A Beginner's Guide to Driving Semi-Trucks in the Summer Heat

As the summer heat starts to crank up, it's important to remember that semi-trucks can be more difficult to operate in high temperatures. Here are a few tips for beginner semi-truck drivers to stay safe and comfortable on the road.

Stay Hydrated

It's important to stay hydrated when driving in the summer heat, especially if you're operating a semi-truck. Dehydration can make it harder to focus, which makes it harder to stay safe on the road. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you on your trip and take breaks often to drink and cool down.

Dress for the Heat

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is your friend when driving a semi-truck in the summer heat. You want to avoid anything that will make you sweat more, like heavy denim or synthetic fabrics. Stick to natural fibers like cotton, which will help you stay cool and comfortable.

Be sure to also wear a pair of polarized sunglasses. These protect your eyes from the summer sun, which can cause eye irritation, reduced visibility, and even eye damage!

Apply Sunscreen

You may not think of sunscreen as being necessary when driving a semi-truck, but it's actually very important. The sun can be incredibly harsh when you're sitting in one spot for long periods of time and it's easy to get burned without realizing it. Be sure to apply sunscreen before getting on the road and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can drop in hot weather, so it's important to check your tires before hitting the road. Underinflated tires can overheat and cause a blowout, which is dangerous. You can find the correct tire pressure for your semi-truck in the owner's manual.

Keep Your Semi-Truck Cool

There are a few ways to keep your semi-truck cool in the summer heat.

First, make sure to park in shady areas when taking breaks. This will help keep the interior of your semi-truck cooler. You can also use a sunshade for the windshield and windows. This will help deflect some of the heat away from the semi-truck.

Second, check the coolant levels. This should be done either every 3 months, every 20,000 miles of driving, or every 500 hours of operation - whichever happens first. Top off as needed.

Finally, open the windows when driving to let some fresh air in and circulate throughout the cab.

Watch for Overheating

In extreme heat, semi-trucks can overheat. This is especially true if they're carrying heavy loads. Pay attention to the temperature gauge on your dash and pull over if it starts to get too high. Let the engine cool down before continuing your trip.

For all of your semi-truck needs, the experts at Empire Truck Sales are here to help. We carry a range of semi-trucks to suit a range of business needs and we also operate a service department. We proudly serve those throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.