Tips for Maintaining Your Bus in Illinois
As the largest bus dealer in the United States, Midwest Transit does more than simply sell vehicles. We also want to be a partner in helping you maintain your bus or van! Keep reading for a few tips to keep your vehicle working at maximum performance and feel free to contact one of our Service Departments if you have any questions.
Keep Up with Routine Maintenance
Depending on the model and age of your bus, as well as the type of transportation you are using it for, there are many unique elements under the hood. The best place to reference is the Owner’s Manual with manufacturer guidelines when it comes to knowing which elements to keep an eye out for and when to schedule maintenance. Just as with a personal car or SUV, preventative maintenance can save you major costs down the road. Not only will you decrease the chance of having to replace a part early, you’ll avoid the stress and potential loss of revenue that comes with an unexpected breakdown. Our Service Department combines expert technicians with competitive pricing, including ongoing specials, so there's no reason to delay a visit.
Be Aware of Seasonal Changes
With the four seasons that occur in Illinois as well as other states in the Midwest, weather can take a toll on your bus. We strongly recommend scheduling a quick inspection before the winter and summer months, as those are usually when vehicles have the most extreme temperatures and conditions to contend with. You will want to make sure the battery has enough charge to power your bus, especially before the winter when subzero temperatures force it to work harder. Snow coating the roads is another potential hazard, which is why you’ll also want to take a look at the tire tread. During the summer, overheating is the main concern, so be sure that there is enough coolant and the filters are in good condition, allowing ample airflow. We would be happy to assist in inspection of any or all of the items mentioned above, so feel free to stop by one of our convenient locations today.
Storage and Driving Habits
Storage and usage can also play a part in the lifespan and performance of your bus. If possible, storing your vehicle inside a garage is preferred, limiting the exposure to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. However, we understand that it’s not always feasible. A covered or semi-covered roof is another affordable option that can help protect your bus or fleet of buses. Avoid letting a bus sit in one spot without being driven for an extended period of time, as that can cause numerous issues when you do need to use it. Similarly, short distances can be tough on the engine, especially for older powertrains, so give the bus time to warm up and cool down between low mileage drives.
We hope that our tips for maintaining your bus in Illinois will help your business, school, or non-profit organization stay on the move! Explore Midwest Transit’s Service and Parts Departments for repairs, maintenance, and more.
Dealership Information
Testimonials
Outstanding Communication and Service
Teamwork That Keeps Us Rolling
“ Keeping our buses running safely and on time takes a lot of teamwork - and quick, reliable service makes all the difference. When you want to do the best, you partner with the best ”
Midwest is great
“ Parts and service are always helping me out. Whether I need a replacement part for my fleet or providing a service fixing something on one of my buses. I'd recommend them. They're busy, but service is quality and everyone is always friendly. ”
Great company
“ Midwest transit is a great company! Thanks John, for your all-star team. ”
Great to do business with
“ Eric and Jason really know their bus stuff! Great to do business with! ”
Quick Fix and Great Service – Thanks Wally!
“ Had an air conditioning condenser for our bus! Thanks Wally ”
No Complaints
“ Always great in getting our bus back to our facility as quick as possible. Never had an issue or complaint with their service. ”
Exceptional Team, Start to Finish
“ Let's begin in the Receptionist department - Excellent, friendly and Great attitude. Now parts department - Friendly, Great attitude and more. Garage department - Just WOW. Blew me away with friendliness. Now let's talk service Manager - Knows his stuff, no questions. Great, friendly and Very Helpful. Now Facility Manager, I wish i knew even Half of the Stuff he does. His mind must always be going, thinking, researching and So much Experience. Just Makes me humble to be in the same Room with him. ”
Friendly staff
“ Nice friendly staff ”
Helpful
“ Very friendly and helpful! ”
Very knowledgeable
“ They know buses. They are very willing to work with you on your needs and learn about what they need to do to make the buses right for your area. They are also very helpful and understanding when something needs changed. ”
A Decade of Excellence with Midwest Transit
“ Midwest Transit has been good to me. Their staff's professionalism from bus purchases to service to parts is perfect (and I'm not easily pleased) I've never gone wrong in my 10 years of dealing with this company. Keep it great Midwest Transit! Berry N Transit Rentals, Shenise Berry ”
Staff is nice and friendly
“ I been done there 3 times I love going to there location I work for a school bus company the first time I drove a bus back to Waukegan I loved the drive the busses are great they handle easily good staff nice and friendly ”
Always Great
“ Always a great job from Tim & Ken! ”
Dave Hoffman went above and beyond
“ Dave Hoffman went up and beyond for us in a time of need. Wonderful employee. ”
Excellent bus dealership
“ Midwest transit is an excellent bus dealership. We deliver a lot of units for them and the personnel on each location is a pleasure to deal with. I have to single out Tom he went above and beyond for me today I appreciate it. ”
Reliable Service That Keeps Us Rolling
“ Another bus driver and I drove up to this business where our Buses are serviced and warranty work is done. So we drove up there to retrieve one of our Schools Buses and bring it back to Joplin to get placed back into service. This business is on top of what they do and they do a spectacular job. ”
Wonderful experience
“ Awesome people and great service! They made buying a bus a wonderful experience and went out of their way to accommodate us. The Marshall facility is top notch. They have terrific staff in all departments. I would give a shout out to the employees that provided exceptional service, but I would just be naming them all. ”
Courteous
“ They were courteous with my arrival for our company purchase ”
Efficient Service
“ Very efficient and professional. ”
Close 

“ The team does an excellent job communicating about purchase orders and parts availability. They are quick to respond, great at sourcing parts even the hard-to-find ones, and always willing to go the extra mile. I have no complaints; they are knocking it out of the park. Shoutout to John and Zach for doing a great job! ”