10 Tips to Beat the Heat and Drive Safely this Summer

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Summertime is an excellent time for people to spend time outdoors. You can enjoy amazing views and catch enough sunlight to get a good tan.

For truckers, however, summer can be challenging for both you and your truck. The hot weather and long-distance drive can accelerate brake fade, causing a drop in tire pressure and increased oil consumption. The blazing heat also makes the driver uncomfortable, affecting his focus and attention and increasing fatigue, so additional caution and the right preparation are necessary.

Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned trucker, following the truck driving safety tips below could help you beat the heat and reduce exhaustion while on the road during summer days.

Stay properly hydrated.

Increase your water intake, especially on the hottest days of the year. This will help keep you hydrated and cool your body down. While on a trip, you constantly lose water through sweating, breathing, and urination. Make it a point to replenish this water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Lack of water in the body leads to dehydration, causing symptoms such as nausea, sluggishness, and exhaustion. Always keep bottles of water handy during your trip and drink them at regular intervals. Proper hydration can help ward off heatstroke and heat exhaustion, as well as support the body’s mental and physical functions.

Eat healthy and fresh.

One of the best ways to stay healthy and energized while driving under the scorching summer heat is to eat fresh and nutritious food. This is not a big problem because gardens and plantations are rich in healthy and fresh fruits and vegetables during the hot season. You can bring salads and other cold food, fruits, and vegetables that you can eat after thorough rinsing. These include tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, apples, and bananas. Some snacks can also keep your energy up under the scorching summer heat. Among them are roasted chickpeas, yogurt and granola, pumpkin seeds, and mixed nuts.

Put on some sunscreen.

Though you stay in a closed and air-conditioned cabin all day, constant exposure to the sun shining through the driver’s side window can be harmful to your skin. Not to mention the times you need to go down your truck during your breaks or when you need to load or unload cargo. Avoid getting the so-called “Driver’s Tan” or “Trucker’s Arm” by applying a generous amount of sunscreen on your skin or wearing a light, long-sleeved shirt. This is a simple way to beat the heat when the sun is at its peak.

Take some breaks.

When you're in for a long haul, it's a good practice to take a break every now and then, regardless of the weather. This will give your body time to recharge and rest from long periods of sitting. If the weather or circumstances permit, take some time out of the cabin. Take a short walk around the area or go inside a diner to grab a bite to eat. If you are refueling, go out and stretch your legs, or briskly walk or jog inside at the fueling station. Allowing yourself some time to rejuvenate and stretch can do wonders in minimizing driving fatigue. Maintaining your on-the-road fitness helps you stay alert and physically ready for the next leg of your journey.

Monitor the traffic situation.

During the summer, roads tend to be more crowded due to vacationers and people taking their time off work. Heavy traffic poses more dangers to truckers, so be extra cautious and alert. Before heading out, check the traffic reports, and if possible, try to avoid congested roads.

Wear light and comfortable clothes.

For your comfort, wear the right set of clothing. Allow your body to breathe by wearing a shirt made of comfortable, lightweight material, such as cotton. And before you hit the road, make sure to bring enough sets of clothes, so you can change or take a quick shower whenever possible.

Maintain cool cabin temperature.

Before your trip, check your cabin’s air conditioning unit to ensure it is working properly. Keep the temperature in your truck’s cabin lower than outside, but not extremely low, so your organisms won’t have a hard time adjusting. While a big temperature difference will easily cool you down, it is harmful to you and your rig. If possible, keep your truck well-ventilated and ensure you are prepared to drive in a hot environment. Like your body, also try to give the air conditioner a break. When you are resting or taking a break, open all the windows to let fresh air in. This is a crucial step when preparing your heavy-duty truck for summer to prevent A/C failure in high temperatures.

Watch your driving speed.

Running at high speeds makes your big rig prone to overheating and puts additional stress on the engine and tires. The combination of high speeds and hot temperatures can be detrimental to these components. Don’t drive too fast to avoid engine overheating, and allow the tires and the engine to cool off by taking frequent breaks.

Keep tabs on the weather.

Just as drivers prepare their rigs for winter's snow and ice storms, the summer months also bring some challenging weather, such as heavy downpours and thunderstorms, that require preparation. Fleet managers often use different strategies than those required for winter driving to handle summer flash floods and slick roads. Slick pavements are unsafe, so make it a point to inspect your brakes and tires at the onset of the summer season. Check the weather forecast for your route and destination. This way, you can change your route or adjust your itinerary to avoid getting caught off guard in a thunderstorm.

Help your truck beat the heat.

Of course, you also need to help your truck beat the heat and stay in top shape to keep your business running smoothly on hot summer days. It pays to perform pre- and post-trip checks on your truck to detect issues early on. Regularly monitor your tire pressure, as the risk of tire blowouts increases in high temperatures. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated throughout your trip.

Take care of your cabin’s air conditioning unit. You will need it a lot this summer. Take care of your engine by ensuring the engine oil is regularly topped off to prevent overheating. Inspect your truck’s belts and hoses, making sure they are not cracked or do not have signs of breakage, before you head on your trip. Owners often find it helpful to summer-ize their fleet to prevent roadside breakdowns during the hottest months.

When you need help in preparing your big rig for summer, FinditParts is here to help. We’ve got a wide array of truck parts and accessories to help restore the tiptop shape and functionality of your tires, A/C unit, hoses, and other components. We also have the necessary fluids you need to top up your coolant and other automotive oil and lubricants. Browse our catalog now, and we’ll help gear up your rig for the hot summer days.