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

Checklist

You should always try any car you are considering for long enough to be sure of your choice. The following sections outline some of the things you might need to consider. It would be a tall order to check out all of them, so pick out what might be important to you.

Getting into the car

Most people find it easier to get into a front seat, so we have assumed that this is what you will do

Unlocking the door

Some people have difficulty in gripping and turning keys.

  • Is central remote locking available?
  • Are keys or remote controls easy to use?

Door handles and catches

  • Are they comfortable?
  • Can you operate them easily?

The door

  • Is the door light enough to push open?
  • Will it stay open on a hill or in a wind?
  • Does it open far enough? Can you reach it if it opens very wide?

Getting out of the car holding on to the frame

Space

Consider the best way of getting onto the seat.

  • Check that seats can be pushed back far enough to bring your legs in. If you need to, can you recline the seat back easily?
  • Check that the door pocket won’t get in the way.
  • Where would you stow any mobility aids you use?
If you slide across from the passenger side:
  • Is the transmission tunnel low enough to make this possible?
  • Is the gear stick out of your way – remember you may need to leave it engaged on hills.
  • Is the parking brake out of your way?

Handholds and supports

Look for the best places to hold on to as you get in. Try varying your technique – you may find that small changes make a surprisingly big difference. Unfortunately, unless you fit them yourself, you will rarely find handles where you want them. Make sure that anything you want to grasp or lean on will take your weight. Ask the car dealer if any fitted handholds are strong enough. Check for sharp edges.

Getting out of the car holding on to the frame

Would any of these handholds work for you?

  • Parts of the door, including the window sill (some sills are more conveniently shaped than others).
  • Parts of the car body - around the door space, including the roof gutter if the car has one.
  • Interior handles or arm-rests.
  • Parts of the seat or head restraint - check that the upholstery is firm and durable.
  • An open sun-roof.
  • The steering wheel.
  • The dashboard.
  • Any grab handle above the door.

Holding on to the door

Sills

  • Is the sill low enough to the ground?
  • Is the sill low enough to the floor?
  • Might you catch your heel or toe, or callipers (if you wear them) on it?

In the car

The seat

Sit in the seat for a good while to get an idea of comfort. Remember that the distance between the seat and the ground will be different depending on how high the kerb is.

  • Is the seat the right height?
  • Can its height be adjusted?
  • Check its shape (such as its wings) don’t cause problems for you.
  • Is it hard enough? Soft edges can be dangerous if you need to sit on them when getting in or out.

Holding on to the frame

Adjusting the seat

If you are likely to make frequent adjustments, look closely at the controls. Generally levers should be large and thick (easier to grip) and should not be too stiff. Round knobs should not have smooth edges (harder to turn). The larger they are, the better. Drivers often hold on to the steering wheel to give some leverage when pulling the seat forward. This is not possible on the passenger side, so try grasping any corresponding feature on the dashboard.

Avoid a combination of a seat which is stiff to move and a completely smooth dashboard, particularly if you are unable to brace your feet against the floor.

  • Can you reach the seat controls?
  • Can you operate them comfortably?
  • Do the controls move easily and stop where you want them to?
  • Will you still be able to use the controls once any equipment you carry with you is in the car?

Seat belts

You have to turn and stretch at the same time to reach the seat belt. Adjust the seat and the mounting point, if it is adjustable. Then try fastening and releasing the seat belt:

  • Can you easily turn and reach for it?
  • Can you pull the belt across your body? Some have a strong spring.
  • Can you locate the socket and plug the belt into it?
  • Does the belt sit comfortably, particularly across your lower neck and shoulders?
  • Can you easily release the seat
    belt buckle?
  • Check it does not retract too quickly.

Closing the door

  • Can you reach the door handle from the seat and pull the door shut?
  • Check that anything you are likely to carry regularly fits in easily.
  • Check you can close the boot or hatch afterward.

Stowing a folding wheelchair behind front seats

  • Can you move the seat forward and backwards easily?
  • Is there enough clearance behind the seat?
  • Are seat belt anchorage points out of your way?
  • Are pockets on the back of the front seat out of your way?
  • Check there is no bulky transmission tunnel in the rear.
  • Is the door sill shallow enough?

 

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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