Maintaining Your Minibus – Our Top 10 Tips

Maintaining Your Minibus

A minibus is a significant investment, whether used for school transport, community services, or business purposes. Keeping your minibus in top condition is not only important for the safety of passengers but also for extending the lifespan of the minibus and maintaining its value.

Whether you have a 9-seater or 17-seater minibus, wheelchair access or assisted access, maintaining your minibus is a combination of common sense and professional upkeep.

Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and ensure reliable performance. Here are some practical maintenance tips to keep your minibus running smoothly.

Here are our top 10 tips for maintaining your Minibus:

Read more: Maintaining Your Minibus – Our Top 10 Tips

1. Regularly Check Fluid Levels

Engine Oil

Check and change the engine oil according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of the engine, reducing wear and tear and preventing overheating. Always keep a top up bottle of oil in your minibus just in case.

Coolant

Ensure that the coolant level is adequate to prevent the engine from overheating. Check for leaks and top up with the correct type of coolant as specified in the vehicle manual.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is crucial for the proper functioning of the braking system. Check the brake fluid level regularly and top up if necessary. If you notice a significant drop in fluid level, have the system inspected for leaks. A minibus is a sizeable vehicle, so brake safety is paramount.


2. Inspect Tyres Regularly

Tyre Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for safety and fuel efficiency. Check the tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. It also improves the lifespan of the tyre given the weight of your minibus.

Tyre Tread

Inspect the tyre tread depth to ensure adequate grip on the road. Replace tyres that have worn down to the minimum tread depth recommended by the manufacturer or the legal limit. Uneven tyre wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues that need addressing.


3. Brake System Maintenance

Brake Pads and Discs

Regularly inspect the brake pads and discs for wear and tear. Replace them as needed to ensure optimal braking performance. Squeaking or grinding noises can indicate worn brake pads that require immediate attention.

Brake Lines

Check brake lines for any signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks. Well-maintained brake lines are essential for a responsive and reliable braking system on your minibus.

4. Lighting and Electrical System

Lights

Regularly check all exterior and interior lights to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly to maintain visibility and safety on your minibus.

Electrical System

Inspect the minibus electrical system for any issues, including wiring and fuses. Address any electrical problems immediately to prevent further damage.


5. Battery Care

Battery Terminals

Ensure that battery terminals are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Corroded terminals can lead to poor electrical connections and starting problems.

Battery Charge

Regularly check the battery charge and ensure it is holding a charge correctly. Replace the battery if it shows signs of failing, such as difficulty starting the vehicle or dimming lights. If your minibus is left standing for long periods of time or only used for short journeys, regularly top up, disconnect and keep a set of jump leads in the vehicle.


6. Regular Servicing

Scheduled Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Regular servicing by a professional can identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you money in the long run.

Professional Inspections

Have your minibus professionally inspected at least once a year. A qualified mechanic can check for any underlying issues that may not be apparent during routine checks. If you’re passing CVM World, book in and have a coffee while we inspect your vehicle!

7. Cleanliness and Interior Care

Regular Cleaning

Keep the interior and exterior of the minibus clean. Regular washing and waxing can protect the paintwork, while a clean interior ensures a pleasant experience for passengers.

Seat and Upholstery Care

Inspect seats and upholstery for any damage or wear. Repair or replace as necessary to maintain comfort and aesthetics. Better still, order a set of seat covers from CVM World to protect your investment.


8. Suspension and Steering

Inspect Suspension

Regularly inspect the suspension system for any signs of wear or damage. Properly functioning suspension ensures a smooth and safe ride. Be aware of any noises, uneven ride, leaning when parked flat or excess movement.

Steering System

Check the steering system for any issues such as unusual noises or difficulty steering. Address any problems promptly to maintain control and safety. Be aware of any pulling to one side (which may indicate the tracking is off, suspension damaged or tyre pressure low).

9. Windscreen

Cracks and Chips

A small chip or even crack may be repairable (and is often covered under insurance without affecting your no claims). However, a large crack or chip can affect the safety and structural rigidity of your minibus. Plus, it may be illegal to drive.

10. Seatbelts

Working Order

Regularly check all your passenger seatbelts are working, not restricted or the belt frayed or knotted. Each seatbelt should open and retract smoothly and lock when pulled hard


Why Maintaining your Minibus is Important

Maintaining your 17-seater minibus in top condition requires regular checks and servicing. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of your vehicle. Regular maintenance not only prevents costly repairs but also provides peace of mind knowing that your minibus is always ready for the road.

How to Spec Your Minibus – Our Top 5 Tips

How to Spec Your Minibus

A minibus is a significant investment, whether used for school transport, community services, or business purposes. Once you have chosen the one you want, diesel or electric, 9 or 17-seater, wheelchair access or not, make and model; how do you choose the options? Just like with a car, the right options can make the ownership experience more enjoyable and contribute to resale values and desirability.

Here are our top 5 tips for choosing your optional extra’s when you purchase a minibus from CVM World:

Read more: How to Spec Your Minibus – Our Top 5 Tips

1. Safety

With a minibus passenger safety is a priority. A CVM World minibus comes with individual seats and seatbelts, is a ‘type approved vehicle’ so tested to a high level and also our manufacturer partners produce safe vehicles. But you can always do more. We offer a seatbelt alert system, grab style headrests, a safety pack with speed limit recognition, smartbeam headlights, active safety brake, distance alert system and lane departure warning system.

2. Comfort

If you are planning long trips, at CVM World we have a host of options to make the journey go quickly. Our comfort pack (available on Ford Transit Trend Model comes with cab air con, (including glove box), alarm, cruise, touchscreen sat nav, DAB digital radio/CD player, Bluetooth with USB. In addition we offer a stand-alone air conditioner and heater, diesel heater, tinted windows, fridge and more.

3. Technology

Modern minibuses can have all the toys, from a dashcam to record incidents outside to CCTV to record incidents inside. Parking sensors and reversing camera, solar panels and upgraded navigation.

4. Practicality

With a full minibus you might have lot of people with even more luggage. We have the solutions. From a roof rack and ladders to additional storage (lockable), overhead storage, quick release seating and foldable seats.

5. Accessibility

We believe in mobility for everyone at CVM World, so have developed a range of features to get everyone onboard. Starting with grab rails we move on to manual and electric steps, electric lifts for wheelchair accessibility and additional restraints to ensure all occupants are safely onboard.

At CVM World we can help you spec your perfect minibus for today and tomorrow.

Why Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses from CVM World?

Why Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses from CVM World?

Transporting groups efficiently and inclusively is crucial for many organisations, including schools, charities, community groups and businesses. Ensuring that transportation is accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities, is not just a matter of compliance but also a commitment to inclusivity and equality. CVM World offers a range of wheelchair accessible minibuses that are designed to meet these needs. Here’s why opting for a wheelchair accessible minibus from CVM World is an excellent choice.

Continue reading “Why Choose a Wheelchair Accessible Minibuses from CVM World?”

Car, Van & Minibus World
Tunstall Road Industrial Estate
Knypersley
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST8 7BD

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