The ins and outs of choosing a car (view report contents)
Major controls
Look for: automatic transmission and power steering 
Both save effort and are less tiring. If the power steering is too heavy an adaptation firm may be able to lighten it, provided the car does not use an electronic system. Around £500+.
Features found on some cars:
- Some cars have variable power steering, which gives
you more control at slower speeds such as when parking. A few cars have
a switch for lighter power steering.
- Many models have clutchless gearsticks – you
just push the stick to change up and down and the clutch engages automatically.
Some cars do not have a conventional gearstick, you push a button on
the steering wheel to change gear. The clutch is automatic.
- Cruise control can be set to keep the car at a constant speed and means you can rest your right foot. Available from most manufacturers, usually on top-of-the-range vehicles. Also look out for variable cruise control, which keeps a set distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Adaptation firms can fit cruise control (£450+).
Adaptations which may help:
Most disabled or older people opt for automatic transmission. If you prefer manual gears, you can fit a clutch which is operated by a button on the gear stick – around £1000+. A ratchet clutch is a mechanical lever which lets you work the clutch by hand (£200). All supplied by adaptation companies.
Look for: an unobtrusive steering wheel
Features found on some cars:
Steering wheels which adjust up and down are available on many cars. They give you a greater chance of finding a comfortable driving position.
Adaptations which may help:
The steering wheel can get in the way of your knees. Adaptation firms
can replace it with one that flips up out of the way (£300+) or
with a smaller wheel (£150+), although this needs more strength
to turn it.
Look for: easy to use brakes and gear selector
Features found on some cars:
A few cars have electric push button parking brakes and fewer still a foot operated parking brake.
Adaptations which may help:
Mechanical attachments can be fitted to make the handbrake easier to pull on (£65+). Handbrakes can be replaced with an electronic push button system (£450-£700 from adaptation firms). Stiff foot brakes can be adjusted so that they need less effort (£60).
Various attachments to make handbrakes easier
Adaptation firms can fit a device to make the release mechanism on the
gear selector easier to use (£50+).
Report contents
Introduction
Car design
Choosing a car
What to look for -
- Useful built-in features
- Getting in and out
- Seats and seating
- Major controls
- Secondary controls
- Accessories
- Loading and stowing
- Wheelchair users
- Staying in your wheelchair
- Buying second hand
Checklist
Techniques
Who can drive?
Getting insurance
Finance
Helpful organisations
Mobility Centres
Useful publications
Addresses
