Check These 10 Things to Prepare Your Bus or Van for Winter Weather

     Extreme temperatures in hot or cold weather can have disastrous consequences on your vehicle if you haven't properly prepared.  Cold weather can not only be inconvenient, but often deadly, if the proper precautions haven't been taken in your regular maintenance.  Here are 10 steps you can follow to make sure you are prepared. 

1.  Checking Both Batteries 


Checking your batteries for corrosion is a basic but necessary step in winterization. Make sure both batteries can hold a charge. A bus that doesn’t start in the dead of winter is dangerous for passengers. This could also affect your vehicle’s wheelchair lift.


     2.  Coolant Protection Level


By making sure your coolant levels are in good standing you are avoiding a much larger issue. If your levels are too low and the cold weather causes the coolant to freeze, an internal engine issue could arise.


     3.  Check Front Factory Heater


Before sending your bus to transport passengers in cold weather, it is important to make sure your bus is heating. Simply make sure heat is coming out and observe your blower speed. No one wants to ride in a cold bus!


     4.  Check Operations of Rear Heater and Valves


There are rear water valves that may be in off position that must be turned on to allow hot water to circulate. Also, check the blower fan to make sure it is free from debris and operating correctly.


     5.  Re-seam Bus and Check Caulk


Over time melting snow and ice can severely damage a bus. Check all of the caulk for cracking and missing pieces. If caulk is missing it can cause water leaks into onto the floor and even result in electrical issues.


     6.  Check Tires


Having a good set of tires in winter is one of the most important safety measures to take. First, make sure your tires have enough thread to take on adverse weather. If the thread is too low you could find yourself sliding. Second, check your tire’s air pressure. Low air pressure could cause uncomfortable vibration and even a blowout. Lastly, check that the tires are not dry rotted.


     7.  Check Brakes


A standard, but crucial step in preparing your bus for winter. Make sure that there is good lining left on the pads and your rotors are not rusted. This could cause increased breaking effort and when matched with an icy road could be a dangerous mix.


     8.  Check Wipers


In the event of a snowstorm or freezing rain, a good pair of wipers are a driver’s best friend. By making sure your wipers are installed correctly and not ripped, you are setting yourself up for ideal visibility even in bad weather.


     9.  Check Lights


By keeping your interior and exterior lights working you are making it easier for the driver to see and the bus to be seen.

 10.  Check Emergency Equipment You should make sure you are equipped with an ice scraper, an emergency blanket, emergency reflectors, jumper cables, flares, and any other piece of equipment that could make 

            the difference in an emergency.  Most of these can be bought in a kit and easily stowed in the bus. 

If you need us to prepare your vehicle for you, contact our Service Department to schedule an appointment.