It’s no secret that summertime can be tough on truckers. The extreme heat can be dangerous and deadly if you’re not careful. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 6 tips for managing the summer heat in your HGV:

Drink Lots of Fluids

It’s no secret that managing the summer heat can be a challenge – especially when you’re driving an HGV. With the hot weather comes the risk of dehydration, which can lead to a whole host of health problems.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids when you’re out on the road. Water is always the best option, but if you find yourself getting bored of plain old water, there are plenty of other options out there.

Fruit juices, sports drinks, and even herbal teas can all help to keep you hydrated and feeling your best.

Dress for the Occasion

Summertime is the busiest time of year for HGVs. The good weather means that there are more vehicles on the roads and the heat can be a problem for drivers.

Dressing for the occasion is the best way to stay cool when driving in the summer heat. Loose, light clothing is ideal and it is important to keep hydrated. A cool, damp cloth can also be placed on the back of the neck to help keep the body temperature down.

Keep Your Cool Inside the Cab

If possible, run the air-conditioning in your cab. If not, open the windows and use a fan to circulate the air.

  • Park in a shady spot. When possible, try to park your HGV in a shady spot. This will help to keep the cab cooler and make it more comfortable to get in and out of.
  • Use a sunshade. A sunshade can help to keep the sun out of the cab and make it cooler inside.
  • Use a fan: A small fan can help to circulate the air and keep the driver cool.
  • Keep the windows open: If it is safe to do so, keep the windows open to allow for ventilation.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

  • Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Wear sunblock. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to remember to put on sunscreen when you’re going to be driving in the sun. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously.
  • Take breaks. When you’re driving in the heat, it’s important to take breaks to cool down. Find a shady spot to park in and take a few minutes to walk around and cool off.

Check your Tires

Did you know that one of the best ways to keep your HGV cool in the summer heat is to check your tires?

That’s right – by making sure your tires are properly inflated, you can help to keep your HGV cooler in the summer heat.

Here’s how it works: When your tires are properly inflated, they have less contact with the road. This helps to keep your tires from getting too hot, which in turn helps to keep your HGV cooler.

Not only that, but properly inflated tires also help to improve your fuel economy. So not only will you be keeping your HGV cooler, you’ll also be saving money on fuel!

Check your Engine

The heat can also cause your engine to overheat. Check the temperature gauge frequently and pull over if it gets too hot.

  • Before setting off on a long journey, it’s important to check your engine to make sure everything is in good working order. This includes checking the coolant levels and making sure there are no leaks.
  • Keep your HGV clean It’s important to keep your HGV clean during the summer months to help keep it cool. This means regularly washing the outside of the vehicle and cleaning the windows and mirrors.

We hope these tips help you stay safe and cool this summer. There’s lots more to HGV driving that you can master today. Our HGV training experts can offer you all the training you need to become a successful HGV driver.