Between school districts using buses for longer than ever and the rising number of fleets which incorporate restored older buses, bus maintenance and care have never been more important. For most transportation directors, maintenance boils down to engine care and ensuring every bus is fully functional.
But, as summer winds down there is also the opportunity to improve buses beginning to show signs of wear by taking care of the interior of the bus as well.
Bus seats often take more of a beating than any other part of the bus. Much of this is due to common vandalism, but general wear and tear also take their toll on seats.
It isn’t uncommon for the seat back to show signs of stress first, as children tend to use the seat backs as leverage when getting up. As the wear builds up, the vinyl can begin to flake and crumble and the cloth becomes visible.
Buses that carry more students or operate in extreme climates also tend to show high amounts of seat damage. Vinyl coverings for seats are intended to cut down on the damage from extreme temperature and direct sunlight, but they can’t prevent all the damage associated with this.
Thankfully, there are a few ways you can effectively care for bus seats, though replacements will still be needed. These steps will help protect your bus interior and limit the amount of damage your bus seats experience. Though, other than strict observation and enforcement, it seems there are few ways to stop vandalism through bus care.
- If your fleet operates in areas with extra sun and high heat, rotate the direction buses are parked day-to-day so that each day a different side of the bus takes the majority of the exposure.
- The best way to keep your seats in prime condition is with a regular cleaning schedule. If you keep a simple monthly cleaning regimen with just mild soap and water, you’ll get extra life out of your seats with only a bit of extra work. Don’t use any more extreme cleaning agents however, as they can damage the vinyl.
- Keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear when you clean the seat cover. Look for blisters, cracks, and torn seams, and especially areas where any foam might be visible. If you can see foam, the fire block capability of the seat is entirely compromised and it needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
