Summer Driving Tips for Semi Drivers

It’s not uncommon to find a lot of information and tips for driving truck in inclement weather or wintery road conditions, but what about driving in the heat of summer? Driving truck in the summer months comes with its own list of cautions. As much as you take the time to prepare your truck for winter, it’s just as smart to do the same thing at the start of summer. Before the temperatures rise too high, make sure you check the following systems and areas on your truck.

You take the time to prepare your truck for winter, so why not do the same thing at the start of summer. Before the temperatures rise too high, make sure you check the following systems and areas on your truck.

• Cooling system– A lot of downtime in the summer is caused by cooling system issues. Engine coolant should be checked every 20,000 miles, 3 months, or 500 operating hours. Keep a close eye on your coolant levels and also the color of your coolant. Cloudy coolant or coolant with particles floating around could be a sign of a larger problem.
• Tire pressure– It’s always important to check your tire pressure before the start of any trip to make sure they are properly inflated. In the summer, tire blowouts tend to happen more frequently due to underinflated tires and excessive heat. Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level, even in the summer months.
• Electrical systems– Check all of your truck’s electrical systems to ensure everything is in good working condition. Look for signs of fraying or corrosion in wiring and make sure to check your battery and alternator.
• Brakes– The summer heat can lead to brake fading and other issues. If your brakes are in need of replacing, it’s better to do so before the summer temperatures take a toll on them. Staying on top of brake maintenance will help keep both you and other drivers safe.

In addition to keeping your truck well maintained during the summer, your own health is just as important. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths each year and driving a truck in the summer puts you at risk. Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself healthy and cool this summer.

• Wear sun protection– Drivers often fail to realize that they are exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, even when inside their vehicle. As a truck driver, you’re on the road for long periods of time which can lead to overexposure of the sun’s UV rays. Wear sun block, long sleeves, and hats to protect yourself.
• Drink plenty of water– It’s important to stay hydrated year-round, but even more important in the summer when you’re more likely to be sweating and losing fluids and electrolytes. Drink at least 64 ounces of water each day and if you’re sweating more than usual, add in some Gatorade to help replace electrolytes.
• Check the weather– Summer storms have a tendency to “pop-up” out of nowhere and can cause some dangerous driving conditions. Make sure you check the weather before heading out on a trip and keep updated by listening to the radio or using an app on your phone to know what you might be driving into.

Stay safe this summer by following these tips for maintaining your truck and your health. Just as you would take precautions in the winter, it pays off to take precautions for the high temperatures that summer can bring.

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