Driving in hot weather is something you may not be too concerned about if you drive a truck in the UK. Let’s face it, the weather here isn’t exactly a tropical paradise.
However, though our summer months aren’t that long, they can still throw up potential hazards for truck drivers. And, of course, if your job takes you overseas, there’s European weather to contend with, which can be a lot more challenging.
So, if you are a trucker or are thinking of buying a new truck for your fleet, here are some solid driving in hot weather tips for truckers. These tips will keep you and other drivers safe whilst you are on the road.
7 KEY TIPS FOR TRUCK DRIVING IN HOT WEATHER
1) TAKE PLENTY OF WATER
The first one goes without saying – make sure you take plenty of water, with 6 to 8 cups being the official recommended amount!
Freezing bottles of water will ensure they remain cooler for longer. It is also worth taking some cooling sprays or water spray bottles to mist your face with.
Overheating and dehydration can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, headaches and dizziness – which will affect your concentration and your reaction speeds. Not only does this put you in danger but other road users too.
2) CHECK YOUR TYRES
Truck driving in extremely hot weather will cause the air, tarmac and external metal around your wheels to heat up and expand – causing an increase in pressure. This, in turn, can increase the likelihood of a blowout.
There isn’t much you can do to keep your tyres cool, so staying on top of your truck maintenance is key.
Here, you should schedule regular checks to ensure the tyres of both your truck and trailer unit are inflated to the correct manufacturers’ specifications to reduce the risk of a tyre blowout.
3) CHECK YOUR BRAKES
It is always best advice to check that your brake fluid isn’t old and that your brake pads are in good working condition. Brakes are less responsive when there is a build-up of heat, which will occur even more so in hot weather conditions.
During the summer months, there are also more holidaymakers and construction workers on the road too. Make sure to increase your stopping distance in heavy traffic congestion, or construction zones, to be extra safe.
4) PREPARE FOR GLARE
Another of our key hot weather driving safety tips is being mindful of glare.
In the summer months, there is, of course, a bigger risk of your vision being impaired by sunlight. This can be distracting and can also result in delayed reaction times. If you feel the sunlight is too blinding, you should slow down or pull over for a break.
If you cannot avoid driving in extremely hot weather, you should make use of your cab’s sun visor and purchase a decent pair of polarised sunglasses. These will reduce the glare, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and make it easier to drive.
5) KEEP YOUR CAB VENTILATED
Air conditioning vs open windows – the aged old debate! One that is usually settled by your speed…
For example, if you are driving slowly through a town or city centre, we advise you to open your window to allow airflow through the cabin. Air is free, of course, and therefore will not cost you anything to cool down. However, if travelling at speed on the motorway, it is recommended that you make use of your air conditioning. Wind resistance created by open windows on the motorway will slow you down and, therefore, use more fuel.
You should always check your cooling system and make sure your coolant is topped up before setting off on a journey to avoid the risk of overheating. It is also worth investing in a small fan to place in your cabin for extra comfort.
6) WEAR SUNSCREEN
Increased UV rays means a higher risk of sunburn, even if it is only on one side of your body (the trucker’s tan). Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous to your health and may cause future health problems further down the line.
Make sure that you apply sun cream that protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and apply it to all of your exposed skin (including your face).
7) TAKE REGULAR BREAKS
Hot weather can make you become tired a lot quicker as your body works overtime to remain cool. Therefore, it’s vitally important that you take regular breaks and make the most of them to stay energised.
Take a break at a truck stop or service station to stretch your legs, stock up on water and get some fresh air. Make sure to park your truck in the shade to give it some respite from the heat too.
FULLY CUSTOMISABLE TRUCKS FOR DRIVING IN EXTREME HEAT
Here at Smith Bros, there is no part of your truck we can’t customise to make it uniquely your own. Our custom trucks can be designed to ensure you drive in complete comfort and safety, not only just in the summer months, but all year round also.
You may opt for a custom paint job or a complete refurbishment, either way we have got you covered.
CUSTOM TRUCK SERVICE OVERVIEW
- Custom truck interiors: From add-on electric components to extra cooling systems being installed, we can quote you a more comfortable cab.
- Paint and wrapping: Lighter colours can reflect up to 60% of sunlight, keeping your cab cooler. This lends itself to boosting truck fuel economy and saving you money in the long term.
- Full-service maintenance: Rigorously tested, we ensure each and every truck we list – from used Scania trucks to DAF tractor units – is fit for all road and weather conditions.
COME RAIN OR SHINE, HAVE TRUST IN YOUR FLEET WITH SMITH BROS.
And there you have it – 7 core truck driving in hot weather tips to boost the comfort of your long-distance drive and enhance your HGV’s fuel efficiency.
Should you need any tips tailored to a specific type of truck or want support finding your next HGV for sale, we’d be happy to talk.
Here at Smith Bros., we go the extra mile for our customers, ensuring your custom truck meets all of your specific and personal requirements. To make an enquiry, contact us today using our form or call 01925 202020 to let us know what you are looking for.
