Marketing Associate
Preventive maintenance on your bus is critical in prolonging its life and reliability. Not only does maintenance save money, but it helps ward off worse issues in the future. If you catch an issue early, it is less likely to be as much of a problem later. Having a technician look over your bus regularly keeps it running as best as possible.
Weekly Tasks
- Remove any tar, salt, sap, bugs, droppings, and road chemicals from your vehicle. Do this as soon as possible to prevent staining and corrosion from occurring. This task will make monthly washings easier.
Monthly Tasks
- Wash the vehicle with a mild liquid detergent. Then rinse it with lukewarm or cold water so the chemicals do not dry on the finish. Keep the vehicle out of direct sunlight.
- Inspect the body for scratches. Treat immediately to stop rust from forming. Water can also seep in under the paint and damage the finish.
- During the winter, flush the underbody of the bus to remove salt and chemicals. You should also do this if the bus is near frequent sea breezes.
- If the vehicle is stationary, move it to avoid flat spots in the tires.
- Check tire pressure and inflate it to the correct pressure. This number will be on a label in the driver’s door jam.
- Test the bus’s batteries.
- Check the interior of the bus for signs of water intrusion. This may look like water stains, discoloring, unusual debris in unexpected areas, or odors.
Quarterly Tasks
- Wash the bus with a nonabrasive wax or polish. For painted steel, use automotive wax. For filon, ABS, and fiberglass, use marine-grade polish.
- Inspect seals and caulk. If there is any cracking, peeling, or molding, you must reseal.
- Check the vinyl seals on doors and entryways to ensure there is no damage or cracking.
Yearly Tasks
- Examine the doorways and lubricate door locks, hinges, pivot points, and striker areas. You will want to do this to ensure the doors can open and close.
- Check all the exterior electrical connections for corrosion.
- Adjust and lubricate egress window latches and seating mechanisms. In an emergency, it is critical that these work so passengers can escape the vehicle.
- Check seatbelts for fraying. Ensure they can securely lock and unlock.
- Have a certified technician inspect and adjust the wheelchair lift.
- Check the rear A/C filter and clean its drains. Remove any debris, dirt, or dust. If the filter has any damage like holes or tears, replace it. For basic troubleshooting information, read What to Check When Having an AC Issue.
Tasks for Every 5K Miles
- Lubricate the body’s movable parts. This includes battery trays, rear doors, wheelchair lift, hood, and driver’s door latches, and entry door pivots.
- Change the oil and inspect chassis components according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Lubricate any components if necessary.
- Rotate tires.
15K Miles
- Continue with every process listed in the section, Tasks for Every 5K Miles. Be sure to also inspect the exhaust and cooling systems.
30K Miles
- Conduct all the services listed under Tasks for Every 5K Miles and Every 15K Miles. Also, inspect wheel bearings, replace wheel bearing grease, and change transmission fluid.
60K Miles
- Conduct all the services listed under Tasks for Every 5K Miles, Every 15K Miles, and Every 30K Miles. After, replace the bus’s spark plugs.
After hitting 100,000 miles, please refer to documentation from your chassis manufacturer.
Preventive Maintenance Measures Will Vary by Bus
Please note this is not an exact list for every bus as it will depend on your exact vehicle. For complete maintenance instructions, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual(s). Make sure to follow any recommended preventive maintenance instructions from your chassis manufacturer.
Save money, boost efficiency, and avoid downtime with these preventive maintenance measures. Call TESCO, a leading bus dealer, at 800.227.3572 to speak with a sales representative. You may also fill out an information request form to have an associate contact you directly.