Air con is more than a comfort extra in a WAV. Many wheelchair users find it hard to regulate their body temperature, and some conditions make heat, cold or humidity a real health risk. Most of the used WAVs we sell, including our Peugeot Partners and Citroën Berlingos, have air conditioning fitted.
Why it matters more in a WAV
- The wheelchair passenger sits at the back, often well behind the front vents. They can be much hotter or colder than the driver.
- Temperature regulation: conditions such as spinal cord injury and MS can affect how the body handles heat.
- Breathing: cooler, drier air can help passengers with respiratory conditions.
- Clear windows: opening the rear door to load a chair in wet weather lets damp in. Air con dries the air fast and clears misted windows, which is a safety issue as well as comfort.
Keeping a rear passenger comfortable
- Pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin for a few minutes before loading, with the doors closed.
- Point the front vents up and back, and set the fan higher than feels necessary up front.
- Check on your passenger, who may not be able to tell you they’re too hot.
- Use sunshades on the rear side windows in summer.
- Never leave a passenger in a parked vehicle in warm weather, even briefly.
Some WAVs have rear roof vents or a rear heater. If that matters to you, ask us which vehicles in stock have them.
Looking after your air con
- Run it for 10 minutes every week or two, even in winter. This keeps the seals lubricated and stops the system losing gas.
- Replace the cabin (pollen) filter at each service.
- Have it re-gassed if it stops blowing cold. Most systems need this every few years.
- A musty smell usually means the system needs an anti-bacterial clean.
Find a WAV with air conditioning
Browse our current stock (air con is listed on each vehicle), or call 0333 200 8593 to ask about a specific vehicle.
Related: Planning an accessible holiday · Wheelchair accessible cars guide