As winter sets in, ensuring the reliability and functionality of your bus fleet becomes paramount. The colder months pose unique challenges for buses, demanding meticulous preparation to navigate through icy roads and adverse weather conditions. To fortify your fleet against the winter chill, it’s crucial to restock and replace key bus parts. Here are the top six essentials that every bus operator should consider before the snow blankets the roads.
1. A winter front
When winter arrives and the temperatures descend below 0, the winter front is a crucial component for buses which helps get through the cold season. The winter front is used as a protective barrier, shielding the bus’s engine and other important equipment from the harsh elements. Installing a winter front allows operators to manage the engine’s temperature, ensuring optimal operating conditions are reached more quickly in frigid temperatures. This not only promotes fuel efficiency but also reduces engine wear and tear.
Furthermore, by helping to maintain a steady cabin temperature, the winter front improves passenger comfort and safety on board. Investing in a dependable winter front is not only assuring that you’re prepared for winter; it’s a strategic measure to assure that the bus is running efficiently throughout the season and remains durable and reliable for both the driver and passengers during the journey.
Our picks:
FIA brand
# 30210 – Winter front and bug screen kit for Ford E-series
# 28192 – Winter front and bug screen kit for Chev / GM 3500 and 4500 Express30210 – Winter front and bug screen kit for Ford E-series
2. Passenger heaters
It’s important to always consider that passengers want to be comfortable when they’re traveling, whether it’s a long or short bus ride, passenger heaters are crucial in the cold winter months. These heating systems will offer comfort and warmth to both passengers and the driver, which will make the journey a much more pleasant experience for everyone. In order to prevent any disruptions in service, check your bus’ heaters before the temperature drops to ensure they are working properly.
Our picks:
Replacement heater motors
# 17581 – Motor for under seat heaters 420, 435, 465 low profile
# 50104 – Motor with resistor for 60M upright slimline heater
3. Booster pump
The booster pump is another crucial component to properly prepare your bus for the winter season. It helps the circulation of coolant throughout the engine, which is important since the engines are susceptible to freezing, which could cause significant damage. The booster pump helps prevent such issues by ensuring that the coolant circulates properly, keeping the engine at the right temperature. This proactive measure is essential for maintaining engine performance, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring the bus operates reliably during the winter months.
Our picks:
Replacement booster pump
# 20119 – Pump booster brushed electric 1200 LpH
# 52051 – Pump booster brushed electric 450 LpH
# 46426 – Pump booster electric centrifugal brass head 1200 LpH
4. Defrost fan
A defrost fan is a vital addition to help enhance visibility for both the driver and passengers in the winter throughout the bus journey. Condensation and frost on the windows happen frequently once the temperature drops and can severely affect visibility which can cause a safety risk to everyone on board. The defrost fan is used to clear condensation, ensuring that bus windows remain clear, making the view a pleasant one for passengers, and providing better visibility for the driver.
Our picks:
Replacement Driver Defrost fan
# 34927 – Fan Defroster 12v Black screw mount
5. Step heat pad
The step heat pad is an important component of every bus in the winter. It acts as a proactive solution to prevent the accumulation of ice and snow around the entrance ramp of the bus. In winter, these areas are susceptible to freezing and snow, which can be dangerous for passengers getting on or leaving the bus. The step heat pad reduces this risk by generating warmth under the ramp where the bus door is, preventing the formation of ice, and making a safe passage for the passengers. Seeing as the steps and door is such a used space for passengers, making sure that it’s safe is a must. The heat step pad is a great asset to have this winter, increasing the safety and accessibility of the bus, especially in icy conditions.
Our picks:
Replacement step heating pads
# 46553 – Heater step electric 12v 7” x 25” stick-on
6. Heated mirrors
Heated mirrors are a great addition to help with visibility for drivers during the winter. The accumulation of snow and frost on mirrors can be detrimental to the visibility on the road and cause potential safety risks. Heated mirrors ensure drivers maintain clear visibility by quickly melting ice and frost, providing an unobstructed line of sight. Incorporating heated mirrors into the bus is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. This feature provides safety and peace of mind for drivers during the winter season.
Our picks:
Replacement heated mirror glass
# 36660 – Mirror glass heated flat on either side for Startrans Senator II
# 31833 – Mirror glass heated convex on either side for Startrans Senator II
# 38587 – Mirror glass heated flat LH for Arboc Spirit of Freedom
# 36503 – Mirror glass heated flat RH for Arboc Spirit of Freedom
# 39050 – Mirror glass heated convex kit LH for Arboc Spirit of Freedom
# 39049 – Mirror glass heated convex kit RH for Arboc Spirit of Freedom
