Experiencing any kind of vehicle breakdown brings your workday to a halt and could put you in a potentially dangerous position on the highway. This is hard enough to handle with a freight truck or heavy vehicle transporter. But when the broken down vehicle in question is a bus full of passengers, things get worse as your passengers become late for their own commitments and are exposed to more risks on the side of a highway.

Of course, even the most vigorous preventive maintenance routine can’t completely eliminate the risk of a vehicle simply shutting down. But taking a few minutes to make sure everything’s working correctly will go a long way toward keeping your bus or truck drivable for longer. Go over this list to keep your vehicles in excellent shape.

Daily Inspections

Like any vehicle, a bus or haul truck has basic needs. Before your workday begins, take a few extra minutes to walk around your vehicle and take note of the following:

• Air pressure in the tires
• Any warning lights on the dashboard
• Loose screws or damaged parts
• Burned-out lights
• Dirt buildup in the ventilation system

Weekly to Monthly Inspections

For involved repairs or maintenance needs, it’s best to take your bus to a certified mechanic. But you obviously can’t do this every day or for every little thing. There are a few things under the hood you can inspect for yourself:

• Windshield washer fluid
• Oil level
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid
• Coolant
• Any fuel additives (especially in diesel-powered engines)

Pro Tip: A monthly inspection of your highway vehicle’s engine allows you to catch problems in their early stages, saving you money on professional repairs.

When to Go to a Professional

Some repairs or maintenance requirements call for enough skill that you’ll likely have to call in a professional. These requirements could include:

• Ensuring the body of the vehicle is structurally sound
• Testing the electrical systems
• Inspecting and/or replacing brake pads
• Inspecting fittings
• Changing engine filters

Talk to your employer or consult the manual to see how often you should visit a qualified mechanic.

Preventing a Bad Situation

A few extra minutes of inspection at the beginning or end of your shift could save you hours of headaches later on. Don’t skip your daily preventive maintenance check! Spare yourself and your passengers the hassle of delays.

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