Without a doubt, summertime temperatures can be uncomfortable, but the heat also poses risks and driving obstacles for truckers. In addition to the heat contributing to driver fatigue, dehydration, and reduced attention span, incidents like blowouts and brake issues are among the many challenges truck drivers face as temperatures rise.
The following tips can help make your summer truck driving experiences more comfortable, safe, and enjoyable, while giving you peace of mind even when problems arise.
Caring for Yourself
One of the best ways to avoid encountering heat-related truck issues is practicing habits of self-care while out on the road.
#1 Hydrate Yourself
While this may seem like a no-brainer, long-distance trips often result in dehydration. When focusing on reaching a destination, it’s easy to forget to drink ample amounts of water. However, staying hydrated is the first line of defense against headaches, sluggishness, and lack of focus.
To make sure you’re never without good hydration options, be sure to keep extra bottles of water in easy reach while driving. If you’re in the habit of drinking soda, coffee, or energy drinks instead, challenge yourself to drink more water–even if it means trying sugar-free additions to your water, like lemon juice or fruit flavoring.
#2 Wear Sunscreen
Truckers often get sunburned on their left arm due to the long hours spent behind the wheel. This condition is known as “Driver’s Tan” or “Trucker’s Arm”. While it can look a little funny, it’s actually quite serious.
The dangers associated with sunburn are well known, but many drivers believe their windshields will keep them safe from dangerous UV rays. Ultimately, windshields only provide a small degree of UV protection, which is why sunblock is recommended when driving long hours. Wearing sunglasses and long sleeves offer even more protection from sun exposure, both inside and outside of your cabin.
#3 Stay Cool and Protected
Staying cool while driving can reduce the risk of heat fatigue, whether you’re making a long-haul or regional delivery. Running the air conditioner is a great option, as is wearing neck cooling wraps or a dampened bandana. Additionally, if the seats are leather or vinyl, make sure they are covered with blankets or towels to keep them comfortable and cool.
#4 Wear Lightweight Clothing
The type of clothing you wear can make a huge difference in your comfort level. Wear things made of breathable materials such as cotton or linen. These fabrics are lightweight, comfortable, and allow heat to escape from the body.
Keep extra clothes on hand and, when possible, try taking cool showers to help you revitalize from head to toe. If you are in an area where nights get cold, or if you’re traveling from one temperature to another, remember to wear multiple thin layers so you can dress up or down depending on the weather.
#5 Take Breaks
Whenever possible, take a break. Even a few minutes of downtime will help you feel re-energized. This might involve anything from resting your eyes for a bit or stretching your legs to grabbing a bite to eat. Taking the time to explore the areas you’re driving through will also help make your trips more memorable and fulfilling, especially as the months go by.
#6 Eat Healthy
Along with the heat of summer is the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Eating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, berries, and tomatoes are packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals and also help hydrate the body.
Caring for Your Truck
Just as important as self-care is proper truck maintenance and precautions. The high temperatures increase the chances of things like tire blowouts and lack of brake friction. Conversely, the summer months often mean more travelers taking vacations. With this in mind, be sure to allow extra travel time and stay alert at all times. Here are a few suggestions to keep your truck in tip-top shape.
#1 Check Your Brakes
Pavement absorbs heat as temperatures rise, and brake parts can only absorb so much heat. Check your brakes regularly, as high heat can reduce friction and stopping power.
#2 Be Diligent About Routine Maintenance
Regular truck maintenance will help prevent heat-related issues. For instance, just as you need to stay cool during hot temperatures, so does your truck. Check coolant and oil levels frequently to protect the engine from overheating. Inspecting all belts and hoses is important as well. Also, in order to avoid extreme fuel consumption, make sure all air conditioning components are working properly. This protects you and your truck.
#3 Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Before heading out on your next route, check the air levels in your tires. This is especially important if your tires were under-inflated during the winter months. However, during the summer, tires are more prone to blowouts if air levels are too low.
#4 Be Aware of Traffic Conditions
During the summer months, more people are out and about, making roads more congested. This poses even more danger to truckers, so stay vigilant and take extra precautions when driving in heavy traffic. Take some time to check traffic reports beforehand, and avoid congested areas if possible. Keep in mind that construction zones are also active this time of year. Be extra cautious in these areas to avoid fines and fees.
#5 Watch Your Driving Speed
Avoid driving at high speeds as this can cause the engine to overheat and put additional stress on the tires. High speeds combined with hot temperatures can cause substantial damage to your truck. Taking frequent breaks will allow your truck to cool off and be beneficial to you as well.
Make The Most of Your Driving Career
Like winter, summer has its own share of bad weather, including heavy downpours, thunderstorms, and flooding. And, even on the brightest of days, heat, fatigue, sunburn, and glare can all pose hazards ranging from the uncomfortable to the dangerous. Making sure that you’re prepared for the hot months ahead is important to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the road.
Here at TCI Transportation, we share industry-related news, tips, and events to help drivers just like you beat the heat and make it through every season with a smile. Want to explore more of our content? Sign up for the TCI newsletter for free! https://tcitransportation.com/resources/signup/
