MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Winter Month Maintenance Recommendations

It's that time of year again. Summer is long gone, and it's time to get coaches in trim for the winter season. Winter is an unforgiving season in most parts of North America, so an ounce of prevention now should go a long way to alleviating problems later on.

Here is a short list of the things you and your technicians should be checking extra carefully before the worst of winter hits.

1. Coolant strength and contamination. Now is a good time to verify additive level with a test strip.


2. Check, clean and load test batteries, and verify and clean all major connections and grounds. Remember, as the temperature drops, so does battery efficiency. This is winter's number-one reason for emergency service calls! Verify voltage setting at the regulator at this time.


3. Check windshield wiper and washer system for proper function. Replace wiper blades.


4. Change the air dryer desiccant cartridge and verify the air dryer heater function.  Remember to ice down the base to get the heater to sense a cold temperature and come on. Check the operation of the purge valve, change if required, and adjust your air pressure setting.


5. Pack ice, if you have it, on your rearview mirrors and check to see if the mirror heaters are functional.


6. Replace your suspension filter.


7. Measure the tread depth of your tires; if using winter tires, install them now. Verify tire pressures and check more frequently over the winter season.  Remember, air pressure drops with temperature, so check it frequently.


8. Replace or clean all the HVAC filters (remember the driver's). Open the auxiliary heater and clean the chamber, replacing the electrodes and fuel nozzle. Test-run the system to full heat and verify its functionality. Inspect function of HVAC damper doors.


9. Verify that all exterior lights work. Drivers should do this daily, but do it again now, looking carefully at the light assemblies for sign of dirt entry or moisture. Fixing this now will be less costly then later, should road salts attack the internal parts of the light assemblies.


10. Be sure to review your coach manual and take care of all other recommended maintenance at this time.

Lastly, this is the time of the year to give your drivers a pep talk. Remind them to watch their speed and maintain a proper distance behind vehicles in front of them.

The FYI from MCI editorial staff values your feedback. Please e-mail any suggestions, comments, or ideas for future articles to fyi@mcicoach.com.