How To Maintain Your New Or Used Bus
Whether you have a new or old bus, to keep it in tip top condition requires diligent and regular maintenance. Many bus owners even use a daily vehicle maintenance checklist, some with pre- and post-trip maintenance check requirements, due to their continuous use. Typically, buses are high-mileage vehicles that are constantly shuttling people from Point A to Point B, and for this reason alone, owners must pay extra attention to their bus’s maintenance needs and overall condition.
In addition to adhering to your bus’s manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, it’s a good idea to implement more regular checks. The type of regular checks and intervals needed may depend on the type of bus you operate and your daily passenger load. For example, party buses and school buses may experience more wear and tear than airport or hotel shuttle buses and therefore require more cleaning checks – the passenger demographic, more rowdy than travelers, of a party bus and school bus may dictate this need too.
Regular inspection of hand rails to ensure they are not loose should be conducted because of the daily use and strain they endure. Interior lights, windows, and seats should be checked often as well, due to their constant use.
Your bus should be inspected for leaks and tire hazards prior to daily use. A walk-around of the bus before starting a shift can identify potential problems that may take your bus out of commission unexpectedly. Such preventative measures will ensure your bus stays running as scheduled, which keeps your income stream flowing.
Investing in a spray protectant for your cloth or vinyl seats is another smart preventative measure. Not only will you protect against future mishaps, spray protectants can make cleanups easier.
Check the cooling system on your bus regularly. It is estimated that 50% of premature engine failures are due to cooling system problems. Making sure your serpentine belt is in good working condition is an easy check, and replacing the belt is one of the easier maintenance tasks to accomplish. Being proactive here will keep your cooling system operating as intended and prevent belt failures.
By being aware of your bus’s condition, keeping it clean, and regularly inspecting its critical systems, you can keep your workhorse operating for years to come with minimal problems.
If you are in the market for a new addition to your fleet, call Davey Coach today and let us help you find the right size and type of bus for your organization. (800) 873-1856.
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