Winter in Yorkshire is a season of dramatic beauty, with frosty mornings and snow-covered landscapes. But alongside this charm comes the region’s cold, damp weather, which can pose unique challenges for stairlifts—particularly outdoor models. Ensuring your stairlift runs smoothly throughout the winter months is essential for maintaining accessibility and independence in your home. At Lifestyle Stairlifts, we understand the importance of keeping your stairlift in top condition, especially during Yorkshire’s harsh winters. Below, we’ve compiled practical maintenance tips to help you stay ahead of any seasonal issues.
Protect Your Outdoor Stairlift from Frost and Damp Outdoor stairlifts are exposed to the elements, making them more susceptible to frost, rain, and damp conditions. To prevent these issues, use a weatherproof cover to protect your stairlift when it’s not in use. This will shield it from rain, snow, and frost, prolonging its lifespan. Wipe it down regularly with a dry cloth to remove moisture and prevent rust. If ice builds up on the rails, gently remove it with a soft cloth, avoiding sharp objects that could damage the mechanism.
Keep the Battery Fully Charged Yorkshire winters often bring power cuts or reduced efficiency in electrical systems due to cold temperatures. Ensure the charging point is always active, as stairlifts rely on their batteries. When not in use, park your stairlift at its charging station to keep the battery full. If your stairlift has backup batteries, test them before winter arrives to ensure they’re functioning correctly and ready for any outages.
Lubricate the Rails Regularly Cold weather can cause stairlift rails to stiffen, affecting smooth operation. Regular lubrication ensures your stairlift moves freely. Use the lubricant recommended by your stairlift manufacturer, which you can confirm in your user manual or by contacting Lifestyle Stairlifts. Apply sparingly, as too much lubricant can attract dirt and debris.
Perform Regular Visual Checks Winter is the perfect time to inspect your stairlift for any potential issues. Check for rust, particularly on outdoor models, and treat early signs with an anti-rust solution. Inspect bolts and fasteners, as cold weather can cause materials to contract and loosen. Tighten anything that feels unstable. If you notice unusual noises such as squeaking or grinding, this could indicate the need for professional servicing.
Service Your Stairlift Before Winter One of the best ways to prevent winter-related problems is to schedule a professional stairlift service before the cold season begins. A service ensures the motor, battery, and rails are in good working order and identifies any issues before they escalate. At Lifestyle Stairlifts, we offer comprehensive servicing for all stairlift models, including those installed by other providers.
Keep the Area Around the Stairlift Clear Winter often brings extra layers of clothing, wet umbrellas, or muddy boots into the home. Keep the area around your stairlift free of clutter to avoid safety hazards or obstructions to its operation. For outdoor stairlifts, clear away snow, ice, or debris from the steps and rail area to maintain smooth movement.
Why Yorkshire Winters Demand Extra Care Yorkshire’s winters bring a unique combination of wet weather, frosty mornings, and occasional snow, all of which can strain stairlifts. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure uninterrupted operation during these months. As a local company, Lifestyle Stairlifts understands the specific challenges faced by Yorkshire residents and provides expert support to keep your stairlift in top condition.
Stay Ahead of Winter Issues with Lifestyle Stairlifts By following these simple maintenance tips, you can keep your stairlift running smoothly throughout Yorkshire’s frosty months. If you need additional support, a winter check-up, or emergency repairs, Lifestyle Stairlifts is here to help. Contact us today on 0800 0432 600 or email enquiries@lifestylestairlifts.co.uk for expert advice and assistance. Stay safe, mobile, and independent this winter.
