Challenges of Winter BC Maintenance – BC and Yukon

Busses are often exposed to extreme conditions, especially in the winter months. The addition of ice, snow, and cold weather on an already strained vehicle can lead to a variety of problems that require maintaining, especially during the winter. Developing a year-round maintenance plan to your fleet that includes winter month maintenance is a great option for keeping drivers and passengers safe.

Routes

It may be necessary to adjust some of your regular routes to adjust for the harsh winter climate, for both passenger and fleet safety. Steep inclines, narrow roads, and areas that do not see winter road maintenance are probably best to be avoided.

Bus Tires

Tires should be inspected on a regular basis all year round, but this task becomes even more important in the winter season, especially if busses are exposed to snow and ice which can lead to slipping.

Regular Fleet Inspections

During the cold winter months, it is important to check heating and defrosting units on a regular basis, along with hoses, fan belts and electrical systems. Batteries should always be kept fully charged and fuel tanks kept as full as possible to keep condensation from forming. New wiper blades should be installed at the beginning of each winter and all glass inspected for cracks or chips.

Keeping your bus in tip-top shape during the winter should be a regular part of your maintenance – ensuring that your fleet is in winter-ready condition will keep your drivers, passengers, and your fleet safe this winter.