Driving Your Commercial Truck in Hot Weather

Whether your drives take you only throughout Florida or all through the South, you’re going to have to contend with some pretty hot and humid weather during the summer months. It’s important to your physical and mental health that you keep yourself cool and stave off heat exhaustion, which can become extremely dangerous if left untreated. Here are some strategies to help you stay comfortable while driving your commercial truck in the heat.

Dress For the Weather

You probably will want to leave your flannel shirt at home when you’re driving in temperatures over 70°F. Instead, wear light-colored natural fabrics that won’t cause you to overheat, such as linen or cotton. You’ll also want to wear plenty of sunscreen and a pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes from the sun.

Check Tire Pressure & Condition

Your tires can lose pressure in very hot weather, so you’re going to need to keep a careful eye on their psi levels and potentially air them up more often. You don’t want to drive on low tires, as they could blowout on you. Check the tire sidewall or your owner’s manual to determine the correct psi levels.

Stay Hydrated & Fed

Keep a bottle of water with ice in it handy for you to drink from often. You might also like to drink iced tea or sports drinks, but it’s best to avoid too much sugar or caffeine, which can be dehydrating. Snack on some nutritious fruit, cheese, nuts, and whole-grain crackers so that you aren’t starving, which can cause low blood pressure and make you more lightheaded in the heat.

In search of a new or used commercial truck? Check out our inventory at our dealership located in Sanford, FL. DeBary Truck Sales proudly serves our Florida customers in Jacksonville and Miami, and our Georgia customers in greater Atlanta.