The most important factor in determining the lifespan of any bus is care and maintenance, and one of the most essential aspects of proper care is your daily walk-around inspection. Although it takes just a few minutes to complete, the inspection allows you to catch any small problems as they form. That means you can make early repairs and prevent unnecessary wear on your bus. The inspection also enables you to spot any safety-issues that could put your passengers at risk.
A proper walk-around inspection is easy and doesn’t take much time. Just be sure to do the following to guarantee your bus is in proper condition every day and you’ll add years to your bus’s lifespan.
- Look under the hood of the bus. Check your fluid levels, including your water and oil. Also be sure to inspect belts and hoses and look for signs of fluid leaks.
- Proceed inside the bus. Inspect the passenger’s compartment to ensure emergency equipment is in the proper place, then start the engine. Check all dashboard gauges, instrument switches, and controls. Also check your wipers, service, door, light, and signal indicators to be sure everything is in working order. Then, test the amber warning lights and the left turn signal. Once this is completed, exit through the rear emergency door to check that the door and the warning buzzer are properly working.
- Check the rear of the bus. Now that you have exited at the rear, check all the lights including the clearance lights, amber warning lights, left turn signal, I.D. lights, brake lights, and taillights. Also take the time to inspect the exhaust system, tires, and wheels.
- Move to the front of the bus. Along with the lights examined in the rear, check your headlights and high beams around the front. Also inspect front tires and wheels, and be sure to adjust the mirrors.
- Circle the bus and re-enter from the back to activate the right turn signals and red warning lights. Then make another outside check of both ends of the bus to see that these lights are properly operating.
- Re-enter the bus. Test both your service and parking brakes. Finally, you can close the exit door securely and begin your route.
