During the summer, as temperatures rise, drivers must be vigilant, regardless of whether they are operating a small family car, a specialized vehicle, or a heavy-duty truck. High temperatures can lead to tire blowouts and spontaneous combustion. Here are some essential precautions to take while driving in the summer to ensure safer journeys.
Regularly Check Tire Pressure to Prevent Blowouts: A truck driver shared that summer, with its high surface temperatures, is the peak season for tire blowouts. It is crucial to frequently check tire pressure, as overloaded vehicles with low tire pressure increase the contact area between the tires and the road. This leads to higher friction and, when driving at high speeds, can cause the tires to deform and lose strength, resulting in blowouts, especially under high temperatures.
Avoid Fatigued Driving: With longer days and shorter nights in summer, combined with higher temperatures, drivers can easily become drowsy, particularly in the afternoon. Fatigued drivers have difficulty concentrating, and their judgment deteriorates, increasing the likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel and causing accidents. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid driving while fatigued. Plan your trips to include regular breaks, and if you start feeling sleepy, it’s better to stop and rest than to push through.
Frequently Inspect Vehicle Wiring to Prevent Spontaneous Combustion: Every summer, incidents of vehicles catching fire occur. Regular inspections of the vehicle’s wiring are necessary. Replace any aging wires promptly to prevent oil leaks and other issues that could significantly reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion. Check connections and insulation regularly to ensure everything is in good condition and secure.
Ensure Proper Braking to Prevent Overheating: High temperatures pose a challenge to vehicle braking systems, particularly for those frequently driving on mountain roads. Braking can easily lead to overheating, which is extremely dangerous, as brake failure is often caused by overheating. To mitigate this risk, use engine braking as much as possible, and check the condition of your brakes regularly.
Avoid Overloading: Overloading a vehicle increases its inertia and lengthens the braking distance, making it challenging to control the vehicle in emergencies. This is particularly risky for concrete mixer trucks with high centers of gravity, as they are prone to tipping over or experiencing blowouts. Always adhere to the vehicle’s load capacity limits and ensure proper weight distribution to maintain stability and control.
Be Cautious When Using Vehicle Air Conditioning: In the sweltering summer heat, many vehicles use air conditioning. Some drivers set the temperature very low for comfort, but excessively low temperatures can exacerbate conditions such as cervical, lumbar, and shoulder spine diseases, thereby impairing driving ability. Set the air conditioning to a comfortable, but not excessively cold, temperature to avoid health issues and maintain alertness.
Plan Your Route and Timing: To avoid the peak heat of the day, plan your trips for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. This not only makes driving more comfortable but also reduces the strain on the vehicle’s systems.
Whether you are driving a mixer truck, a tow truck, or any other vehicle, it is essential to remember these points for safe driving in the summer. Safety should always be the top priority! By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that you and your vehicle stay safe and functional throughout the hottest months of the year.
