| Maintenance of personal mobility products is | | | | devices are functioning properly. Always refer to the |
| beneficial, but wheelchairs are particularly important to | | | | owner's manual when performing maintenance on |
| maintain and keep in proper working condition, | | | | your own wheelchair. The manual has crucial |
| especially if the wheelchair is a vital component for | | | | information regarding warranties, how to take care |
| mobility in your life. Proper care and long term | | | | of your specific wheelchair, which tools are necessary |
| maintenance of a wheelchair will help keep it working | | | | to maintain the chair, and sometimes offer options |
| safely for years, and reduce the risk of injury or the | | | | for wheelchair parts and accessories that are |
| need to replace the chair earlier than needed. The | | | | compatible with your chair. Tools are a good |
| cost of replacing wheelchair parts or accessories can | | | | investment that can save money over time too. A |
| also be reduced, thus saving you money. Wheelchairs | | | | bag or container to hold essentials like an Allen |
| can be expensive, so it's important to care for and | | | | wrench set, adjustable wrench, spoke wrench, |
| protect your investment. You will most likely be the | | | | screwdrivers, and tire repair kit can be very useful. |
| first to notice any problems with your wheelchair, so | | | | They could also be very helpful in case of an |
| make sure you know who to call in case parts need | | | | emergency. Also, performing maintenance on your |
| fixing or replacing. Automatic wheelchairs may need | | | | own wheelchair can provide a sense of confidence |
| professional care, where as manual wheelchairs are | | | | and reliance on the safety and performance of your |
| often times easier to maintain with common | | | | chair. Thorough inspections will help in many situations, |
| household tools. Develop a regular preventative | | | | but also make sure to have the wheelchair serviced |
| maintenance routine, which includes cleaning, | | | | by a professional as well. While many routine |
| inspecting, and adjusting the critical components of | | | | maintenance tasks can be safely performed at home, |
| the wheelchair. Wipe down the chair with a clean rag | | | | the wheelchair can also benefit from periodic |
| regularly. You can even apply car wax to the frame | | | | check-ups at an authorized service center, as |
| to make cleaning easier. Also, check to make sure all | | | | recommended in the owner's manual. Copyright |
| the bolts and nuts are tight, at least once a month. If | | | | © Jerry Ford |
| upper body mobility is limited, ask for help from a | | | | The Jerry Ford Company provides revolutionary |
| family member or caregiver. Also, check to make | | | | automatic wheelchair brakes and anti rollback devices |
| sure any automatic wheelchair brakes or anti rollback | | | | for improving the safety of manual wheelchairs. |