Admittedly, it isn’t even spring yet but it’s close. Before you know it, it will be summer, and you’ll be sweating like crazy while you drive your trucking route. Yes, your cab is air-conditioned, but you know as well as we do that the AC can place undue stress on your rig. Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair has four tips to help you stay cool this summer because there’s no reason why your route needs to be miserable.
Protect Against the Sun
Even if your windows are tinted, the sun beats down on you. You’re in your rig all day, so think as if you were going to spend the day at the beach or lake. Cover all exposed skin with sunscreen that is both UVA and UVB rated. Keep in mind the SPF measures how long the sunscreen remains effective. In other words, a sunscreen rated 15 SPF should be reapplied every 15 minutes. Reapply as necessary to avoid sunburn.
Stay Hydrated
Don’t chug coffee or soda all day. This will dehydrate you rather than hydrate you. It’s best to drink water as you drive along. Not only does water hydrate you perfectly it’s also free of sugar that can make you tired behind the wheel. Hydration also helps your motor skills and boosts your awareness, which means you’ll drive safer without even realizing it if you drink plenty of water all day long.
Stay Alert
There are inevitably places throughout your route that are crowded. Whether its city streets or highways, summer brings out people on foot and in their vehicles. Stay alert to avoid pedestrians and traffic collisions. Plan for traffic, too. The highways are more congested during the summer months with people traveling by car on vacation or to and from day trips. Keep an eye on your instruments, too.
Stay Maintained
Keep an eye on your instruments because you know your truck will overheat easier when it’s stuck in traffic on a hot afternoon. To avoid summer breakdowns and being stuck out in the sun and heat when they happen, stay on top of your truck’s maintenance, including tires and brakes. Both of which wear down more quickly in hot temperatures. Coolant is crucial during the hot months, too.
Midlane Truck & Trailer Repair in Eugene, OR, can get your rig ready for its summer job. Call us today at 541-246-9551 for an appointment.