Summer Driving Tips for the Trucker

When it comes to season-specific driving habits, the majority of people are preoccupied with what happens in winter. The road is slippery either due to rain, ice or snow and the vehicle itself may decide to misbehave. However, what about driving in summer? Both summer and winter come with extreme weather conditions and while summer may be easier on the vehicle, it’s definitely not easy on the driver. Keep in mind that there are some professions that will spend their entire summers behind the wheel of a truck.

1. Take care of yourself

The first thing you need to understand is the importance of taking care of yourself personally. Wear sunscreen in order to avoid burns. This may not seem like a major on-road safety issue but your physical discomfort may cause you to pay less attention to the road ahead. Second, you should probably wear sunglasses at all times and have a water bottle nearby, just in case. Soft drinks may seem like a good idea but the majority of them will dehydrate you even further. Water is definitely your safest bet and it should be your go-to drink in any given scenario.

2. Watch a weather report

A hot summer may seem like a problem on its own but the truth is that daily fluctuations may make a world of difference. So, always watch a weather report. If possible, make sure that you have a weather report application on your smartphone. The majority of smartphone OSs come with a pre-installed weather report application but as a professional whose business may depend on it, why not look for something a bit more specific. Once you know what you’re up against, prepare accordingly. Sometimes, getting up earlier in the morning may ensure that you get to your target location before the major heatwave.

3. Adapt to the conditions

Sometimes, during the summer, dust will cause a massive visibility problem, which will urge you to drive more carefully. You see, a seasoned driver adjusts their driving habits to the on-road conditions. Becoming a seasoned driver, nonetheless, is not a simple thing. First, you need to get your medium rigid license and then proceed to gain some on-road experience. Remember, these licenses are fairly easy to earn, even though knowledge acquired on these courses is invaluable. Still, as a new driver, it is advisable that you take it as slow as possible until you’re confident enough.

4. A cool vehicle

The biggest problem with keeping a truck cool during summer is the fact that you won’t have enough garages for this vehicle size available. Moreover, even a vehicle cover of this magnitude is nearly impossible to find and it’s definitely impractical to use. So, what you should focus on is the interior of your cabin. If you’re an owner-operator, make sure that your driver cabin is properly air-conditioned. Even if you’re merely a driver, you can insist on finding an employer that provides these types of vehicles. When not driving, use a windscreen sunshade to keep the cabin cool.

5. Tires and fluids

First of all, a cooling fluid needs to be filled on a regular basis. Second, when it comes to your truck’s oil, you need to understand that different temperature requires different viscosity. Also, due to dusty roads and the fact that rain isn’t impossible even in the summer, you’ll have to update your windshield wipers fluid on a regular basis. Also, properly inflated tires are a must. One thing worth mentioning is the fact that air expands in hot temperatures. The same goes for air in your tires, which is something worth keeping in mind.

In conclusion

The last thing worth taking into consideration is the fact that no season is without its hazards. Fall and spring have the largest probability of rain, which results in hydroplaning while driving in winter might be the most straightforward hazard of them all. Still, this doesn’t mean that summer is without hazards of its own. Season-specific preparations, like checking the oil viscosity and adjusting tire pressure are just some of the safety precautions that you can make in order to avoid this. Being safe while behind the wheel should always be your top priority.