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7 Basic Checks for Your Wheelchair Maintenance

7 Basic Checks for Your Wheelchair MaintenanceRiding your wheelchair every day will definitely subject it to cracks and breaks and the inevitable wear and tear.  This is something that we can both agree on. This, however, should not stop you from keeping your wheelchair in pristine condition. Your wheelchair needs not to be cleaned regularly, but maintenance works need to be done on it once in a while to ensure your safe rides. I will show you everything you need to know about wheelchair maintenance for your safety in this post.

Before I jump into the details you should have it in mind that some wheelchair parts need daily maintenance while others a weekly checkup will do, while for others, it may take up to a month to inspect them. But all these parts no matter how long they may take require maintenance at some point. The following tips will help you get years of dependable service from your wheelchair.

Keep Your Wheelchair Clean

This is a basic maintenance practice, it sounds simple and it is. A clean rag dampened in water and a little detergent is all you need. Carefully wipe all the metal parts of the chair and do the same for the armrests, footrests, back upholstery and the seat, if the seat becomes wet dry it properly before storing it. Dirt usually accumulates on the wheels, footrests and caster wheels and hinders rollability.  These tight areas can be cleaned with a stiff brush.

Lubrication is Essential

If your wheelchair is foldable, check if it still folds and unfolds easily. Use lubricating oil in areas that close and open. To find out the best lubricating oil to use check your wheelchair manual for the best option.

Remove debris clogged in the Axle

Axle housing and caster housing collect a lot of dirt on daily basis. Carpet fuzz, pet fur, and hair get stuck on these parts with time a load of dirt becomes too much for them to bear and hence begin to bind and rolling become so hard. With a simple stiff brush, you can take the dirt out and experience a smooth roll.

Tires

Just like a careful car driver ensure that you have a spare tire and a tire repair kit always. This will ensure you are not caught off guard by any tire emergency. If your tires are pneumatic check for air and pump in more air whenever needed.

The Brakes

The need for brakes that are in perfect working condition is a safety precaution. Breaks become loose with time and fail to hold properly. Should you notice any loosened breaks ensure they are tightened before you use your wheelchair. Your wheelchair manual should guide you on how to best work on tightening your breaks.

Check the Frame for cracks

The frame is what holds all your weight in a wheelchair. A cracked frame is a sure sign that your wheelchair’s lifespan is getting to the end.  If your wheelchair comes with a warranty it is time to contact the responsible party for a replacement of the frame or a repair if the damage is repairable.

Tighten Bolts and Screws

The sooner you tighten a loose bolt here and a screw there the more you save yourself the trouble that comes with looking for lost bolts and screws. Keep a set of screwdrivers and wrenches in your repair kit. They will come handy in doing these simple repair tasks.

Conclusion

Wheelchair maintenance is vital in ensuring your safety, your mobility and the performance of the wheelchair. Regular wheelchair maintenance practice also gives your wheelchair a longer life. When is the last time you checked over your wheelchair?