Summertime can be quite challenging for you and your truck. Hot weather and long rides can cause higher oil consumption, evaporation of liquid from the battery, changes in tire pressure etc. Also, the heat reduces the driver’s attention and increases fatigue, which is why additional caution is necessary. So here are some suggestions what should you do in order to protect yourself and your truck from the summer heat.
Cool down
Try to keep the temperature in your truck lower than outside, but not extremely lower, because your organism would have a hard time adapting to that. Even though you think a big difference in temperature will cool you down, it would do more harm than good both to you and your vehicle. Keep the truck ventilated as much as possible and keep yourself focused and psychophysically prepared to drive in such conditions. Also, try to use air conditioner considerably, and as an alternative, open all windows while you’re taking a break.
Stay hydrated
You should not be satisfied with the feeling that you are not thirsty. Human body contains 75% at birth, about 65% in adulthood and about 55% in old age. We are constantly losing water through breathing, sweating, and urinating. If you do not take in enough fluids or water, you become dehydrated, so water must be replenished several times during the day. You should drink water throughout the day at regular intervals, every 2 to 3 hours. Complete hydration provides optimal mental and physical functions of the body.
Take a shower when you can
Some truckers say that showering is a waste of time. In long-haul trucking, showering is very important, especially during the summer. Truck stop showers are clean and professional and include everything a regular bathroom contains – sink, toilet, blow dryer, mirror, fan, hooks. The price of using the truck shower varies from $12 to $15, but if you are planning to gas up at the truck stop as well, you can usually get it for free if you spend $50 or more on diesel fuel.
Dress lightly
Letting your whole body breathe is one of the most important, yet easiest things you can do. Choose some clothing that is made of lightweight material like cotton, and does not fully cover the body. An optimal combination would be a T-shirt and pair of shorts with a hat on top. Also, when you hit the road, make sure you have enough clothes so you can change from time to time.
Eat fresh
Summer is the best part of the year for eating healthy. The gardens are rich in fresh, tasty and healthy vegetables and fruits. Most summer food is full of useful substances for health. You can eat cold food like fruits or salads. Some of the vegetables you should include in your summer diet are cucumbers, watermelons, oranges, tomatoes, radish, strawberries, capsicum, etc. These foods can be eaten just as they are after thorough rinsing.