Weather Proofing Checks Before Buying A New Or A Used Shuttle Bus
Be it North Dakota’s winter or the scorching Arizona heat, it is very important for your shuttle bus to perform in all weathers. Especially considering the case of used shuttle buses, weather sustainability checks are crucial. We at Nations Bus Sales care about the well-being of our community, and driving is at the top of that list when it comes to buses and traveling. So let’s get down to some useful tips and checks for your shuttle bus:
- Start Weather-Related Checks Before Buying A Shuttle.
Weather can affect shuttles. It is always a good idea to check some of these items as they have proven to be most affected:
Caulking – look around any areas where there are seams connecting the front and/or rear fiberglass caps to the main fuselage (cabin) of the shuttle bus. These are areas above the cab windshield, around the driver’s door (and co-pilot if available)
The shuttle’s roof will have caulking unless the it is a single-piece roof, check this as it is always pointed upwards towards the elements. If there is a roof-mounted A/C or escape hatch, you will need to inspect around these items. If the caulking looks weathered or worn, apply more and test for any leaking. It is always a good idea to document this should you ever need to prove preventative maintenance for insurance purposes of your shuttle.
Gaskets – These can be found around the shuttle bus’s windows, clearance lights, rear tail light assembly, etc. Usually these are black/rubber material which attracts sunlight and heat and will deteriorate over time allowing their usefulness to decline. Check these before buying a shuttle bus available for sale and replace as needed.
Tires – Tires may also have accelerated deterioration in very hot or very cold conditions. Check these for dry-rot, especially if your shuttle sits for a period of time in an off-season.
Windshield Wiper Blades – these have both metal and rubber on them and are susceptible to weather over time. You do not want to find out your shuttle bus’s wipers are not performing once it begins to rain.
Undercarriage oxidation – Shuttle Buses that operate on snowy roads need to be routinely rinsed off in the under carriage of the bus with fresh (non-salty) water.
These and other items are always a good idea to check prior to purchasing and as a habit to increase the value and safety of your bus ownership.
- Diesel Engines
Diesel Engine shuttle buses are popular in extreme temperature regions. In warm or hot weather like Florida, Louisiana, Texas or Georgia, these engines tend to operate cooler. In cool or cold weather like Alaska, Minnesota, Montana, or Vermont, diesel engines perform very well. Although you may need to heat the engine block if temperatures go down below freezing for several hours. Engine Block Heaters are easily offered aftermarket if your shuttle does not already come equipped with one.
2. Weather and Shuttle Tire Types
Siped tires have been found to be more effective than studded tires, so you can go for those for year-round use as well. For particularly harsh roads, chains are a must for traction. Both automatic and manual choices are available here. Deep tread bus tires are preferred for hilly areas that experience snowfall such as Washington, Oregon, Utah, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, etc…
3. Shuttle Bus Battery
A Deep cycle battery can be a useful option for extreme weather operation.
Bus breakdowns are common in winter, so if you are opting for a used shuttle bus, check thoroughly for battery life, electrical connections, rubber parts, hoses, etc. Especially in the summer, battery fluid evaporates faster, so keep an eye out.
4. Shuttle Bus Radiator And Engine Oil
If your intended region of travelling is in hotter states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, etc. a couple of specific areas to be looked at are bus radiator and engine oil. Especially for used shuttle buses, make sure the radiator is not clogged. Oil change is necessary for the engine’s health in summer, as the engine overheats in excessive temperatures.
An Important Side Note:
Driving any shuttle bus requires the know-how of how to use the equipment, so having knowledge of weather-specific situations that may arise on the roads is a must-have too.
Whatever the weather, bring your own sunshine, they say. With these tips to get you started, now you know what kind of checks to perform with respect to weather. We at Nations Bus Sales are always here to assist you while purchasing any type of new or used shuttle bus. Call us at 800-523-3262 or drop us a line at sales@nationsbus.com. In case you wish to browse our Shuttle Inventory, you can do so here.
Happy travelling!