Community Outreach: Vehicle Maintenance

Ensure the vehicle is in working order before hitting the road. Some things should be checked between each stop (step has been picked up, air vents closed, etc.) while other things can be checked daily, weekly, quarterly, or yearly depending on their usage and importance. Some examples are included below for different items to consider in your library's inspections as well as various layouts.

Temperature:

• Performance generally declines 1% for every 10° above 85°–100° (depending on the settings)
• Generator may run up to 120° (but not at optimal performance)
• Power output generally declines 3.5% for each 1,000 ft above sea level or 500 ft (depending on settings) 
• Check electrical load and reduce if possible
• If possible, park so that the generator and generator compartment are in the shade (or such that the compartment is on the shade side of the bookmobile)

Maintenance:

• Coolants and oil need to be topped off regularly
• Check intake ducts/ louvers/ screens and clear them of debris
• Open generator compartment door, and, if safe, slide the generator out on its tray. This allows for more air circulation for the generator.
• At the end of each stop, before turning the generator off, remove the load from the generator by turning off everything that is drawing power from it such as the a/c or computer. Allow the generator to run for two minutes before turning it off to allow the generator to cool down.

Additional Actions:

• Purchase a fire protection mat to place under the generator. These are typically sold to protect decks from grills or fire pits. They provide a layer between a hot parking lot and the generator.

Tips for the vehicle sitting for an extended period of time compiled by Summit Body Works:

• The vehicle should be plugged in for the duration of the shutdown if possible. If not, at least every two to three days it should charge for 8-10 hours.
• Start the vehicle and run or take for a 20–30 minute drive at least once a week. 
• Generator: Run at least once a week for an hour while unplugged from the shore power. 
• Heat/AC: Run each for at least an hour once or twice a week. 
• Check all maintenance schedules: vehicle, generator, HVAC systems, etc. 
• Has the unit been washed on a weekly basis? It needs to have the street grime taken off of the graphics to keep those looking new. (If sitting in direct sunlight, perhaps park in a shaded area or tarp the vehicle.) 
• Batteries: Are they flooded or AGM? If flooded, they will need distilled water added to them. 
• The vehicle should be powered down to the fullest extent possible. 
• It should be left plugged into shore power to keep the battery charge maintained. 
• We would recommend putting dryer sheets throughout the vehicle to keep the air freshened and it will also detract from the rodents messing with it. 
• Mix a bottle of Cayenne Pepper and water and spray any exterior wiring to once again detract from rodents as they like to nibble on wiring. 
• If you have any fresh, grey, or black tanks it will need to be drained to prevent molding within the tank. 
• Periodically, check the roof of the vehicle after any inclement weather for any damage. (Hail or hard wind/rain storm.) 
• Check the exterior including tires for any obvious issues.