How can HGV drivers prepare for summer?

Summer is almost here. The warmer weather is, generally, much appreciated. It does, however, bring some challenges, particularly for HGV drivers. With that in mind, Andrea Easton, the Head of Finance and Operations of Walker Movements shares tips on how HGV drivers can prepare for summer. 

Update your vehicle maintenance routine 

In hot weather, you need to pay extra-close attention to your tyres. The heat can literally melt them, hence wearing down the tread more quickly. It will definitely increase the tyre pressure. As a rule of thumb, every additional 10°C increases your tyre pressure by 0.1 bar. While this doesn’t look like much written down, in the real world, it does make a difference. 

Similarly, heat will reduce the friction between the brake pad and the tyre. This means that the pad will have more work to do. That means it’s even more important your brake pad is in working condition. 

Drive belts are another part of an HGV that can really suffer from the effects of heat. It’s therefore particularly important to check them thoroughly in summer. Make sure that they can bend while they rotate. 

You also need to make extra checks on your liquids, cooling and air-conditioning system. Firstly, these are all likely to be working harder than they do at other times of the year. Secondly, heat leads to evaporation. 

Allow extra time for your trips 

Summer is the peak time for leisure road trips. What’s more, it’s probably safe to assume there are going to be a lot of them this year. People can now move freely around the UK for the first summer since 2020. Some of them at least are going to be wanting to catch up with people they haven’t seen for two years. There will also be people still holidaying at home for various reasons. 

Summer is also peak time for roadworks. Again, it’s probably safe to assume that there are going to be a lot of them this year too. Local authorities (and other stakeholders) will be playing catch-up after COVID19. 

Put these two facts together and it becomes clear that the UK’s roads are going to be far busier than normal, even for summer. Planning your journey accordingly will reduce stress on you and also, potentially, stress on your brakes. 

You might want to think about travelling between late evening and early morning as much as possible. This can do a lot to ease a lot of the issues with driving HGVs in summer. With that said, it probably won’t eliminate them completely. Summer nights are cooler than summer days but they can still be very warm. 

Cool your cab 

You may not like driving with the windows open but you can open your windows a little when you are not driving. This will get the air to circulate and can help to cool it. It can also help deal with any smells (e.g. food smells). If you’re near your vehicle (e.g. checking it), you may be able to open the door as well. 

If your cab has air conditioning then use it as much as you feel necessary. If it doesn’t, then consider getting a fan for your cab. Ideally, your employer should pay for this. Even if they don’t, however, they’re affordable enough to buy yourself. 

Another useful tip is to put a blanket, sheet or duvet cover over your seat. Wool, cotton and linen all tend to absorb heat less than leather/leatherette. This means that they can help to keep your seat cooler. What’s more, if they do get too hot, you can swap them out. 

Dress for the heat and sun 

If your employer has a uniform then it should be suitable for the weather. If it’s not then you should raise the issue with them as it’s a matter of health and safety. If your employer has a dress code, then follow it but apply common sense. Wear natural fabrics as much as possible. They allow your skin to breathe. Light colours will help to reflect the sun. 

A visor/peaked cap and a pair of sunglasses will help to protect your face from the sun. In particular, they’ll protect your eyes from both UV rays and glare. Counterintuitive as it may seem, it can be a good idea to stick with long sleeves and possibly even wear driving gloves. Your arms and hands are very exposed and can easily be burned. 

Use sun protection 

Sun protection is non-negotiable. You will need it on all exposed areas. This will definitely mean your face and usually your neck too. If you’re wearing short sleeves and no gloves then you’ll need to protect your arms and hands as well. 

Prioritise water intake 

The best water bottles for driving have a wide neck and a drinking spout. They’re also easy to grip. A handle is a bonus. If your bottle has a wide neck, you can fill it with ice. At first, this will keep your water cool. As time passes, the ice will melt and give you a fresh supply of cold water. You can also use freezer packs to keep your water cool if ice is hard to find. 

Having a bottle with a drinking spout means that you can drink without having to remove a cap. This is much easier when you’re driving. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of spills. Ideally, you’ll be able to put your bottle into a holder to keep it convenient and stable out of use. 

If you’re not a big fan of pure water, look for healthy ways to give it some flavour. For example, you could add lemon juice to it. This really is better for you than fizzy drinks. If you must go for fizzy drinks, at least stick to sugar-free ones. 

Get plenty of rest 

Heat really can drain your energy and mental focus. If at all possible, rest in the hottest part of the day (roughly noon to 2 PM). At a minimum, take your full rest breaks and use as much as possible of them for rest. 

Be prepared for the weather to change 

Last but definitely not least, be prepared for the weather to pull a surprise on you. The UK is most certainly capable of unexpected downpours and even thunderstorms.