Summer is here, and if you’re a Big Rig Trucker; you know that these hot days require driving with a cool head: literally and figuratively. Of course; it’ll take more than that to get through the long, sweltering days behind the wheel. You’ll need to make sure that you’re prepared for the road, and that you take the necessary health precautions to avoid being a victim of the scorching heat. To this end, your First Motion Products team would like to give you a few tips for getting through the summer trucking season:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate – The summer season means a lot of time spent sweating. And all that sweating will require you to keep yourself hydrated to replenish the fluids that your body loses. Always keep bottles of water on hand for quick hydration breaks whether you’re in or out of the sun. During the summer, it is ideal to drink roughly half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weighed 100 pounds, you need to try to drink 50 ounces or so of water every day. This will probably cause you to take a lot of bathroom breaks; but it sure beats the effects of dehydration.
Don’t skip the sun protection – More sun means more exposure to direct sunlight. While driving down the highway; many truckers tend to roll down their windows. While this can help with the heat; this won’t help you with the radiation: truckers who leave their left arm hanging out the window can get “Trucker’s Arm”, which can be a health risk if not managed properly. Use sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh rays. You can also try those “sun sleeves” that cover your arms while driving (or maybe just wear long-sleeved shirts). Finally, protect your eyes from the sun’s glare with a pair of anti-UV ray sunglasses.
Watch the weather – The summer weather is not all about endless sun and heat waves: it is also about sudden thunderstorms that can make the road slippery. Check brakes and tires, and be sure to check the radio or internet for your destination’s weather, so you know what you’re in for.
Keep your rig’s systems well-maintained – The season of summer is one time when you do not want to have your truck break down on the road. This is why you should prioritize preventative maintenance for your rig’s systems: the cooling system, the Air Conditioning system, and the electrical system should be at the top of your list. Also check the brakes, tires, belts, and hoses before hitting the road.
Don’t let the summer heat bring you down. Take care of yourself and your rig, and you should be fine.
And speaking of big rig care; First Motion Products offers an unmatched selection of commercial truck parts from all of the major manufacturers. Call us at 573-468-3840, fax us at 573-468-3852, contact us online, or request a part quote online.