When temperatures rise, some people assume that makes driving less dangerous. However, every season has a unique set of hazards that you need to prepare for, ensuring you can stay safe at all times. 

Warmer weather and rising temperatures can lead to a range of problems. If you want to make sure you’re ready to navigate the challenges, here are some trucking safety tips for the hot summer months. 

Check Your Fluid Levels

Before you hit the road, take a moment to check your fluid levels. Both oil and coolant are incredibly important. Not only are they crucial for proper operation, but also to avoid overheating, something that’s more likely during the summer. If your fluid levels are off, your risk of overheating, engine failure, and fire all go up, which is why it’s best to always check your fluids before you hit the road. 

Inspect Hoses and Belts

Hot temperatures can wreak havoc on hoses and belts. In some cases, the heat can dry out the material, increasing the odds of cracking. Additionally, heat causes some materials to expand, which could cause belts or hoses to loosen and, potentially, fall off. 

Before each trip, inspect all belts and hoses for damage. Additionally, make sure the connections are strong, tightening anything that may have loosened due to the heat. 

Handle Tire Pressure Properly

Having properly inflated tires is a must, ensuring you have the right amount of traction while on the road. The issue is, when temperatures rise and cause tires to get warmer, air pressure can increase. This may lead you to think that you need to remove some air. However, that isn’t the case. 

If you release air when the tire is hot, once it cools, it will be underinflated. As a result, it’s best to wait to check the pressure until the tire cools off. That way, you can make sure you’re leaving it at the right level. 

Let Tires Cool Regularly

Another tire-related issue you can encounter during the summer is overheating. If the tires get too hot, the odds of a blowout go up. It also increases the risk of a fire. 

Ideally, you want to take regular breaks, letting the tires cool down every couple of hours. This can include simply getting off the roadway and using water to bring the temperature down. 

Watch Out for Tar Bleed

When roads get hot, tar in the pavement can begin to liquefy, making its way through cracks and, ultimately, rising to the roadway’s surface. If that happens, tar bleeding can make the road slippery, increasing the odds that you’ll lose traction and potentially end up in an accident. 

Remain vigilant as your drive. If you feel a potential traction issue, adjust your speed and make other safe driving choices. That way, you can make it to your destination in one piece. 

If you’d like more trucking safety tips for driving during the summer, the staff at PTS® can help. Contact us today.