So if there is brake malfunction, straight proportionally it can lead to brake fading or loss of friction when the brake components are not able to absorb any more heat. Every now and then it is recommendable for truck drivers to make a check stop, on some of the best truck stops before getting out on the road.
In summer, truck drivers should avoid speeding because speeding accompanied with the weight of the loads can lead to tire overheating. On the negative side overheated tires leads to blown tires, which later on can result in accident or collateral damage.
Thereupon check the brakes and keep yourself and the other passengers on the road safe!
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.7: Engine Belts
In the very same manner, as the truck driver should inspect the brake, he should as well inspect engine belts. During summer trucking engine belts can become worn. Engine belts are most commonly overlooked. Every here and then truck drivers forget that engine belts can cause a serious load delay.
For this reason, you should check if engine belts can flex as they’re rotating. Engine belts, in fact, are going round and round and during summer time belts can be racked up.
Yet, the heat exposure, contaminants, and vibration are what makes belts wear. On the positive side with a simple visual inspection, the truck driver can easily determine if engine belts are worn. Proper engine belts tension also plays an important part in trucks’ safety.
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Moreover, if you want to perform summer trucking confidently and safely then you should take time to inspect engine belts as well. If there is even a slight damage you should replace it straight away.
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.8: Be Extra Careful In Work Zones
We can all notice that during summertime there is more roadwork done. Thereupon, truck drivers should be extra careful in work zones, because there is always a potential danger of hitting a worker on the road, as well as getting fines for speeding and violations.
In order to stay compliant with the rules and regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA and the Department of Transportation DOT, you should respect the directions given by the flagger when passing through a work zone. That is due to the fact that the flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign.
Simply said, you should expect the unexpected in road construction zones. By keeping a normal speed, that is to say respecting the speed limits you will avoid any truck accident. So, be alert and pay attention to the signs!
Tip: When you are reaching a work zone you will be informed in advance by diamond shaped orange warning signs.
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.9: Drive Defensively
The faster your truck is moving the less time you will have to react if any hazard comes up on the road. Therefore drive defensively!
Driving at a safe speed by obeying all signs and signals, including the speed limits will allow you to perform a safe and time-efficient transportation, just in the same way that they thought you in truck driving schools.
Remember that a speeding vehicle requires more time and distance to stop your truck. So, keep plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead. All in all, be prepared to avoid any hazard on the road by respecting this summer trucking heat hack.
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.10: Share The Road
During summer months the number of roadway users increases dramatically. These summer days we can notice that there are motorcyclists, pedestrians, as well as bicyclists.
Moreover, these road users are more vulnerable because they don’t have the same protection that truck drivers have. Straight proportionally you see the need of sharing the road, and you can do that the best by leaving more distance between the truck and the motorcycle that is driving in front of you.
Later on, by sharing the road you are anticipating the movement of your truck. As well, you should always send signals for your intentions before you change the lanes or if you are merging with traffic.
Tip: Always be mindful of pedestrians.
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.11: Check The Fluid Levels
Before truck drivers hit the road, they are always performing truck and trailer inspection. Thereupon, their inspection process, especially in summer months, should include inspection of the vehicle’s fluids, starting from the oil (fuel tank), up to the windshield washer fluids.
Remember to check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. Also, this summer trucking heat hack includes inspection of the:
- Brake;
- Automatic Transmission;
- Clutch;
- Power Steering;
- Windshield washer;
Simply, you should make sure that there aren’t any signs of fluid leakage!
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.12: Patience Is A Virtue
Patience is a virtue and experienced truck drivers know it the best. Truck drivers as professionals have to act responsibly, while at the same time being aware of the ongoing situations on the road.
Thereupon, if you find in the situation to come across poor drivers, just have patience. In these kinds of situation always have on mind that frustrated and stressed truck drivers are more likely to get involved in truck accidents.
So, put your emotions aside and keep your focus on performing a safe load transportation. Don’t let yourself to get involved in unwanted situations.
Be full of understanding, stay calm, have patience and carry on your trip!
Summer Trucking Heat Hack No.13: Electrical Failure
This summer trucking heat hack is of a paramount importance. By and large, heat can corrode the battery’s current conducting grids, as well the battery sulfating will occur more rapidly in summer months.
Not only that, summer trucking can cause a high risk of corrosion of the:
- Wiring;
- Cables;
- Batteries;
First and foremost truck drivers should inspect the wiring and cables for any corrosion as well as frays. From here on truck drivers should have in mind that when working with a battery there is a high risk of electrical shock. So be precautious!
