Executive bus owners must maintain their fleet of vehicles over time. Without preventive maintenance, repair costs can mount quickly, particularly on larger vehicles. Today’s blog from CoachWest examines some tips to save on gas and repair costs for executive buses in your fleet.
Related Post: How to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Your Executive Fleet
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Preventive maintenance is the key to reducing gas consumption and expensive repairs. Clean your executive bus inside and out after each use or weekly if you use the bus more than one day per week. Train your cleaning crews to look for structural problems, such as problems with seatbelts, seats, heaters, and vents. But they should also open the hood, examine the engine, look at the tires, and see the undercarriage. Maintain your preventive maintenance schedule on a smartphone app or computer software that gives you alerts when it’s time to inspect your executive buses.
Fluid Levels
The engine compartment of your executive bus has a number of fluids that need proper levels for optimal function.
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Windshield washer
- Diesel additive, if appropriate for your engine
Train your staff to note if any fluid levels are low. Look for dirt build-up, leaking fluids, abnormal oil on parts, corroded wiring, and anything else amiss. Once your staff identifies a problem, call a mechanic to come and diagnose the problem and fix it before it becomes a major issue.
While we’re on the topic of fluids, it’s vitally important that you use the proper fluids when you refill them. The manufacturer’s manual will tell you the type of oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and additives to use for the engine. Using the wrong fluids can cause damage over time. You don’t want to replace engine parts more than you need to. Using the right engine oil ensures the pistons work properly while maximizing fuel combustion in the ignition chamber.
Tires
Tires keep your executive bus on the road. Worn tires, tires without proper pressure, or misaligned tires can cause the engine to work harder, thereby using more gasoline or diesel fuel. Maintain the right tire pressure as noted on the sidewall of the tire. The correct tire pressure ensures the right amount of rubber touches the pavement for optimal turning, braking, and stability.
If you see a tire that’s too soft, examine it for damage or leaks. Replace worn or leaking tires ASAP. You can measure the tire tread with a penny, or you can use a gauge for accurate measurement of wear. If you don’t replace worn tires, you risk a blowout. Blowouts not only cause accidents, but also bent axles that are very expensive to replace.
Related Post: Average Gas Mileage for Executive Buses, Sprinter Vans, and Limos
Executive Bus Tips from CoachWest
At CoachWest, we understand you need a fleet of fuel-efficient executive buses, limos, and luxury sprinter vans. Talk to the team at CoachWest. Contact us online or call (310) 609-2900, and we’ll discuss the luxury vehicle that’s right for you!
