Maintenance tips for school bus operators and transport service providers
For school bus operators or those who provide transport services to students, keeping their vehicle in good condition is important. It’s especially true now as face-to-face classes finally resume, after two years of online classes.
Employing the right driving habits can help extend the life and health of your vehicle’s suspension. After all, there are some driving habits that can cause unnecessary strain to specific parts of the vehicle, especially the steering and suspension systems.
BSB Junrose, the local distributor of Sankei 555 Steering and Suspension Parts, shares some helpful tips to care for your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems.
Drive carefully over bumps and holes
There are many areas where the road is peppered with potholes and bumps. They can be anywhere from highways to local roads. While most vehicles can easily handle these, repeatedly running over these hazards can eventually cause wheel misalignment and potential damage to suspension parts. Reduce this chance by driving more carefully when passing through such roads.
Keep both your hands on the steering wheel
Many drivers, especially of vehicles with manual transmission, often rest one hand on the gear lever, as a habit. This is not ideal as the weight on the gear lever can push the stick’s selector forks against gears unnecessarily, leading to wear. Make it a habit to keep both hands on the steering wheel when driving.
Always use the vehicle’s parking brake
Sometimes, it’s tempting to simply leave the vehicle in gear when parked. Indeed it can prevent it from rolling, but it puts undue stress on the transmission. Instead, always use the handbrake whenever the vehicle is parked.
Recognize the signs of possible damage to steering or suspension
To avoid even bigger repair bills, it pays to recognize the early signs of damage or problems in your vehicle’s steering or suspension systems. Is the steering wheel shaking or vibrating when you are driving? Are there weird noises when turning the steering wheel? Is the vehicle pulling to one side when driving in a straight line? Do you notice squeaking, clunking, or banging sounds under the hood? Is there excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel?
“Some driving habits and delays in regular vehicle maintenance procedures could bring about or worsen problems that could affect handling, steering, and suspension,” said Benjamin Bangayan Jr, President of BSB Junrose, a local distributor of the best and most trusted autoparts brands.
“You can protect your vehicle’s steering and suspension by observing ideal driving habits. When there are inevitable issues caused by the usual wear and tear, among the most recommended steering and suspension parts in the market today come from the leader, Japan’s Sankei Industry Co. Ltd. We distribute ‘Made in Japan’ Sankei 555 Steering and Suspension Parts. Steering and suspension parts are safety items. When it comes to safety and lives of passengers, second best should not be good enough,” he added.
Available from the Sankei 555 brand are Rack & Pinion Steering parts, Front Suspension & Steering Linkage type parts, and joints steering parts — including tie rod end, rack end, arm shaft, idler arm, side rod, control arm, pitman arm, ball joint, stabilizer link, and cross rod that are all directly imported from the Japanese manufacturer. These carry Japanese engineering, manufacturing processes, and precision care.
“For decades now, Sankei 555 has successfully endured the toughest roads in the Philippines. It has proven its reliability and is still providing itself today. That’s why the brand is the leading in the country, in terms of steering and suspension. You may not be aware but Sankei 555 could already be installed in your car, keeping you and your passengers safe all the time. Thus, it should be your top choice for parts replacements,” Bangayan concluded.
Visit any of BSB Junrose’s authorized resellers now to inquire about and purchase steering and suspension parts from Sankei 555.