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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Remove Oil Dipstick and Check Fluid Level

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

Check Oil Level Daily

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.

Check Belts

Check Washer Fluid Level

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

Check Battery

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

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

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

Check that All Gauges Function Correctly

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

Check Controls

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

Check Lights

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 571.111. 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.

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.

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.

Look at Both!

Why?

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.

Left Cross View Mirror

Right Cross View Mirror

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.

Passenger Entry Service doors Stairwell Handrail

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

Interior Walk Through

Rear Emergency Door and Other Emergency Exits

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: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/067/chapter171/chap171toc.html

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

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

Properly Secure Equipment

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check that Fuel Cap is On and Secure

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

(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

Check Rear Emergency Door

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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?

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

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 10-15 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

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

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

Post-trip Inspection Post-trip inspections are required by federal regulations (49 CFR Section 396.11) 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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