Back to School Bus Checklist

It is the time of year where schools are opening their door to kids again and it is time to dust off the bus and start running the routes again.  But whether you are a school that has been off for a few months or a child care center that runs straight through, there are certain steps to take anytime you are putting your bus or van back on the road.  I am leaving out the engine because I’m assuming(big assumption!) that you have your engine maintained regularly.  Here are the top 7 things to inspect before you go out:

• Air conditioning – This is always big at the beginning and end of the year when the weather is sweltering hot.  It is best to start your bus up and crank the AC all the way while you inspect the rest of the bus.  If you have a freon leak, it might run cold for a minute or two and then blast furnace.  You want to find this out now, rather than 5 minutes after you pick up your passengers.  Other common AC problems are clutch or compression failure, pulley bearings, and fan speed switches.  Start it up and let it cool so you will know before you go. 
• Battery – Even though you might have enough juice to start the engine, you might not have enough to run it efficiently or effectively.  Charging the battery when not in use and testing its charge frequently can ensure your battery isn’t worn out which can leave you stranded.  Especially time to change batteries if you feel it dragging when you start, or some of your electrical systems aren’t functioning correctly. 
• Brakes – Your bus might start right up and drive fine, but if you can’t stop it, you’re in big trouble.  Test the brakes a few times in the parking lot before you head out on the road.  If they squeal or whine, or take too long to stop, have them checked before you start hauling kids around.  While #1 & #2 can be inconvenient, this one can be deadly. 
• Tires – When you consider that your whole bus only makes contact with the road on 4 or 6 points a little larger than your hand, tires are extremely important.  Walk around and check your tires for tread wear, bulges or cuts in the sidewall, and cracking or discoloration.  Keep a tire gauge in the bus to maintain adequate pressure.  This is not only safer but will help your gas mileage.  See our blog on tires here.
• Interior – Make sure your seats don’t have rips, tears, or metal edges sticking out into the aisle.  The seat belts should not be frayed or torn, and the latches should work smoothly.  Check the windows for proper function and replace any cracked glass so that your passengers don’t get cut.  Make sure the floor is clean and there are no soft spots, indicating water damage. 
• Child safety alarms – most modern school buses come with child safety alarms installed.  Often when they are taken out of service for maintenance or school is out of session, the alarms are disconnected.  Make sure that when you put the bus back into service you physically turn the alarms back on.  Then test them.  Yes, they can be annoying.  But the alternative is way worse. 

Checking these 6 things can save you time and headaches as you start transporting kids again.  If you check these things regularly, you are already ahead of the game.  If you need service on your bus, contact our service department here.  They can let you know if you need to bring your bus in or schedule mobile service to your location.