FMVSS Standard 121 certifica- tion for air brake performance, Trujillo said. At present, that means Meritor 21,000-pound brake linings paired with Webb and Gunite brake drums. “The ability of a bus to stop
safely is non-negotiable and ensuring that tires remain in firm contact with the pavement under all weather conditions is essential,” he emphasized. “High-quality tires and a properly maintained braking system are not just requirements for commercial vehicles they are fundamental to the safety of every vehicle on the road.” Among available choices,
Tesdahl added aluminum
High-quality tires and a properly
maintained braking system are not just requirements for commercial vehicles they are fundamental to the safety of every
vehicle on the road. - Miguel Trujillo, San Marcos USD, Calif.
one decision can be choosing drum brakes or air disc brakes (ADBs). While drum brakes cost less to procure, they also offer extended service intervals and lower maintenance costs, avoiding brake drag and lowering the risk of Compliance, Safety, Accountability or CSA violations, as explained by representatives from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. Changing the company’s ADB22X air disc brakes takes approximately 15 minutes compared to about 60 minutes for a drum brakes. They also feature shorter stopping distances, limited brake fade and consistent performance after repeated stops, the company added. Whether to use tire recaps or retreads is another
consideration. For Arkansas’ Valentine, the main issue is cost. “We do not use retreads in our district due to cost point to durability ratio,” he explained. “Virgin tires may cost a little more up front, but mileage-wise they pay off in the long run. At New Hanover, buses do run with recaps but they’re
only allowed on the rear axle of the bus, in compliance with FMCSA regulations. The steer axle must be equipped with new tires only, as noted in the NCDPI handbook. The use of recaps could change, though. “We’re considering using more new tires on the rear as new tire pricing is very competitive with the recap tire pricing,” Lippard said. The choice of wheels can also offer options. For Tes- dahl in Minnesota, that means going with aluminum. “Steel wheels require a lot of maintenance, needing to be sandblasted and painted every year,” she noted. “If you keep your buses for any length of time, the aluminum wheels are well worth the investment.”
40 School Transportation News • NOVEMBER 2025
wheels offer better ventilation to keep brakes from getting hot, which helps prolong their life, and aluminum wheels look good as the bus travels down the road. In some districts, procure-
ment choices are handled on a centralized basis. “From our vantage point in the tire shop, we have little to say in which tires are purchased,” Lippard in North Carolina said. “But upon receiving them we do make sure that all tires adhere to NCDPI guidelines, especially in regard to load range.”
Success with the Basics For optimum results in this area, California’s Trujillo
recommends keeping technicians highly trained and conducting thorough quality-control inspections, both during and after repairs. “If technicians are not fully versed in braking system diagnostics, ongoing training is essential,” he said. “They must be taught every detail about braking systems, tire wear patterns, tread life, and how to identify concerns before they become safety hazards.” South Carolina’s Moody advised focusing on quality and staying proactive with maintenance, which the state provides for districts. “Invest in high-quality tires and brakes, track in-
spections carefully, and encourage drivers to remain conscious of how their drive style affects their equip- ment,” he said. “Paying attention to these details helps extend the life of components, reduce downtime and keep kids safe.” Valentine in Arkansas said he also focuses on equip-
ment quality. “Use higher quality brake linings as they will pay off budget-wise in the long run,” he said. “Main- tain proper air pressure at all costs, and ensure drivers are not heavy footed in the braking department.” He also noted it pays to avoid placing bus stops too
close together, providing a chance for brakes and rotors to cool down and avoiding excessive use. “Purchase the best you can, and try new items as they
become available,” Minnesota’s Tesdahl said. “Working with a few vendors or specific vendors for specific items is advantageous to get the best quality at the best price.” ●
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