Mobility vans have gotten major upgrades in their technology over the past 15 or so years. Because of those improvements by manufacturers on the parts and materials used to convert a regular van chassis to an accessible van, the vehicles are needing fewer repairs than they used to. But, it’s still so important to take your accessible van into your mobility dealer for regular inspections and maintenance.
At Bussani Mobility, we’ve been selling and serving wheelchair vans in NY for more than 40 years now. Here are the questions we’re asked most often by our customers about how to maintain their wheelchair van. We hope this will answer some of your questions, too.
#1. How often should I get maintenance done on my mobility van?
We recommend every 6 months, especially when you use your van every day. Our customers typically bring in their accessible vans for preventive maintenance on the door and ramp, and for an oil change. They also come in for NY state inspections.
When repairs are needed, the three most common items are: ramp or lift problems (such as the ramp not going in or out), ramp door problems (such as the door not opening or closing correctly), and check engine lights or other dashboard warning lights. Our technicians are specially trained to take care of the mobility equipment, but they also handle the whole range of regular types of automotive maintenance.
We suggest that our customers pay close attention to the reminder lights for OEM service on their van’s dashboard and the date/mileage service return stickers we put in the upper corner of the windshield. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
#2. What type of oil does my van take and what’s the difference between regular oil and synthetic? And what’s the price difference?
Conventional motor oil is a lubricant that is derived directly from crude oil. It has excellent properties that allow it to provide lubrication at high temperatures, as well as maintain its stability over long periods of time.
Synthetic oil actually begins its life as conventional oil and is then modified to improve its protective and lubricant properties. Some blends of synthetic oil are designed specifically to increase the performance and life of high-mileage vehicles; others are meant for high-performance engines or they have the ability to increase your vehicle’s fuel mileage by using special advanced lubricants. Synthetic oil is more expensive than regular oil. We usually recommend sticking with what the manufacturer recommends. Ask your service technician what’s best for your vehicle.
#3. How long will this take?
It varies depending on what’s needed. We always give an honest estimate of the time we expect it to take. Sometimes, we recommend for customers to let us pick-up their van so they don’t have to wait here while the work is being done; instead, they can rest comfortably at home. We’ll either deliver the van back to them or they can arrange for an after-hours pick-up.
#4. How much do you think this will cost?We supply our customers with a quote before any work is performed. Sometimes there is a diagnostic fee in order to determine their problem.
#5. Can you pick-up and drop-off? And do you have a loaner van?
We’ll pick-up and drop-off the van if our customers need that service. If they live a good distance away, we’ll need the van for two days ─ one day to pick-up and start repairs and another day to finish repairs and drop-off. We’re seeing more and more people opting for the pick-up and drop-off service. As for loaners, we don’t currently have accessible loaner vans, but we do have a rental department that offers a discount if your van is in for service.
If you have any questions or concerns about your wheelchair van, give us a call or stop by Bussani Mobility on Long Island or in Westchester, or you can schedule a service appointment any time at
https://bussanimobility.com/service/. We have discounted service coupons there for you, too.