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The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)

Accessories

Look for: any gadget which helps with the things you find difficult! Glasses symbol

Features found on some cars:

  • Many cars have pollen filters.

  • Many estates and some MPVs have roof rails that run along the length of the car.

  • They can be useful to hang on to, particularly for wheelchair users. A few cars have grab handles around the doors.

      • Nissan Television screen

      This Nissan uses a television camera to help you park

  • Parking distance sensors sound when you are a certain distance from whatever is behind - available on a wide range of cars. Some Fiat, Nissan and Peugeot vehicles use a TV camera to show you what’s behind.

  • If the car doesn’t come with electric windows, adaptation firms and car dealers can fit them (£300+).

Products which may help:

  • Panoramic mirrors fit over or replace the rear view mirror and show a much wider view, which saves turning your head. Around £20 from motor accessory shops and adaptation manufacturers. Stick on ‘blind spot’ mirrors (£2+) extend what you can see in wing mirrors.

  • If you cannot find a convenient handhold, you can have handles fitted. If your car does not have a grab handle above the door it may have pre-drilled mounting points. If so, a car dealer should be able to fit handles. If not, or if you need handles in other places, adaptation firms can do the job.

  • Flexible seat belt stalks can be awkward. Adaptation firms can stiffen them (£50+), or replace them (£70+).

  • Some people find seat belts uncomfortable. Never have a seat belt modified by an unqualified person. Whatever you do, belts should fit well across the pelvis and avoid the softer abdomen. You must check that any changes do not affect safety and that they are legal. Contact the belt manufacturer or your local road safety officer via your council.

  • Extensions can be fitted to indicator stalks. Some make it possible to work the indicators from the other side of the steering wheel. £40–£60, from adaptation firms.

  • The Easifuel (£2.99) is a small plastic gadget which holds open the trigger on petrol pumps – particularly useful if you have limited dexterity or the use of only one hand. To try before you buy, call 020 8302 8858.

  • If you get caught short, male and female portable urinals are easy and discrete – around £4–£16. Contact PromoCon for advice and suppliers:
    Helpline: 0161 834 2001
    Fax: 0161 214 5961
    www.promocon.co.uk

 

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Report contents

Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -

Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses