Wheelchair Maintenance: A Practical Guide to Keeping Your Chair Safe and Reliable

Daily and Weekly Basics

**Keep it clean.** Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Remove hair, string, and lint from wheel axles and caster bearings with a pick tool. A clean chair is easier to inspect and stays hygienic.

**Check tire pressure.** For pneumatic tires, use a hand pump or bicycle pump — never a gas station air compressor, which can damage the tires. Inflation guidelines are printed on the tire sidewall.

**Tighten hardware.** Check all nuts, bolts, and screws weekly. The one exception: never tighten the crossbrace center pin, which must move freely.

Monthly Inspection Checklist

• Wheel locks engage and release properly without rubbing the tire
• Casters turn and pivot smoothly without cracks in the spokes
• Upholstery is free of tears, especially where fabric folds or meets screws
• Removable parts (armrests, footrests) attach and detach easily
• Frame shows no cracks or bends in the metal
• Seat cushion still provides adequate support and pressure relief

Power Wheelchair Extras

• Keep the battery charged — plug in when the indicator drops below half
• Check that all electrical connections are clean, firm, and free of corrosion
• Ensure wires and cords are clear of moving parts
• Protect electronic controls from moisture with a plastic cover in rain

What NOT to Do

• Never use petroleum-based oil — use silicone lube spray instead
• Never wash the chair in the shower or at a car wash
• Never let a power chair battery fully discharge, as it may need replacement

Be Prepared

Keep a small toolkit attached to your chair: screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, a spoke wrench, and a tire repair kit. Store your vendor's contact information, wheelchair model details, and doctor's number in a laminated card on the chair for emergencies.

Routine care today prevents a breakdown tomorrow.