give it a little love before you hit the road.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your summer trip go smoothly.

Get Your WAV Inspected Before You Go

The single most important thing you can do before any long trip is schedule a pre-trip inspection with a QAP-Accredited mobility equipment dealer. Your WAV has components that a standard auto shop isn’t equipped to check, including the ramp or lift system, tie-downs, hand controls and other adaptive equipment. A certified technician can catch issues before they become roadside emergencies.

Repairs made on the road are almost always more expensive and more stressful than catching a problem at home. Don’t skip this step.

Don’t Overlook the Ramp or Lift

Your ramp or lift is the most critical piece of equipment on your vehicle, and summer heat, dust and sand can all take a toll on the mechanisms. Before you leave, check for unusual noises or slow operation, clean any debris out of the moving parts, and have it professionally serviced if anything seems off. The last place you want to discover a lift problem is in a parking lot three states from home.

Protect Your Vehicle from the Heat

Summer heat affects every vehicle, but WAVs have a few extra things to watch for.

Tires: Hot pavement and underinflated tires are a dangerous combination. Check tire pressure at least once a month in summer. Heat causes air to expand, which can throw off your pressure readings. Don’t forget the spare.

Cooling system: Check your coolant levels before any long drive. Low coolant means your engine runs hotter, and that risk goes up in summer. If you notice any issues, have a technician inspect the radiator, hoses and belts before you go.

Battery: Heat shortens battery life faster than most people realize. If your battery is more than a few years old, have it tested. Corroded or loose connections are also worth checking.

Interior: On an 80-degree day, the inside of a parked vehicle can reach over 120 degrees. That’s rough on leather seats, dashboards and any adaptive driving equipment like hand controls. Invest in a windshield shade. It’s inexpensive and makes a real difference. UV protectant spray on interior surfaces helps too.

Brakes: Heat affects your braking system. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. Get your brakes inspected at the start of summer, especially if you’re planning to drive through hilly terrain.

Plan Accessible Stops Along Your Route

One of the most overlooked parts of road trip prep is researching what’s accessible at your destination and along the way. A few tools that actually help:

• Google Maps lets you filter for wheelchair-accessible routes, step-free entrances and accessible parking. Users can also submit crowdsourced accessibility info, so coverage keeps improving.
• AccessNow is a searchable database of accessible locations worldwide. Great for checking how a city or neighborhood ranks before you commit to a hotel.
• WheeLog! is a crowdsourced map where wheelchair users share photos and notes about accessible routes they’ve actually taken. Real-world information that official listings often miss.
• AccessibleGO lets you filter hotels for roll-in showers, accessible pools, service dog relief areas and more.

It’s also worth identifying a QAP-Accredited dealer near your destination before you leave. If something comes up with your WAV or your equipment while you’re on the road, you’ll already know who to call.

Pack Like You Mean It

A few things worth having in your vehicle before you go:

• A safety kit with jumper cables, spare coolant and a basic tool kit
• Extra medications and personal supplies (don’t assume you can find what you need in a small town)
• A copy of your equipment specs and warranty documentation, helpful if you need service from an unfamiliar dealer
• Your accessible parking permit (don’t leave without it)
• Phone chargers and a portable power bank

Quick Pre-Trip Checklist