Seasonal
Preparing Your Bus Fleet for Winter
Winter weather creates extra challenges for bus operators. The cold weather can cause mechanical issues. Snow and ice can cause safety issues. Fortunately, a little preparation helps keep buses operational and passengers safe.
Keep reading for tips on preparing your bus fleet for winter. If you want to shop buses for sale, check out the selection at Model 1.
Inspect Each Bus Each Day
Cold winter weather can make any existing mechanical problems much worse and more dangerous. It’s important to catch these issues early before you hit the road, where they can cause a severe safety situation. That’s where daily inspections enter the picture.
Every morning, look over your bus fleet. Check the various systems and parts. Pay extra close attention to the heating system. If anything needs repair or replacement, get it done as soon as possible.
Snow and ice may have accumulated on the bus overnight, so be sure to clear it away from windows, headlights, and mirrors.
Be sure to also test the defroster, windshield wipers, and lights.
Refresh Your Memory on Winter Driving Techniques
Safely driving in the winter requires some changes to your standard driving strategies. A refresher course, which can be found in person or online, can be a valuable investment. You’ll go over winter driving techniques that you may have forgotten since last winter.
There are many ways that winter will affect driving, including:
Speed: Approach intersections at lower speeds to help prevent spinning out into traffic.
Distance: Leave more room between yourself and other vehicles. If another motorist suddenly slams on their brakes, you’ll have more time to react and avoid a collision.
Steering: Focus on making smooth, small changes with the steering wheel. A sharp jerk can result in losing control of the bus.
Attention: There are more potential hazards to be on the lookout for during the winter. Make sure you are fully rested so that you can fully focus!
Build Alternative Routes
Your standard route could become inaccessible due to snow or ice, which is why alternative routes are important. It’s best to create these backup plans in advance. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with them before you need to travel on them.
Park in the Sun Whenever Possible
It’s a simple strategy, but it’s effective. Try to park buses in the sun. It will help keep them warmer, which helps reduce cold weather-related issues.
Looking to shop buses for sale? Model 1 carries a range of options. Our expert staff is happy to answer questions and give advice, making the shopping process a breeze. Reach out today to get started!
