News

Summer won’t last forever.

Students will be back before you know it and that means your fleet must be ready. The last thing you want is to start the year with buses that are sidelined with issues that could have been addressed.

Regardless of the season, the value of a thorough preventative maintenance program can’t be overstated. It can help you:

• Save time and money

• Enhance the safety of your fleet

• Prevent small issues from snowballing

As you prepare for another year, here’s a simple checklist to keep in mind:

Stock Up On The Essentials

What are those parts and supplies that you always seem to need throughout the year? Get them now. Make sure you are well stocked because the expected and the unexpected will happen. Shopping now can save you from a headache later.

Remember All The Basics

You already know this, but it’s worth repeating. Now is a great time to take care of the necessities like changing the oil, replacing air filters, and replenishing first aid kits. Adding low-hanging fruit to your to-do list ensures these necessary tasks won’t slip through the cracks.

Consider The Look

Safety and functionality are your top priorities. But the way your buses look is valuable, too. If paint is peeling or seats are ripped, make the time to address these problems. As with any maintenance issue, it’s best to fix them before they balloon out of control.

Make Cleanliness A Priority

Summers are perfect for deep cleans. Inside. Outside. On top. Underneath. Now is the time to go beyond a surface cleaning. By really addressing all the nooks and crannies, you can start the year with a fresh fleet that everyone will appreciate.

Address Small Issues Now

Wear and tear are unavoidable. But the size of those issues is often up to you. Ignored problems tend to grow. By proactively looking for small issues and fixing them, you prevent much bigger problems from happening.

Schedule A Professional Inspection

Drivers are your first line of defense, but you can’t expect them to be maintenance experts. That’s why it is valuable to plan for professional inspections. Many of the issues that could sideline a bus are not obvious at a glance. It helps to have expert eyes on your fleet.

By following this simple checklist, you can set up your drivers, the students, and the entire school for another great year.

As a full-service Thomas Built Buses dealer, Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing can help you find your next new or used school bus.