Keep your cool with this hot weather advice

Survive the Summer Heat With These Safety Tips

With record-breaking heat waves hitting the U.S. this summer, it’s more important than ever to find safe ways to beat the heat. Even if your truck’s air conditioning system is in good working order, high temperatures can still pose plenty of threats, from driver dehydration and fatigue to heat-induced vehicle malfunctions.

To stay safe behind the wheel this summer, follow these tips:

Drink plenty of water. You may have to drink more water than usual in summer to replenish fluids lost from sweat. Make sure you have water on-hand, and refill whenever you stop. Juice and sports drinks can also be a good alternative, though avoid anything with caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and will only worsen dehydration symptoms.

Make minor safety adjustments to your routine. You’d adjust your driving habits to avoid any other hazardous condition; do the same for heat. Consider avoiding activity during the hottest parts of the day, taking regular breaks to get out of the sun, and wearing light, loose, or moisture-wicking clothing. To avoid burns, consider wearing work gloves when working with metal surfaces and wearing a hat to protect your head when outside the cab.

Perform regular truck diagnostics. Extreme heat can make your truck more likely to experience engine overheating, tire blowout, or brake fade. Performing regular vehicle inspections—especially checking tire pressure, brakes, and antifreeze level—can help ensure you reach your destination without incident.