Choosing a car
If you are buying a new car, the following pointers should help you identify useful features on standard production vehicles. Remember that the less a car is modified, the higher its resale value. When deciding on the type of car, think about your likely future needs. Many features that are helpful to disabled motorists, like power steering, are now available on a wider range of models, so you should have some choice.
Getting in and out
- no sills or low, narrow sills
- conveniently placed handholds
- seat height that best suits you
- electrically operated seats which go up and down, back and forwards at the press of a button
- firm seating you can get in and out of - and a seat pad that does not slope up at the front (lifting your legs away from the floor and from the pedals if you are the driver)
- adjustable steering wheel - far away for getting in and out and close for steering.
Locking and ignition
- remote and central locking
- windows that close automatically when the car is locked
- push button start to avoid keys
- push button start.
Primary controls
For steering, braking and accelerating
- automatic transmission. A must for many disabled drivers - generally easier to drive and cheaper to adapt if necessary
- power assisted steering - on some cars the effort needed can be lightened, through the dealership or by specialist converters
- cruise control to maintain a constant speed.
Secondary controls
For things like the horn, lights and indicators - try to find a model with these in the best position for you.
- electric windows
- electric and heated door mirrors
- heated windscreen
- wipers which switch on automatically when it rains
- lights which switch on automatically when it gets dark
- easy to use controls for audio equipment
- parking distance sensor - sounds if you are near an obstacle
- reversing camera
- you might need to adapt ratchet type handbrakes which can be stiff to release.
Boot or hatch
- no sill or low sill
- rear seats which fold flat by power
- hatch which opens by power
- internal boot/hatch release
- adequate space if you have a wheelchair.
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