Get trucks and drivers ready for summer
Each season has a different impact on both truck and driver. In this blog, we will tell you the best way to get your trucks ready for summer and how to handle warm weather. The temperature in Summer is getting hotter, which can be a safety hazard for your drivers.
We will first get into truck-related tips and end the article with some tips for drivers.
The heat is on. Keep it cool. When the outside temperature goes up, the chances of an engine overheating also increase. It is vital to ensure all cooling systems are working correctly and all fluid levels are as they should be. Overheating cooling systems can cause severe damage to truck engines.
Cooling systems checks:
- Make sure the coolant is clear and not contaminated
- Test the pressure of the cooling system
- Make sure all hoses and lines are free of cracks and leaks
- Check the water pump for leaks
- Make sure the engine temperature stays within the recommended range
During Summer, keep an eye on the battery. Heat harms the workings of a battery. Keep the battery clean and remove corrosion from the terminals. This will keep the battery running efficiently.
The pressure is on. Keep it right
Rises in temperature also impact a truck’s tires. Maintaining the proper tire pressure is essential for safety and efficiency. It affects how well a truck makes contact with the road and how efficiently it drives and breaks.
When the pressure is too low, the tire deflection is abnormal. When the pressure is too high, shocks and vibrations increase as well. Both can result in damage to the truck. It can also have a negative impact on the comfort of your drivers as well.
Things will get dirty. Keep it clean
Higher temperatures mean more dust, which will get into the engine. Make sure air filters are not clogged, as that will negatively impact fuel efficiency. Regularly fill up the windshield washer tank to make sure you can clean dirt from the windscreen while driving.
It is also recommended to replace windshield wipers after the winter. The ice, snow, and salt can make the rubber of the wipers crack and tear. Everything can seem ok, until you catch some summer rain. The combination of rain and dirt can have a big impact on visibility.
Regularly clean your trucks, so dirt can’t clog vital openings. When it comes to washing trucks you can plan ahead and schedule the cleaning at a convenient time and place along the route of your drivers through the TRAVIS platform.
Make sure drivers don’t overheat either!
We already discussed cooling systems for the truck’s engine, but the cooling system for the driver is just as important. Make sure the air conditioning system works appropriately, so drivers don’t overheat. It can get hot in the cabin of a truck. A sunscreen to block some sunlight also helps ensure drivers can sit in the shadow. Having the sun in your eyes negatively impacts visibility, and when the sun shines on the steering wheel, it can make it hot and uncomfortable. Make sure drivers only have to worry about driving the truck and not about temperature.
Fluid levels are also very important for the driver, so ensure your drivers bring ample drinking water supplies.
When it gets warm in the truck, make sure your drivers rest in time. The heat can make them sleepy, and even with the air conditioning, it can get warm if the sunlight shines into the cabin.
You can schedule stopovers for your drivers at a secure parking location using the TRAVIS platform, and your drivers can use the TRAVIS Drivers app to find the nearest service station or parking if they need one.
Have a great summer!
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the nice weather. Before you know it, we will be driving through rain, snow, and ice again. We also have some excellent tips on maintaining your truck in the wintertime if you want to plan ahead…
