With higher temperatures and the amount of precipitation we’ve been seeing in some areas of the country come a new set of driving challenges. Before starting your route in the summer heat, you may want to think about completing the following checklist:
Summer Driving Checklist
- Test Your Air Conditioner
- Top Off All Fluids
- Oil
- Coolant
- Transmission
- Brake
- Power Steering
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Make Sure Reefer Units Are Properly Running
- Check Tire Pressure & Condition
- Replace Windshield Wiper Blades (If Necessary)
- Maintain Your APU
Summer Driving Tips
• “Drink more water to stay hydrated and watch out for pop-up thunderstorms.” – Mark Woodruff
• “Keep your A/C in good working order.” – Roy Duncan
• “Watch out for tourists.” – Kenneth Hepner
• “Less soda more water.” – Neil VanKersen
• “Ice chest, cold h2o and cold drinks, fruit..” – Yvette Lynn
• Take breaks to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Increase following distance and plan ahead for increased traffic.
• Invest in quality sunglasses to avoid straining your eyes and to protect your vision.
• Be aware of construction zones and tourist spots.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
• Use mosquito repellent.
• Avoid ticks on pets – especially after stopping near grassy and wooded areas.
• Decrease your speed during heavy precipitation or on wet roads to avoid hydroplaning.
• “Look out for moron bikers and moron car driver taking risks. Don’t let your guard down… summer accidents are more likely to injure or kill.” – Dave Berthiaume
• “Be patient, you might be workin’ but people are on vacation with their kids. So in other words, stay away from the vast majority of national parks and state campgrounds.” – Matt Whitelaw
• “I used to take along a couple packages of my daughters unscented baby wipes….cools ya off until you can get to a shower and came in handy if you had to clean up real quick to make a good impression for your customers….” – Erik Kozaneckiv
• “Double check your emergency kit. Extra fuses, airlines, splice fittings, heater hoses, and splice kits also. Couple gallons or water and oil. Don’t become stranded, drivers.” – James Sheller
• “Be aware that there are a lot more idiots out and about – and children – be extra cautious especially going through towns.” – John & Heather Pionk
• “Be more aware of your logs & equipment & that they’re up to par, as you will be more likely to go through a DOT check.” – Jamie Bundy
