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Maintaining Your Used School Bus

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A used school bus is an investment that can be used in a variety of ways. School buses are purchased for bus fleets, home conversions, food truck conversions, party buses, and more. Because most used buses are operated daily, it is imperative to be sure each bus is safe and roadworthy.  With proper maintenance, your bus will provide you many years of service, regardless of what you use it for.

If you’ve recently purchased a used bus, here are some routine maintenance checks to keep it running smoothly: 

Inspect tires – Before operating the bus, check that all tires are inflated to the proper pressures. If possible, store your bus in a garage or under a tarp when not in use. Direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes can significantly affect air pressure or even damage tires.  If you live in a particularly cold climate, checking your tire pressure regularly is even more important.  For every 10 degrees of temperature drop, the tires will drop 1-2 pounds of pressure.

Check Cooling System – It is estimated that half of premature engine failures are due to cooling system problems, but routine maintenance can help to prevent this.  It is important to check your bus’s cooling system for proper levels and water-to-antifreeze ratios at least once a month.

Regular cleaning – Routinely cleaning your bus is key to maintaining the interior. This is also a good way to discover any problems that may be occurring on your bus. Check the seats for any rips or tears, and for loose or missing hardware. You should also check that the seatbelts are working properly if equipped.  While cleaning the exterior, inspect for any other damage or areas that may need attention.

These simple tips, along with routine professional maintenance, can help keep your bus in the best possible condition and prevent unnecessary damage.

Whether you are looking for a bus for personal or business use, American Bus Sales has the one for you!  Our inventory of professionally inspected, pre-owned shuttles, school buses, and coaches are both safe and reliable. In addition to providing quality pre-owned buses, we also work to maintain them by providing a professional service department, specializing in bus repairs.  Visit our service page to see how we can help keep your fleet in tip-top shape!

Advantages of Purchasing A Used School Bus

Advantages of Purchasing A Used School Bus

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When bus fleets look to replace broken down or worn out buses, they don’t often start by considering a used school bus.  There are plenty of reasons why they should though. Used buses have several benefits besides just the initial savings. They can save you money in the long run and even provide a better fit for your needs.

Before rushing to the closest new bus dealer for your fleet’s new vehicle, consider a qualified pre-owned bus:

Save Money

Of course, the main reason for purchasing a pre-owned bus is to save money, but these vehicles save you cash in more ways than you might expect.  The cost of buying a used school bus will be a fraction of the cost of buying new, but used buses also avoid a great deal of the depreciation you would experience with new buses.  This means that you are getting the most value from your bus purchase, and lose less money when it comes time to replace the bus again.

Flexible Purchasing Options

The new bus market can be quite hard on fleets facing shrinking budgets, and generally, offer few options that fit their needs.  Prices are relatively fixed unless a district establishes contracts with manufacturers for large numbers of buses, which many schools can’t afford.  The used bus market provides a world of opportunities that fit within a huge variety of budgets. There are thousands of listings available which allow you to find the bus you need without destroying your budget in one fell swoop.  You may even be able to purchase multiple buses for the cost of a single new vehicle.  There are also flexible purchasing and financing options available.

Bus Conversion

School buses may seem like they have a very specific purpose, but they can be endlessly customized to suit any needs you can think up. Want a cozy camper, hip new eatery, or a roaming party bus? You can refit a bus with whatever equipment or furniture you desire.

Before you consider purchasing a brand-new bus, take the time to explore the market and see what else is out there. You might be surprised at the wide variety of options you have to choose from, but before you purchase it is always best to make sure you are working with a reputable dealer.

As one of the nation’s leading pre-owned school bus sales companies, American Bus Sales can provide quality buses, shuttles, and vans.  Contact us to request a quote today!