Beat the heat on the road

Beat the Heat: 4 Ways to Stay Cool on the Road

Summer heat is in full swing all across the US and August tends to be the hottest month of the year. Whether your driving through the south with high humidity and unexpected summer thunderstorms or your route takes you up north, summertime can often be a difficult season on the road. With a few more weeks of summer- don’t let the heat slow you down on the road.

 

4 Ways to Stay Cool on the Road

 

Drink plenty of water. Many recommendations for hydration say to drink 8 glasses of water per day. More recent studies and also, recommendations for weight loss, say to drink half your weight in ounces per day. (For example: if you weigh 100 lbs., you should drink 50 ounces of water every day). The main idea is to drink water consistently throughout the day and if you are thirsty, drink up! Not a fan of plain water? Try coconut water, it is filled with electrolytes to combat dehydration. Coconut water also comes in several different flavors.

Wear protective sunscreen. Even though you are behind the glass of your truck, there is still a possibility for UV rays to venture through your truck windows. According to skincancer.org, “UV radiation from the sun, associated with about 90 percent of all skin cancers, reaches the earth as long- wavelength UVA and shortwave UV B rays. Glass effectively blocks UVB, and windshields are specially treated to block UVA as well, but a car’s side and rear windows allow UVA to penetrate.” The best way to protect your skin from unwanted UV rays is to apply SPF of 15 or higher before hitting the road. Also, tinting your truck windows could help block rays from the sun from entering your truck.

Make sure your truck is up to date on maintenance. It’s important to maintain your truck throughout the year. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road in 100 degree heat. Before long-hauls, make sure to check your tires for proper inflation, engine, and oil levels. For a full pre-trip checklist, click here.

Watch out for end of summer travelers. For many people, the summer months mean vacation time and travel. With more four-wheel travelers on the road, it is important to be extra careful in high trafficked areas. Also, there are often less experienced drivers are on the road due to school being out of session. Follow safe driving best practices and stay safe!