As the temperatures change all across the country, it’s time to start thinking about how to care for yourself during summer weather. Spring and summer can bring scorching temperatures to huge swathes of the US, making it a problem for truckers driving through these regions. Take a look at these tips on how to stay cool when truck driving in hot weather.
Use That A/C
While it’s true that using your cab’s A/C on full blast all day will use up some fuel, the rewards are well worth it. A/C is the primary way of cooling down your truck’s interior and staying comfortable. The small amount of fuel you might save by not running the A/C isn’t worth the danger of exhaustion and heat stroke.
Choose Clothing Wisely
Most people don’t think too much about the fiber content in their clothing. You buy what looks good or what fits your needs, but you might not think to read the tags very carefully. However, you should start doing so because natural fibers breathe much better than synthetic ones, meaning they allow air to circulate through your clothes and regulate your temperature. Some ideal natural fibers for summer include cotton, linen, and lightweight wool. You’ll want to skip synthetics like nylon, spandex, polyester, and rayon.
Drink Cold Beverages
Many truck drivers rely on coffee to get them through the long days, but you might not want to drink hot coffee during the summer. If you must have caffeine, try an iced coffee beverage instead. As a bonus, the extra water from the ice will help you stay hydrated. Aside from iced coffee, you can drink chilled water and other beverages to quench your thirst and stay cool.
Try a Cooling Vest
If your body tends to run really warm all year, you might want to consider getting a cooling vest to help you stay cool when truck driving in hot weather. A cooling vest looks a bit like a safety vest with built-in ice packs. You just pop it in the freezer overnight and put it on over your clothes in the morning.
Upgrade Your Driving Seat Cover
Material type doesn’t just matter for your clothes—it also matters for the seat you sit in all day. Cloth seats don’t stay cool because they naturally absorb your body heat. Alternatively, leather seat covers tend to feel much nicer during warm weather because they stay cool more easily. If you want to improve your driving experience, consider choosing an optimal seat cover for hot weather.
These tips should help you stay cool this summer, no matter how hot it gets outside. Remember to wear loose, comfortable clothes and drink plenty of fluids to avoid overheating.
