A wheelchair, whether it’s motorized or manual, requires routine maintenance and care to keep it in its best condition, just like an automobile or bicycle. Several parts of the chair must be checked to ensure the best use. In order to maintain a wheelchair, it’s important to use the recommended tools and cleaning supplies. The following are some products and tools that you will want to keep on hand:
• auto paste-type wax for metal frame
• vinyl and upholstery cleaner
• distilled water for batteries
• mild soap
• baking soda for battery terminals
• oil for lubricating (30 weight, not auto oil)
• tire pump
• flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers
• adjustable wrench or socket set, spoke wrench, and set of standard Allen wrenches.

At least once a month, you should inspect your manual wheelchair by checking the tires for proper inflation, checking the wheel locks, checking to see if spokes are bent or loose (if the wheels are spoked). After these inspections, you should thoroughly clean the wheelchair, thereby removing dirt and avoiding rust. Tighten nuts and bolts, especially on moving or swing-away parts.

If you have a battery-powered wheelchair, you should bring it in to be checked by an authorized dealer once or twice a year. The dealer can also check the status of your battery, which will likely have a battery-life of 300 to 500 cycles (10-18 months).