How to Handle Trucking in Hot Weather
Weather conditions impact trucking
Weather conditions impact trucking. When it’s a wintry mix or raining outside, it becomes harder to control any motor vehicle. While the summer is an undeniably beautiful season that many people look forward to, that doesn’t mean that hot weather can’t affect your semi truck’s performance. Since summer is officially here, here are some tips on how to handle trucking in hot weather.
Trucking in Hot Weather Means That Your Tires Need Cooling
Ensure that you check the tire pressure and mounting before beginning your trip. Then, do the same task every two hours or around 100 miles to ensure that your tires have the proper inflation. When tires have the proper inflation, you can reduce the risk of blowouts. Blowouts are typical when the weather is warm.
As the temperature rises, air pressure does as well. Therefore, it’s best not to let the air out of the tire when it’s scorching because this will result in the tire pressure being too low. If you’re a long-haul driver, it’s best to let the tires cool off every few hours, if possible. Tires that are too hot blow out, but they can also catch fire. If it’s not possible to stop driving for a while, you can use water to cool off warm tires.
Check the Engine Fluids Before You Begin
Engine oil keeps an engine cool while also allowing it to function correctly. Before you begin your trucking journey, ensure that your engine oil is at the right level. The engine cooling system is vital, particularly during hot weather. Ensure that it’s never void of water and antifreeze. As you’re driving, it would also be best to check the water temperature and coolant now and then to prevent overheating. Coolant that’s too high in temperature could lead to engine failure or, even worse, a fire. We also advise that you never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the temperature drops. Pressurized hot liquid can disperse and cause injuries.
Look for Loose Belts and Inspect Hoses
As a part of your pre-trip inspection, look for loose belts under the hood of the truck. Loose belts cause a semi-truck not to perform optimally, causing overheating. In addition, you always want to ensure that you’re not dealing with cracked belts or hoses. A broken hose can lead to engine failure as well.
Watch Your Speed in all Weather Conditions
Not only is speeding a hazard within itself, but it makes your truck more vulnerable to overheating. When you drive too fast, it also puts a lot of stress on the tires and engine. The heat coupled with fast speed leads to engine failure. Slow down and take breaks.
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