Spring is right around the corner, which means now is the best time for bus maintenance and repairs. Even the sturdiest and most heavy duty bus can wear out and needs some elbow grease to keep going throughout the year.
But how do you know if your vehicle needs bus maintenance and repairs or if you need an entirely new bus? Here are four common signs it’s time for a new vehicle.
- Your bus frequently breaks down. An older vehicle will occasionally break down, especially during the winter months if it’s been overworked. But when a bus starts to break down with increasing frequency, it might be time to invest in a new vehicle. Your vehicle shouldn’t be breaking down more than twice a year.
- Your vehicle’s frequent breakdowns require costly repairs. Every bus needs maintenance now and again. But when your vehicle’s frequent breakdowns require major repairs it can be a problem. We’re not talking about replacing an exhaust system, either. When your bus routinely experiences major engine malfunctions, it’s time to get a new one.
- The inside of your bus is falling apart. The inside of your bus is crucial to the safety of those you’re transporting whether they’re seniors, people with special needs, or kids. Most of the time, the inside of a bus is salvageable. You might only need to replace a few seats. But a bus that has holes in the floor, ripped or torn fabric on the seats, and knobs that are falling off needs to be replaced.
- Safety has become an issue. The safety of those who are riding and driving your bus is important. That’s why, no matter how much bus maintenance your vehicle has had, you’ll need to replace it once it becomes unsafe to operate. Older vehicles don’t have many of the same safety features as newer models. If your passengers or your drivers have a sense of uneasiness getting onto your bus, it’s time for an upgrade.
Where can I find new and used buses for sale?
It’s no secret that a working bus is crucial. Up to 47% of fleets reported that the ridership of people with special needs increased between 2017 and 2018.
If you’re looking for non-emergency shuttle vans or heavy duty transit buses, Schetky Northwest Sales has the vehicles to meet your transportation needs. To learn more about our buses and vehicles, contact Schetky Northwest Sales today.