Whether you own a fleet of new or old buses, it is important to keep it on the road in top condition; this requires regular maintenance and checks. Between accidents, startup trouble, and flat tires waiting to happen, it is your responsibility to avoid these unwanted situations and the best way to do that is to properly maintain your bus.
To avoid these unwanted situations, introduce a preventative maintenance program for ongoing maintenance and safety inspections. Incorporating a regular preventative maintenance program is essential for fleet managers today. Another way to ensure your fleet is healthy is to create a simple maintenance checklist so you can catch any small problems before they become a major disaster for your business.
The first step in this process, and arguably the most important step, is to make sure to have your drivers carry out a daily walk-around to save on unplanned maintenance jobs and to minimize unscheduled disruptions to your operation.
If your buses are poorly looked after, you will shorten their lifespan, increase costs and down time, and reduce the value of your vehicle.
We always say… fix before you go! Why?
If you briefly check specific items on your bus every day it will help you identify the OBVIOUS defects. Your vehicle will be safer, more reliable and you will ultimately minimize downtime which will save you time and money.
Here are some simple walk-around checks to perform every two weeks to ensure your buses look and perform their best. If something needs to be fixed or replaced, a simple walk-around will help you find those issues before they become a safety hazard.
- Check for good visibility through all cab windows & mirrors
- Check the driving controls, seat, and safety belts
- Check the windshield washer and wiper
- Is your horn working properly?
- Check your breaks
- Check all instruments, gauges and warning devices
- Check for leaks and pressure drops in tires
- Check that tax and insurance discs are present and up to date
- Check tires for correct inflation and tread depth
- Check all lights and reflectors
- Check exhaust
- Check all air and electrical connectors
- Check engine oil, water, windscreen fluid, and fuel – for levels and leaks
- Check steering and break operation
- Check speedometer and for dashboard warning lights
A daily walk-around check should be recorded to keep you up to date with any issues, so you can fix them before they become a real problem. Be proactive about service and maintenance to reduce downtime and increase safety for your bus fleet.
We would love to hear your thoughts on what we have outlined above. Have anything to add? Leave your best money saving maintenance tip in the comments below.