When winter arrives, safe travel becomes more important than ever. At Varsity Travel, we take every precaution to ensure our passengers, drivers, and vehicles are fully prepared for harsh weather conditions. From mechanical preparation to driver training, our winter readiness process is thorough, proactive, and built on industry best practices. Here’s a behind the scenes look at how we keep our fleet running safely all season long.
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1. Winterizing Every Vehicle: Mechanical & System Preparation
Cold temperatures can take a toll on any vehicle, especially commercial buses. Our maintenance team performs a full winterization process to ensure each bus is ready for freezing conditions.
Fluids & Cooling System
• Antifreeze/Coolant Testing: We confirm every bus has the proper 50/50 antifreeze mixture for maximum freeze protection. We never exceed a 70/30 ratio to avoid overheating risks.
• Winter-Grade Engine Oil: A thinner, manufacturer approved oil is used during winter months to help protect the engine during cold starts.
• Freeze-Resistant Washer Fluid: Our reservoirs are filled with winter specific washer fluid so visibility is never compromised.
• Bathroom Weatherproofing: To prevent frozen tanks and burst pipes, we install tank heating pads, heat tape, and use non-toxic RV antifreeze when necessary.
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2. Electrical Readiness & Battery Reliability
Cold weather dramatically reduces battery power, so our team takes added steps to protect against electrical failure.
• Full Battery Load Testing: Each battery is tested and proactively replaced if it shows weakness. A fully charged battery should measure at least 12.6 volts.
• Clean Connections: Corrosion is removed from all terminals, and connections are tightened for a reliable power supply.
• Engine Block Heaters: For buses parked outside in frigid weather, we use block heaters to keep engines warm and ensure smooth starts.
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3. Tires, Brakes & Traction Control
Road traction and stopping power are essential in snowy or icy conditions.
• Tire Inspections: All tires are checked for adequate tread depth, at least 4/32” on steer tires and 2/32” on others.
• Cold Weather Tire Pressure Checks: Since PSI drops in cold temperatures, our team checks and adjusts pressures frequently to maintain fuel efficiency and safety.
• Air Brake Moisture Purging: Drivers are trained to purge air tanks daily to prevent moisture from freezing in the brake lines.
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4. Fuel System Protection (Especially for Diesel Engines)
Diesel fuel can “gel” in extreme cold, so extra precautions are crucial.
• Anti-Gel Additives: We use high-quality diesel anti-gel products to prevent clogged filters and engine no-starts.
• Full Fuel Tanks: Keeping tanks full reduces condensation, preventing ice from forming inside the system.
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5. Comfort & Visibility Checks
A safe trip is also a comfortable one, and visibility is critical for drivers navigating winter roads.
• Heating & Defrost Systems: We test both driver and passenger heating systems to ensure reliable airflow and clear windows.
• Wiper Blade Replacement: Old or cracked blades are replaced before winter weather arrives.
• Lighting Inspections: Every headlight, brake light, turn signal, and interior dome light is tested for reliability.
• Window & Mirror Clearing: Drivers ensure all snow and ice are removed before departure.
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6. Driver Preparedness & On-Board Safety
We prepare our drivers just as thoroughly as our vehicles.
Winter Emergency Kits on Every Bus
Each vehicle carries essential supplies, including:
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Reflective markers or road flares
• Ice scraper, de-icing spray, and snow brush
Driver Winter Training
Our drivers receive ongoing reminders and guidance for navigating winter conditions safely:
• Slow, controlled driving
• Increased following distance
• Gentle acceleration and braking
• Extra caution on bridges and overpasses, where ice forms first
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7. Communication & Route Planning
Winter weather can change quickly, so communication is key.
• Constant Weather Monitoring: Drivers and dispatch track weather and road conditions before and during each trip.
• Alternate Route Planning: Back up routes are prepared in advance to avoid closures or hazardous areas.
• Passenger Group Communication: If delays are needed for safety, our team communicates promptly with group contacts.
• Reliable Equipment: Radios and mobile devices are checked and fully charged before departure.
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Our Promise: Safety First, Every Season
At Varsity Travel, winter doesn’t slow us down, it strengthens our commitment to safety. From proactive maintenance to real-time communication and fully trained drivers, we take every measure to ensure a safe, comfortable, and reliable travel experience, no matter the weather.