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Commercial Trucks and Summer Driving

Jun. 21 2022 Seasonal By McCandless Truck Center

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Driving a commercial truck can be profitable, rewarding, and even fun, but it’s much easier if you’re comfortable and safe for the whole trip. While summer may not present the most difficult driving challenges, it can still be tricky if you’re not fully prepared.

We here at McCandless Truck Center want to help you keep cool this summer, so we’ve put together some tips for summer driving in a commercial truck, below. To learn more, or to talk to our experts about the trucks and truck accessories you might need, contact any of our locations throughout Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming, today!

Self-Care

Step one in staying comfortable and safe this summer is taking care of yourself.

Sunscreen

It’s easy to overlook sunscreen when you’re driving—after all, you’re in an enclosed cab! But your windows won’t do much to protect you from UV rays, and they may even make them worse. Make sure to apply sunscreen to your arms, face, ears, neck, and any other exposed skin from the shoulders up.

Hydration

Even if you’re blasting AC, chances are you’ll sweat a bit while driving this summer. Losing that water can be dangerous, both because of the effects of dehydration and the impact they have on your focus and driving skills. Make sure to have plenty of water with you and drink regularly throughout the day.

Truck Care

Of course, your truck is also an important part of the equation. High heat can cause problems for even the toughest machine, and you’ll need it in good condition if it’s going to keep you safe and cool.

Coolant

Your radiator is vital for keeping your engine from overheating, which is naturally more likely in summer heat. Make sure to check your coolant at the earliest of the following three conditions:

  • Every three months
  • Every 20,000 miles driven
  • Every 500 hours of operation

Keep the coolant clear and free of debris. If you ever find it cloudy or speckled, you should empty the tank entirely and replace the coolant.

Air Conditioning

Obviously you’re going to need AC to stay cool, so take care of it, too:

  • Check the filters for debris and clean them
  • Check hoses for cracks or leaks
  • Check fittings and connections and tighten loose ones

Tires

Tires don’t handle heat well, especially dry heat. Check them regularly and:

  • Look for debris in the tread
  • Measure the tread level (and that it’s wearing evenly on all tires)
  • Look for cracks or other damage to the sidewalls
  • Measure air pressure each morning and adjust as needed

We hope these tips help make your summer drives a bit better! For more information, or if you’re in need of a specific truck or trucking expertise, contact us at McCandless Truck Center. We proudly serve the people of Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming—let us serve you today!