Disabled Cars and Air Conditioning

Disabled Cars and Air Conditioning

Air conditioning in disabled cars can be a useful tool whatever the weather or season making journeys far more comfortable and enjoyable. It use to be considered a luxury on vehicles, but as the years have passed by the production of cars have included air conditioning as a standard specification.

It’s a great addition when you have hot weather and can cool the interior of your wheelchair car pretty rapidly making it more comfortable for all (especially those with disabilities who may find it difficult to regulate body temperature or have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that may require specific temperature or humidity conditions). However, when you have rain and colder weather; damp and condensation can build up in the interior windows, this is exacerbated by the loading and unloading of a wheelchair or mobility scooter in the disabled car. The combination of damp conditions inside and outside the vehicle is where air conditioning can be a useful tool by removing condensation from the windows and prevent them from steaming up and causing a visual safety issue when driving.

How does air conditioning work?

The system works by using a refrigerant (which needs to be replenished over time) to absorb heat from the air inside the car, then transferring it outside the vehicle. The refrigerant is compressed to increase its temperature, then allowed to expand in the evaporator, which results in a cooling effect. The cooled air is then circulated back into the car via the air vents. You can choose how cold or hot the air is just like you would normally with the vehicles heater controls. Simply press the AC button to turn it on (or off).

Maintenance

It is important to regularly maintain and service your disabled car air conditioning system to ensure they are functioning properly and efficiently. This can include replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring that all components are in good working order.

Conclusion

Air conditioning in disabled cars follows the same principles as in regular cars. There are however some considerations that need to be taken into account to ensure that the system is accessible and usable for individuals with disabilities. It is important that the air conditioning controls are located in a place that is easy to reach and operate from their seated position. In some cases, it may be necessary to modify the controls or relocate them to ensure accessibility. Air conditioning can be of real help in all weather and at all times of the year especially for a disabled car passenger in a wheelchair.

The majority of our disabled cars such as the Citroen Berlingos and the Peugeot Partners we have here at Mobility Disabled have air conditioning.

We are happy to answer any questions, here is our contact form for your convenience.