Summer Downtime–Time for Routine School Bus Maintenance

June 11, 2020by cowest

Although your school bus fleet may not have been in service the last couple of months, now that the school year is officially over, it is a good time to focus on summer maintenance. Although the timing of schools opening in the fall remains uncertain, it is important to maintain your bus fleet and handle any repairs and replacements while buses are out of circulation. Whether it is typical wear and tear or items to comply with annual safety inspections, below is a list of the most requested items in our Parts Department during this season.

Please be proactive with ordering parts to allow for the possibility of extended lead times. Seat foam for example, is in high demand during the summer.

Air Filters:

• Air Filters should be checked regularly and replaced when dirty or worn.

Seats:

• Seat Foam– Seat repairs are not only esthetic but also an important safety precaution. Due to compartmentalization, a school bus safety precaution in non-belted seat buses, it is vital that seats are kept in good condition.
• Seat Covers– In some cases where damage and tears cannot be patched, a full replacement of the seat cover may be necessary.
• Vinyl– In cases where there is no extensive damage, a vinyl repair kit can be used to patch small punctures or rips.

Paint:

• Many repairs can be simply cosmetic, making paint a solution for your bus’s exterior as well as the interior.

Chains:

• After a season of rough winter conditions, it is important to inspect and replace any chains as necessary.

First Aid and Bodily Fluid Kits:

• One of many requirements during your Annual Inspection and Maintenance Test is your First Aid and Bodily Fluid Kits. Replacing empty kits is necessary.

Roof Hatches:

• Hail season is a good time to evaluate the condition of your roof hatches and replace those that are damaged to ensure they are in good working condition.

The items listed above may be the most requested, however there are many other items needing regular inspection during downtime to ensure child safety in your school bus fleet for the upcoming year.  In addition, you can view our current clearance items HERE. Those of us here at Colorado/West Equipment, Inc. and Nebraska/Central Equipment, Inc. along with our local servicing partners remain focused on your bus parts and maintenance needs. We look forward to serving you. Contact us today.

 

Additional Resources:

Colorado Department of Education Annual Inspection/Preventive Maintenance Checklist 2020-2021- Click HERE to review.

Nebraska Department of Education Pupil Transportation and Inspection Process-  Click HERE to review.

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