High temperatures and increased holiday traffic make summer driving more complicated for road professionals. It is important to note that during this season, the main vehicle breakdowns are due to lack of maintenance.
Therefore, it is advisable to carry out adequate maintenance to keep your truck in perfect condition. Here are some tips to make your journeys more comfortable and safer:
- Check the brakes and engine belts.
A thorough check of the brakes is essential to ensure that they are working properly. High temperatures can cause brake degradation or reduced friction, as brake components cannot absorb the extra heat properly. Similarly, pay attention to engine belts, which can affect their flexibility and can also cause them to break.
- Maintain proper tyre pressure.
It is quite common that tyres, if underinflated, can wear out or burst due to high temperatures. Before you start your journey, make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure or, better still, have them checked regularly.
- Make sure your air conditioning is working properly.
Proper operation ensures more comfortable driving and better working conditions by keeping the truck cab at a comfortable temperature. It prevents drivers from feeling uncomfortable, fatigued or drowsy due to the intense heat. This helps them stay alert, focused and reduces the risk of accidents on the road.
- Protect your eyes.
Special attention should be paid to eye protection and care. Constant light in the eyes can also cause fatigue and have negative effects on vision. Wearing appropriate sunglasses (they should be polarised and have high UV protection) will help to avoid sun glare and improve visibility and safety on the road. This is a more common problem than is often thought among drivers.
It is also important to take care of skin and eyes while driving. Even when we are inside the truck, our skin is exposed to the sun when we roll down the windows or make a few stops. It is therefore advisable to protect it with sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
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Before you get behind the wheel, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated at all times.
Even if we are under pressure and have urgent deliveries to meet, we must never forget the importance of getting enough rest and staying hydrated. This is not only essential to perform effectively at work, but also to stay healthy.
Drinking 3-4 litres of water a day will help you stay active, hydrated and perform better throughout the day. It will also improve your reflexes and help you avoid drowsiness.
During the summer, the body tends to lose fluids more quickly, which can lead to dehydration. This results in increased fatigue and confusion, which seriously affects driving safety. A simple solution is to make sure you drink enough fluids, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
Remember that adequate rest and good hydration are key to ensuring your well-being and safety on the road during the summer months.
If you would like more information about dangerous goods transport or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.