1. Preventive Maintenance
School Bus Driver Training
Unit E
Preventive Maintenance
It is highly recommended that the instructor customize this presentation according to local policies and guidelines. Take pictures of buses used in your fleet, customize the procedures according to your local procedures, use your own pre-trip inspections forms etc. What is presented here is only an example.
School bus operators have significant responsibility in the preventive maintenance program, especially in the proactive component of preventive maintenance. Remember: with an effective preventive maintenance system, service begins with the pre-trip inspection. With an ineffective preventive maintenance system, breakdowns and complaints control the service. From an operator’s standpoint, preventive maintenance includes the following items:
Pre-trip inspection
Operational inspection
Post-trip inspection
As indicated in this Unit, as an operator, you should NOT be making repairs yourself; this is the role of your maintenance team. Report, don’t diagnose. However, since you are on the road with your vehicle for several hours each day, you are in the best position to observe how it performs under all conditions. Learn to recognize defects both during the pre-trip inspection and while on the road, and immediately report problems to your supervisor or the bus maintenance department. Problems cannot be repaired if they are not reported.
This Unit covers each of these items as part of your normal daily preventive maintenance tasks. Responsibility for these tasks may vary due to differences in buses and/or local policy. If you are ever unsure of the preventive maintenance duties assigned to you, ask your supervisor.

2. Objectives
At the end of this session school bus operators will be able to:
Identify and describe basic procedures involved in normal daily pre-trip, on-the-road, and post-trip inspections
Detect impending vehicle defects and know how to report them in a meaningful manner
Recognize common driving errors or abuses that cause excessive component wear
Employ proper driving habits to prolong the life of the bus
The school bus operator is NOT to be a mechanic. The school bus operator is to be a reporter – to observe potential problems and report to a mechanic.

3. Importance of Preventive Maintenance
Minimizes bus failures and costs
Maximizes SAFETY, comfort, and level of service

4. School Bus Driver’s Role?
Pre-trip Inspection
Operational Inspection
Detect problems, don’t fix them
Practice good driving habits
Post-trip Inspection
Communication
Problems cannot be repaired if they are not reported

5. Pre-trip Inspection
Purpose: Identify problems that could cause a crash or breakdown
Develop a routine
Vehicle overview
Engine compartment inspection
Inside bus inspection
Outside bus inspection (walk around)
Brake test
The pre-trip inspection may find problems that could cause a break-down or crash. Also, federal regulations require that (1) the driver be satisfied that the bus is in safe operating condition; (2) review the last driver vehicle inspection report; and (3) sign the report, only if defects or deficiencies were noted by the driver who prepared the report, to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been performed.
To ensure a thorough pre-trip inspection is completed is to develop a routine. A safety equipment check will be part of the driver recertification skills exam. They will want to see you check the following items:
Lighting Systems: 8-way lighting systems, headlights, turn signals, stop lights, hazard warning system, tail lights, ID and side marker lights.
Safety Equipment: fire extinguisher, first aid kit, pry bar, portable emergency warning devices.
Vehicle Equipment: Tires, emergency exits, condition and mounting of seats.
Brake Checks: service brakes (air/hydraulic), emergency brake.
Note that failure to correctly perform your air brake check during the examination will result in an automatic failure.
The pre-trip inspection described in this Unit will cover ALL of these items.
Most school districts and employers have their own pre-trip inspection forms and procedures. FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES. USE THEIR FORMS.
INSTRUCTORS SHOULD CUSTOMIZE THIS SECTION TO INCORPORATE LOCAL CHECKLISTS, POLICIES, PROCEDURES, VEHICLES, ETC.

6. What Do You Need? Checklist Rags/paper towels Cleaners Work gloves
At least 15 minutes
FOLLOW YOUR LOCAL GUIDELINES AND POLICIES. USE THEIR FORMS.

7. Remember…
Federal regulations require that before driving your bus that you:
Be satisfied that it is in safe operating condition;
Review the last driver vehicle inspection report; and
Sign the report, only if defects or deficiencies were noted by the driver who prepared the report, to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been performed.

8. Basic Pre-trip Inspection
Vehicle Overview
Engine Compartment Inspection
Inside Bus Inspection
Outside Bus Inspection (Walk around)
Check Brake System

9. 1. 1. Vehicle Overview
Refer to Figure E-1 in Publication 117

10. 1. 1. Vehicle Overview Check for leaks Check for previous problems
Check for obstructions

11. 2. Engine Compartment Inspection
Check with your local procedures – some contractors and school districts do not require drivers to perform under-the-hood checks.

12. Engine Compartment Inspection
Recommended start: engine cool, fluids stable
Ensure the parking brake is on and/or wheels chocked.
Oil level
Coolant level and hoses
Power steering level and hoses
Windshield washer fluid level
Battery fluid level, connections and tie downs
Automatic transmission fluid level
Wiring insulation

13. Under the Hood Belts: tightness and excessive wear Leaks Alternator
Water pump
Air compressor
Leaks
Fuel
Coolant
Oil
Power steering fluid
Hydraulic fluid
Brake fluid
Windshield washer
Battery fluid
Automatic transmission fluid
Except for windshield washer fluid and fuel, the fluids in your bus shouldn’t get used up or go anywhere.

14. Check Oil Check daily before you start your trip
Most vehicles will have the oil cap clearly marked
The oil on the stick will indicate if the oil level is low
Fill with oil to the designated full line if it is low
Never leave the garage if your oil level is low
There are different types of school buses and the locations the oil filler cap and dip stick may be in different locations. Consult with a supervisor or shop maintenance personnel for assistance in locating these items.
The following slides provide one example.

15. Remove Oil Dipstick and Check Fluid Level

16. Wipe fluid off, re-insert dipstick and look again to determine oil level

17. Check Oil Level Daily

18. Locations the Oil Filler Cap and Dip Stick Locations Vary
There are different types of school buses and the locations the oil filler cap and dip stick may be in different locations. Consult with a supervisor or shop maintenance personnel for assistance in locating these items.

19. Check Belts

20. Check Washer Fluid Level

21. Check Other Fluid Levels as Appropriate
Each bus will be different but know and learn the other fluids to be checked under the hood such as the transmission fluid being pointed out here

22. Check Battery

23. 3.3. Inspect Inside of Bus Driver Compartment Passenger Entry
Passenger Compartment

24. Start Engine for Inside Bus Inspection
Parking brake on!
Put engine in neutral
Turn off heaters
Start engine
Use your ears for unusual engine noise
For diesels, make sure injector pump is engaged

25. Driver Compartment Check all gauges Oil pressure Ammeter/voltmeter
Coolant temperature
No warning lights should be on
Vacuum gauge (if applicable)
Fuel gauge
Air gauge

26. Check that All Gauges Function Correctly

27. Driver Compartment Check all controls Steering wheel Clutch
Accelerator
Brakes (and brake pressure)
Horn
All lights and signals
Wipers operate properly
Washer fluid operates properly

28. Check Controls

29. Driver Compartment Check all lights Headlights Dimmer switch
Turn signals
Four-way flashers
Clearance, identification, marker lights
Eight-ways
Strobe (if applicable)

30. Check Lights

31. Check and Adjust Mirrors
Clean
Adjusted
Maximize viewing area
Check mirrors to make sure they are clean and adjusted so that you can see all areas around the bus from the driver’s seat and you can obtain the maximum viewing area consistent with the vision requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, “Rearview Mirrors”. Refer to 49 CFR The interior rearview mirror must provide a good view of passengers and the area directly behind the bus. The right and left side mirrors must provide a clear view past the right and left rear of the bus. The right and left front fender-mounted rear mirrors (convex mirrors) must provide a clear view from the forward-most point of the front fenders past the rear of the bus. The left front fender-mounted crossover mirror (convex) must provide a view of the blind area directly in front of the bus.

32. Adjust Left and Right Flat Mirrors
These mirrors are mounted at the left and right front corners of the bus at the side or front of the windshield. They are used to monitor traffic, check clearances and students on the sides and to the rear of the bus. There is a blind spot immediately below and in front of each mirror and directly in back of the rear bumper. The blind spot behind the bus could extend up to 400 feet depending on the width of the bus. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:
200 feet or 4 bus lengths behind the bus.
Along the sides of the bus.
The rear tires touching the ground.

33. Adjust Convex Mirrors
The convex mirrors are located below the outside flat mirrors. They are used to monitor the left and right sides at a wide angle. They provide a view of traffic, clearances, and students at the side of the bus. These mirrors present a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:
The entire side of the bus up to the mirror mounts.
Front of the rear tires touching the ground.
At least one traffic lane on either side of the bus.

34. Look at Both!

35. Why?

36. Adjust Left and Right Cross View Mirrors
These mirrors are mounted on both left and right front corners of the bus. They are used to see the “danger zone” area directly in front of the bus that is not visible by direct vision, and to view the “danger zone” areas to the left side and right side of the bus, including the service door and front wheel areas. The mirror presents a view of people and objects that does not accurately reflect their size and distance from the bus. The driver must ensure that these mirrors are properly adjusted. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:
The entire area in front of the bus from the front bumper at ground level to a point where direct vision is possible. Direct vision and mirror view vision should overlap.
The right and left front tires touching the ground.
The area from the front of the bus to the service door.
These mirrors, along with the convex and flat mirrors, should be viewed in a logical sequence to ensure that a child or object is not in any area of the danger zone.

37. Left Cross View Mirror

38. Right Cross View Mirror

39. Adjust Inside Rearview Mirror
This mirror is mounted directly above the windshield on the driver’s side area of the bus and is used to monitor passenger activity inside the bus, NOT to see behind the bus. It may only provide limited visibility directly in back of the bus if the bus is equipped with a glass-bottomed rear emergency door. There is a blind spot area directly behind the driver’s seat as well as a large blind spot area that begins at the rear bumper and could extend up to 400 feet or more behind the bus. You must use the exterior side mirrors to monitor traffic that approaches and enters this area. Ensure that the mirrors are properly adjusted so you can see:
The top of the rear window in the top of the mirror.
All of the students, including the heads of the students right behind you.

40. Passenger Entry
Service doors
Stairwell
Handrail

41. Passenger Compartment
Interior walk through
Emergency door
Other emergency exits
Bus emergency equipment

42. Interior Walk Through

43. Rear Emergency Door and Other Emergency Exits

44. On-Board School Bus Safety Equipment
Spare electrical fuses (if applicable)
Portable emergency warning devices
First aid kit
Body fluid clean up kit
Properly charged and rated fire extinguisher
Pry bar
Emergency phone numbers
Crash reporting packet
Seat belt cutter (optional)
While the seat belt cutter is optional, it is a good practice to carry one and know how it is used
Refer to state regulations in Title 67, Chapter 171 for additional regulatory information regarding safety equipment:

45. On-Board School Bus Safety Equipment
Ensure that if you use any safety equipment you replace it or notify a supervisor to have it replaced
Be sure that all equipment is stored safely and securely

46. Check Emergency Equipment
Portable Emergency Warning Devices
Body fluid clean up kit
First aid kit
Fully charged fire extinguisher

47. Properly Secure Equipment

48. Remaining Items Inside the Vehicle
Check that seat belts operate properly
Check defrost and heater fans
Check that windows are clean
General cleanliness
When complete, turn on all your lights!

49. Outside Bus Inspection (Walk around)
Tires Wheels and Rims
Walk around
Check all lights
Headlights
Eight-ways
Side marker lights
Brake and backup lights
Strobe (if applicable)
Check under bus
After you are done under the hood and inside, we recommend you proceed around the vehicle in a counter clockwise manner checking not only the components but also check for body damage and anything out of the ordinary

50. Tires, Wheels, and Rims
Irregular tire wear can be spotted early when tires are checked daily
Blow outs are not only frightening but can also result in loss of vehicle control
Blow outs can result in accidents, inconvenience, lost time, & increased cost

51. Always Check the Tread Depth
Front tires: 4/32 inch
Rear tires: 2/32 inch
Edge of coin to top of head 4/32”

52. Check Tires Worn tires create balance and alignment issues as well.
If lug nuts are exposed ensure they are tight and secure.

53. Right Front and Side Mirror Front wheel Front suspension
Crossing arm control
Brake
Front Axle
Steering system
Windshield
Lights and reflectors
With each of these items, review information provided in Publication 117

54. Red Flashing Lights
Amber Flashing Lights
Mirrors
Mirrors
Turn Signal Lights
Turn Signal Lights
Crossing Control Arm
Headlights

55. Right Front and Side Clearance Lights Side Windows Mirrors Fuel Cap
Tires, Wheels, Lug Nuts
Service Door
Rear Emergency Door

56. Left Front and Side Same as right front
Left side stop arm and wing guard
Fender and crossover mirrors
Fuel tank(s)
Battery check
Other visible parts

57. Left Front and Side Clearance Lights Windshield and Wipers Mirrors
Side Windows
Tires, Wheels, Lug Nuts
Engine Compartment
Side Stop Arm
Battery

58. Check that Fuel Cap is On and Secure

59. Left and Right Rear Lights and reflectors License plate Splash guards
Rear emergency door
Suspension and brakes
Exhaust

60. (Hazard Warning Lights) Turn Signals (Hazard Warning Lights)
Red Flashing Lights
Amber Flashing Lights
Red Marker Lights
Red Marker Lights
Red Marker Lights
Brake Lights
Brake Lights
Turn Signals
(Hazard Warning Lights)
Turn Signals
(Hazard Warning Lights)
Tail Lights
Tail Lights
Tailpipe
Back-up Lights

61. Check Rear Emergency Door

62. 5. Check Brake System Parking brake Service brakes
Hydraulic brake test
Air brakes*
* Refer to Sections 5 and 10 of the CDL Manual

63. Automatic Brake Adjusters
Should not have to be manually adjusted
Manual adjustment masks a mechanical problem, it does not fix it!
Report ASAs that are out of adjustment to your mechanic

64. Finish your Pre-trip Turn off lights Secure loose items
Fill out paperwork

65. What if I find something wrong during the pre-trip inspection?
REPORT AND DOCUMENT!
If you discover a mechanical problem during the pre-trip inspection contact a supervisor or maintenance shop personnel to ensure repairs are made prior to operating the school bus

66. Example Symptoms Problem? What do you do?
Dripping trail or puddle under engine
Liquid is thick, wet, yellow-green
Increasing engine temperature
Problem?
What do you do?
Don’t operate the bus, and don’t try to fix it. Report it to your maintenance department! Describe the symptoms, don’t diagnose.

67. Example Symptoms Problem? What do you do?
Dripping trail or puddle under engine
Liquid is thick, dark brown to black
Noisy engine
Increasing engine temperature
Problem?
What do you do?
Don’t operate the bus, and don’t try to fix it. Report it to your maintenance department! Describe the symptoms, don’t diagnose.

68. Operational Preventive Maintenance
Also known as on-the road or in-service preventive maintenance
Detecting unusual vehicle behavior
Good driving habits for maintenance
Use your senses!!

69. Detecting Abnormal Vehicle Behavior
Continuously check gauges
Check parking brake
Check service brakes
Air brakes
Hydraulic brakes
Check transmission
Check steering
Check suspension
Check engine
Check tires
Emphasize that mechanical problems with the bus can be detected using most of a school bus operator’s senses.
What is an example of mechanical trouble that can be detected by hearing?
A: An engine knock.
What is an example of mechanical trouble that can be detected by seeing?
A: A loose wire or a coolant leak.
What is an example of mechanical trouble that can be detected by smelling?
A: Burning insulation or the engine leaking oil onto a hot manifold.
What is an example of mechanical trouble that can be detected by feeling?
A: A shimmy in the steering or a problem with the brake pedal.
What should you be looking for?
A: Anything loose, weakening, broken, or leaking; anything that looks/seems different from usual; problems that increase noticeably with time.

70. Detecting Abnormal Vehicle Behavior
Be familiar with your bus
Use ALL senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch
Normal gauge readings
Feel of ride
Sounds
Pre-existing problems?

71. Detecting Abnormal Vehicle Behavior
Anything loose, weakening, broken, leaking?
Anything look/seem different than usual?
Problems that are increasing noticeably with time?
Trace to the source
Check for related problems

72. Good Driving Habits for Maintenance
Basic Bus Operations
Engage starter
Tire checks
Idling
Proper Use of Clutch
Not a brake!
Don’t ride
Adjust
Don’t engage the starter any more than seconds
Don’t forget your tires! Refer to the pre-trip inspection portion.
Don’t idle excessively – diesel buses get warm by driving it. In fact, In 2008, Act 124 (Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act) was passed, which reduces unnecessary idling of the main propulsion engine in diesel-powered motor vehicles, including trucks and buses. Essentially, Act 124 prohibits the owners and drivers of any diesel-powered motor vehicles with a gross weight of 10,001 pounds or more engaged in commerce from allowing the engine of the vehicle to idle for more than five minutes in any continuous 60-minute period. However, 35 P.S. Section 4603(c)(10) allows a school bus to idle a total of 15 minutes in a continuous 60-minute period to provide heat or air conditioning to students. This Section also allows school buses transporting students with special needs to idle for an unlimited amount of time when it is necessary to maintain a safe temperature.
Keep in mind that while Act 124 preempts and supersedes local anti-idling ordinances or rules, more stringent idling restrictions imposed by counties of the first and second class (Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties), continue in full force and effect provided they are not amended, suspended or rendered invalid. Here are a few good tips:
As a general rule, buses should be moving whenever the engine is on.
The engine should be turned off as soon as possible after arriving at loading or unloading areas.
The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready to depart.
Limit idling time during early morning warm up to what the manufacturer recommends (generally no more than five minutes).
This is also discussed in Unit G.
On most equipment, clearance or freeplay should be ~1 to 1.5” in the clutch

73. Good Driving Habits for Maintenance
Proper Use of Brakes
Use engine to slow bus
Avoid quick stops
Know when to disengage clutch
Protect Rear Axle
Don’t spin tires
Careful on different surfaces

74. Good Driving Habits for Maintenance
Manual transmission
Start in low gear
Downshift up and down hills
Stop completely before shifting into first or reverse
Automatic transmission
Use gearshift appropriately
Don’t use accelerator to hold a vehicle

75. Post-trip Inspection
Post-trip inspections are required by federal regulations (49 CFR Section )
At a minimum, your report must include:
Service brakes
Parking (hand) brake
Steering mechanism
Lighting devices and reflectors
Tires
Horn
Windshield wipers
Rear vision mirrors
Coupling devices
Wheels and rims
Emergency equipment
Check with your local system to obtain and use their forms in the training.

76. Post-trip Inspection Check fuel level, fill
After parking, let engine idle
Check interior
Damaged seats
Leftover students or backpacks
Check exterior
Report

77. Passenger Compartment Check
Some school bus seat backs are high and can hide students and items.

78. Post-trip Interior Check Reminder
Some districts or companies use electronic systems to ensure the driver completes an interior walk through of the school bus, while others use a sign hung in the back window to ensure no students are left in the bus.

79. Reporting Problems: Communication is Critical
Report problems immediately
Report problems accurately
Don’t operate an unsafe vehicle
Verbal communication can help resolve problems but it isn’t a substitute for written documentation
Remember:
Location
Timing
Sounds
Other descriptive characteristics

80. Communication Accuracy
Location:
Left/right
Front/rear
Inside/outside
Upper/lower/underneath

81. Communication Accuracy
Timing:
Sometimes, always, often, occasionally
Certain times
More, less
Slowly, suddenly, fast
Sounds:
Loud, soft, faint, noisy
Bell, buzzer, bang, snap, sputter, clank, rumble, groan, squeak, whine, rip, scrape, road, race, clunk, ping, hiss

82. Communication Accuracy
Describing problem:
Grabbing, sticking
Broken, loose, worn, crushed, pinched, torn, not aligned, jammed, stuck, fayed, leaking, dripping, spilling, weak, rusted, cracked, missing
Hot, warm, cold, cool, frosty
Burning, sweet, smoky, cloudy, bitter,
Color, clear
Oily, wet, sticky, slick, thick

83. Responsibility Anything unusual is a potential problem
Danger to you
Danger to your students
Danger to other motorists
Anyone who knows about a problem is responsible for addressing it:
Write it down
Pass it on
Fix it

84. Responsibility Take action on maintenance decisions
Never ignore a defect
Fix it temporarily/permanently
Monitor problem
Pull vehicle from service
Substitute vehicle
If on the road, may need to shut down