Image Source: CBC News
Winters are extraordinarily harsh on school buses and you can’t expect the same maintenance plan you use in warmer months to be enough for the added strain of cold air, ice, and snow. To keep your bus running reliably throughout the entire winter, you need a specific winter maintenance plan that prevents problems unique to the season such as rust, tire slippage, or engine problems.
While it is always best to have your bus maintenance plan in place ahead of time, it is never too late to get started. These 10 tips should be enough to keep your bus in good shape until the temperatures start to rise in the spring.
Bus Maintenance Tips For Winter Months
1. Keep all lights, mirrors, gauges, exhaust, suspension, emergency accessories, etc., operational. A driver should not start a route if a bus problem is detected.
2. Replace any slick tires in order to maintain good traction, especially for winter driving.
3. Install new wiper blades if needed and check washer fluid levels.
4. Check the heater and the defroster unit for efficient operation.
5. Inspect the engine compartment for cracked water hoses, frayed belts, leaking water pump or radiator, etc. Replace or repair as needed to prevent potential problems.
6. Check the weather-stripping around the emergency door to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the bus.
7. Replace broken or cracked window glass and check to see that all windows close securely to protect the children from the rain and cold.
8. Inspect fuel systems for leaks, cracked lines, loose mounting brackets, etc.
9. Check the cooling system regularly. Do not neglect this system.
10. Keep a timely record of service, repairs, or inspections done on each bus.
