Tips for Driving Semi-Trailers in the Summer

Operating a semi-trailer is not always an easy job, and the summer months bring a unique set of challenges. Luckily, a little preparation is all you need to be ready to tackle those summer hauls. Follow this guide from the experts at Utility Trailer Sales of Washington to learn all the tips you need about better and safer semi-trailer driving during the summer.

Take Care of Yourself

Apply Sunscreen

Unfortunately, a semi-truck window usually offers little protection against dangerous UV rays. If you choose to wear short sleeve clothing during your summer hauls, be sure that you are diligently applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. 

Wear Polarized Sunglasses

Harsh summer sunlight can cause irritation and long-term damage to your eyes. Worse, in the early morning and late evening, sunlight can reflect off the road and limit your visibility. To protect yourself and others, wear a pair of polarized sunglasses whenever the light gets too strong. 

Stay Hydrated and Cool

Don’t rely on your air conditioner alone to keep yourself cool. Always stay hydrated by drinking water. You should also memorize the common signs of heatstroke so that you’ll know if things are getting too hot for you.

Check Traffic Conditions

During summer, many families choose to take trips and the number of road projects increases. This makes it one of the most chaotic times of the year for a semi-trailer driver, so try to be prepared as possible before you start your haul. 

Take Care of Your Semi-Truck

The Coolant

Coolant helps keep your semi-trailer from overheating. Get your coolant checked every three months, every 20,000 miles of driving, or every 500 hours of operation, whichever comes first. If your coolant is discolored, cloudy, or contains debris, it is time to replace it. 

The Air Conditioning

Your semi-trailer’s air conditioning is what helps keep you cool in the summer, so make sure that you are keeping up with maintenance. Make a habit of inspecting the hoses for leaks and cracks, as well as checking that the fittings and connections are tight. You should also regularly flush the system to keep out debris. Inspecting the filters will give you a good idea of how much detritus is present in your air conditioner. 

The Tires

While keeping your tires at the appropriate pressure and free from tread wear is important no matter the season, hot weather makes tire blowouts more likely to occur. Make sure that you are inspecting your tires on a regular basis and cleaning out any debris that you find lodged in them. 

For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned semi-trailer models, visit Utility Trailer Sales of Washington. We operate four dealerships in locations like Auburn, Mt. Vernon, and Richland, Washington. We also operate twenty mobile service trucks out of locations like Moses Lake, Centralia, and Yakima, Washington. We are proud to serve the Washington state area, and we hope to hear from you soon!