Make Sure to Do Monthly Checks/Inspections (and Run that Air Conditioner)
It is critical to do monthly checks all year round, but it is essential during the winter. Having a bus stranded due to overlooking a problem can cost your business money and reputation. Running those monthly checks is a great way to help avoid problems and ensure everything is running correctly.
Make a Checklist
Make a daily and monthly overview checklist for what your drivers and managers need to do to ensure that proper maintenance and safety checks are performed in your fleet. A checklist can keep people accountable for ensuring that everything that needs to be completed on the bus gets completed.
Inspect the Heater
Taking an extra look at the heating system and defroster unit is an excellent idea to prevent a surprise for your drivers and passengers. Making this check is especially important for a wheelchair-accessible bus because of the additional time it takes to load a wheelchair user. The heater in the front and back of the bus is imperative to ensure all passengers' warmth. Alternative heating options like air heaters, not factory installed or installed by A&J Commercial, are not advised for safety reasons. Frost can build up quickly on your windshield, and even your side view mirrors. A&J Commercial offers heated side view mirrors perfect for low-temperature winters where ice build-up is an issue. Call us at 888-775-7750 to see if they can be installed on your vehicle.
Run the Air Conditioner
Remember to run the air conditioner during the winter as well. The air conditioner on many buses is a self-contained system, so to keep fluids from settling, it is a good idea to run the air conditioner during those monthly checks.
Inspect Fluid Levels (don't forget the de-icer to help the ice thaw)
Check the fluid levels in your bus regularly year round, especially during a Wisconsin winter. Consider a windshield wiper fluid with a de-icer to help during those challenging times. Your wipers are one of your best friends to combat precipitation and road spray, so check those window washer fluid levels.
Inspect Tire Tread
Tire tread depth is significant in the winter. Appropriate contact with the pavement can keep you safe, particularly in slushy and snowy conditions. No-tread is a no-go in winter driving.
Inspect Headlights
Depending on the severity, ice, snowfall, sleet and slush can build up on the exterior lighting of the bus, especially the headlights. Ensure the headlights are free of any obstructions preventing them from showing their fullest and illuminating the roadway.
Fuel Up
Letting the fuel go too low for too long can cause condensation of liquids, and in freezing temperatures, the liquids can freeze on critical parts. Keeping tanks above half, ideally above three-quarters, will reduce the chance of something like this. Plus, keeping a high fuel level will help in the case of an emergency.
Keep Your Lift Clean
You'll often deploy your lift into the snow or slush; some can come back into the bus when loading and unloading passengers. Having your driver check the lift throughout the shift and removing obvious debris is a good start, but a more detailed check at the end of the shift is a good idea too. Keeping your wheelchair lift clean can pay dividends down the road. Remember, if you ever have to use the lift's emergency functions, bring it in for service. A&J Commercial has five convenient locations in Wisconsin for maintenance and service for your bus. Call us at 888-775-7750 to schedule your service appointment. Keep your bus correctly maintained to avoid hefty repair bills in the wintertime.
Use Precautions and Stay Stocked with Accessories
Emergency supplies and PPE, personal protective equipment, should be stocked up to ensure no surprises on the road. Proper equipment is always a good idea, especially during the winter in Wisconsin, due to the longer times it may take for an emergency resupply.
Some examples are:
- Jumper Cables or a Jump Pack: Cold weather is tough on batteries, especially in Wisconsin.
- Hand Warmers: Depending on clientele, their circulation may differ. Warming appendages may be more critical for older age groups and those with less-than-ideal circulation.
- Blankets: Keep warm if the bus breaks down or gets stuck in the snow. These are very cost-effective winter warmers.
- Flashlights: In case of power failure, a flashlight will provide light as the days get shorter.
- First-Aid Kit: Ensure your kit is appropriately stocked based on your customer base. Also, check any expiration dates of supplies and replace them as needed.
- Road Salt, Sand, or Cat Litter: These items can provide emergency traction for the tires if the bus gets stuck in snow or ice. However, it is best to avoid situations that may be an issue for larger vehicles.
- Shovel: A small, collapsible shovel can help dig out snow drifts.
- Cell Phone Charger: Keep your phone charged in case of an emergency.
- Road Flares or Reflective Markers: Make the bus more visible if it's stranded on the side of the road.
- Extra Wiper Blades: In case of damage from cold frosts and winter woes.
- Ice Scraper: Have this ready to help during those cold spells.
Keep Your Drivers Happy
Gripping the steering wheel during the winter can take a lot of concentration and a lot out of people. It is not always a winter wonderland when the windshield wipers are going full tilt during heavy snow. Doing something extra for your drivers can improve morale, and a happy driver can be more attentive. Simple things like extra encouragement for a well-done job can go a long way. Remember giving praise that is not warranted does not have a positive effect, but noticing a driver going the extra mile and recognizing it does. Another common way to be able to make any employee happy is, well, food. It is a classic way to show appreciation, and it works.
Use Caution on the Roads
This may seem like a no-brainer, but use caution on the roads and be aware of your accelerator and brake pedals. Have patience and drive at an appropriate speed, mind your acceleration and braking for the conditions, and stay alert to help prevent skidding and other issues. Pay special attention to approaching intersections in case of tire slippage, and be careful with snowdrifts/obstacles. Ensure high anticipation levels to avoid hard braking, which can be especially problematic in winter. Also, pay attention to traffic updates and school cancellations/dismissals. Knowing what is happening in your area can assist your drivers with avoiding problem areas when possible. If you get into a tough spot, use your hazards and other flashing lights to make your vehicle more visible. An ounce of prevention can help prevent a ton of problems while navigating to your destination.
Have any questions? Call us at 888-775-7750. We're here for you and your business.
