
Best Safety Features To Check Before Purchasing A New Or A Used Shuttle Bus In 2022
Are you looking to purchase a new or a used shuttle bus in 2022? Whether it be large or small, 15-passenger or 56-passenger, make sure to check out for/follow these safety features before purchase.
- Scrutinize For General Safety Features In A Shuttle
First off, you need to conduct a thorough analysis of the bus. Ideally, you should go for shuttle buses with the safety features are embedded within it. Anti-lock brakes, emergency equipment, seatbelts (small shuttle buses, like school buses, come with lap or lap/shoulder belts) and so on.
- Paperwork
In addition to inspecting the physical frame of the shuttle, its interiors and exteriors, scanning the maintenance records is also another effective method to check whether the used shuttle has been kept in good condition. The rule of thumb, if possible, is to check the records of the last 10,000 miles. If the used shuttle bus is part of a fleet, from 15 to 56 passengers, you are more likely to get your hands on such records. Here are a few of the recommended items to request documentation for current safety conditions:
- FIRE EXTENGUISHER
- WARNING REFLECTORS
- FIRST AID KET
- INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
- SEATS SECURE
- SEAT BELTS
- WINDSHIED AND WIPERS
- MIRRORS
- FLOORING
- INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS
- TURN SIGNALS
- HORN
- SWITCHES AND WIRING
- DOOR SECURMENT
- DOOR OPERATION
- ALTERNATOR
- STARTER
- WIRING-MOUNTING
- BATTERIES
- ALL FLUIDS
- BATTERY TERMINALS AND CABLES
- RADIATOR AND HOSES
- WATER-PUMP
- ALL BELTS CONDITIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS
- THROTTLE LINKAGE
- FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS
- AIR CLEANER
- MANIFOLDS
- GASKETS
- ENGINE MOUNTS
- OIL LEAKS
- BRAKES – INCLUDING FLUID LEVELS
- LEAKS HOSES AND TUBING
- AIR GOVERNOR MIN 85 – MAX 130
- AIR RESERVOIR TEST
- AIR WARNING OPERATION
- AIR TANKS SECUREMENT
- AIR TANK DRAIN
- LOSS 3’ PER MIN
- ADJUSTMENT
- LININE AND DRUMS
- PEDAL HEIGHT
- PARKING BRAKE
- EMERGENCY STOP SYSTEM
- CHASSIS – WHEELS
- TIRES
- LUGS
- WHEEL SEALS
- CHECK STEEERING GEAR AND MOUNTING
- STEERING ARMS
- DRAG LINKS
- TIE RODS
- BALL JOINTS
- FRAME CROSSEMEMBERS
- SPRINGS AND SHACKLES
- U BOLTS
- KING PINS
- SHOCK ABSORBERS
- BUSHINGS
- TRANSMISSION
- DIFFERENTIAL
- FLUID LEVELS
- SEALS MOUNTING
- DRIVE SHAFT
- U JOINTS
- EXHAUST CONDITION
- LEAKS
- BUS AND CHASSIS BODY UNDERSIDE
- Test Drive The Shuttle Bus
As good as it is to trust an expert, test drive the shuttle bus yourself if possible. Make sure to hit all gears, including reverse, and get a good feel of the control the bus offers. Generally speaking, automatic transmissions are the mostly what you’ll find in later model shuttle buses in the U.S. While testing, pay special focus on the engine with respect to fuel type and efficiency. A good tip here is to be clear on where you are going to be driving. What type of terrain will you be using the bus? Is it going to snow a lot there? Or is it a sunny state like Florida?
- Emergency Exits Safety In The Shuttle
All types of Shuttle buses, from brand types like Ford Transit, Turtle Top, Diamond, or Champion, or Grech Motors– or size varieties like 15-passenger shuttle or 24-passenger shuttle, need to have emergency exits at the right place. As basic as it sounds, its importance cannot be overstated. Multiple exits are always welcome. Well-designed shuttle buses should have exits that facilitate older and/or disabled people to exit in a timely fashion if there is a loss of power or some type of accident.
- Shuttle Bus Tires Safety
Tires have a speed rating. Do not speed excessively, or it might lead to premature tire failure or tire damage. In accordance with the rules laid out by the US Department of Transportation, only opt for approved rim and tire combinations (the width and diameter should be appropriate per the chassis manufacturer). A mismatch of tire-rim could lead to a possible explosion.
Even after purchase, keeping the right inflation pressure is crucial from the safety standpoint. Otherwise, tire wear and fuel efficiency could be affected. One needs to be watchful, on a daily basis, of irregular tread wear, cracking, bulges, inadequate tread depth, cuts, foreign objects, or any other visible damage to the tires of the shuttle.
- Knowledge Is Key! – Ask For The Opinion From An Expert Before Buying The Shuttle
Apart from checking these safety features, you need to understand critical pointers as regards the usage of these features. Understand from your seller how the crash force could be distributed in case of an accident. Similarly understand the functioning of other safety and securement devices, the emergency doors and windows, and the general do’s and don’ts of the shuttle bus. Bear in mind that taking an expert opinion provides much more value than asking friends and relatives. Approach the issue of safety professionally. After all, safety could be a matter of life and death.
- Safety Checklist For A Used Shuttle Bus
Scanning a used shuttle bus is different and definitely more important as compared to a new one. Conduct an exhaustive inspection of the condition of the bus. Here are some key things to inspect: You must manually check things like the frame of the shuttle bus, the audio equipment, the HVAC systems, etc. Pay special attention to any leaks and/or rusts on any body part. The only way to completely fix rusts is to replace the part in question, so you might want to do that. While at it, check the long-term availability of the parts in the market. The external paint should have ideally been regularly touched up. A qualified vehicle inspector should be able to take you through the inspection process smoothly.
- Airbags In The Shuttle Bus
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) cites that from 1987 to 2017, frontal air-bags saved 50,457 lives. Air bags are a plus for the driver, and when used along with seatbelts, are arguably THE most life-saving equipment any vehicles could have.
- Miscellaneous Shuttle Bus Safety Features
The same safety principle that applies to emergency exits is applicable in regular day-to-day travelling as well: seat-belts, fire extinguishers, cameras, driver assist functions, the right spacing between seats, overhead luggage, etc. Some of these are vital while others just prevent daily/occasional injuries.
Speaking of safety in choosing the right bus type, here’s an example: 15-passenger buses are way safer than 15-passenger vans due to a better centre of gravity that prevents rollover on speedy turns or side impact.
Secure brake linings resist corrosion, punctures, and wear, and stem the possibility of leaks ruining your braking system. Make sure you have them, and maintain them.
- Legalities
Finally, adherence to the federal and state laws when buying a new or used shuttle bus is a must. The laws are made specific to the particular safety requirements of an area, and adherence to them will only contribute to the bus safety.
FINALLY, REMEMBER, SAFETY DOES NOT COME WITH LUCK
IIt has to be prepared for. We at Nations Bus Sales hope you will prioritize safety when making any vehicle purchase. In case you need assistance in purchasing a shuttle bus, or simply need an expert opinion to help you through the process, drop us a line at sales@nationsbus.com or call us at our toll-free number 800-523-3262 if you want to discuss anything about buses. We’re here for you. Safe travelling!