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6 Little Bus Maintenance Tips That Make a Big Difference
Owning a bus of any size can be a big task, both figuratively and literally. Often, bus owners don’t think they can contribute much to their overall bus maintenance. However there are a few items owners can perform regularly that will spruce up their bus without making a big dent in their pocket. On the plus side these simple maintenance tricks can be done on site by most nearly anyone, and within a short amount of time.
Spruce Up Your Seats
Day in and day out people are shuffling from seat to seat, possibly spilling their drink, or just getting a little mud on the seats. If you have vinyl seats, take a damp rag and wipe down the seats then let air dry in a warm environment. For cloth seats, remove any stains with damp rag then use a handheld vacuum to remove dirt. If you find your seats are in particularly poor shape, invest in a good upholstery cleaner. Just remember to get in between those cracks and crevices for the best clean.
Protect Your Seats
Now that you’ve cleaned your seats it’s time to protect them from future mishaps. Invest in a spray protectant for cloth or vinyl to make for easier cleanup later. Make sure to spot test your new protectant beforehand on an unnoticeable area to ensure there is no discoloration. Done regularly this simple trick can extend the life and look of your seats.
Inspect Your Light Bulbs
Overhead reading lights, interior lights, and driver lights all need a change every once in while. Check for dim lights or outages and swap them out for new bulbs. Can’t find the light bulb you need? Contact our parts department and we’ll get new ones out to you ASAP. Try to limit your update to lights that are easily accessible. Changing hard to get to lights may damage your bus causing more problems; just let your service professional handle those.
Fix Wobbly Handrail
Over time parts on the bus can shake loose from everyday use. A loose handrail can be dangerous for passengers looking to use it. All it takes is a quick jaunt with screwdriver to make it safe for everyone again. Just retighten the screws and give the rail a quick tug to make sure it’s stable.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Good tire pressure will extend the life of your tires, and help you save fuel. Invest in a good gauge from your local automotive shop for about $7 to $20. If your tires are low, find the nearest air pump to get them back to normal. The door jamb or manual will have the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Don’t forget to test the spare!
Check Your Tire Tread
While your down there, check the tread on your tires. A tread depth gauge can help ensure you have the correct amount for your specific tires. You may find your tires are in good shape or that you need to schedule a tire rotation. Also look for cracks, uneven wear, or bulging in any spots. If you notice anything unusual, consult your service shop to determine if you will need to replace your tires. Doing so could help save from accidents while your bus is on the road.
As with every maintenance call, it’s best to perform them regularly to ensure the most effective use. Use the bus maintenance checklist below every month for lightly used buses or two weeks for heavily used buses to ensure they look and perform at their best. Though these tips are simple, they can help keep your bus looking new and operating safely.
