How to Prepare Your Semi-Truck for Long Summer Hauls

Middleton Meads Prepare Your Semi-Truck for Long Summer Hauls

It’s time to prepare your semi-truck for long summer hauls.

Long summer hauls put a unique strain on your semi-truck. Between extreme heat, long hours on the road, and added stress on cooling systems, your rig needs special attention before you hit the highway. Knowing how to prepare your semi-truck for long summer hauls can prevent costly breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and keep you safe on the road. Our Middleton & Meads guide covers everything you need to know to get summer-ready.

Inspect and Maintain Your Cooling System

Your engine’s cooling system is your first line of defense against summer heat. Overheating is a major cause of breakdowns during the summer months.

Checklist:

Check coolant levels and top off with the manufacturer-recommended fluid.
Inspect radiator hoses for cracks or leaks.
Flush and refill your coolant system if it’s due (usually every 24,000 to 50,000 miles).
Ensure the radiator and condenser are clean and free of debris.

Test Your Air Conditioning System

Comfort matters when you’re spending hours behind the wheel. Before summer fully hits, ensure your A/C system is functioning at full capacity.

Tips:

Run your A/C and check for unusual noises or weak airflow.
Recharge refrigerant levels if needed.
Replace cabin air filters for optimal performance.

Examine Tires for Heat-Related Wear

Tires can take a beating during long summer hauls. The combination of high pavement temperatures and heavy loads can lead to blowouts if you’re not careful.

What to do:

Check tire pressure frequently—heat can cause fluctuations.
Look for uneven wear, cracks, or embedded debris.
Rotate tires and align wheels to extend lifespan and improve handling.

Perform a Full Brake Inspection

Summer driving often means more traffic, mountain passes, and heavy braking—all of which put extra stress on your brakes.

Inspect:

Brake pads and shoes for wear.
Brake fluid levels and color.
Air brake system (if equipped) for leaks and proper operation.

Check Battery Health

Heat can accelerate battery fluid evaporation and corrosion on terminals. A dead battery in the middle of a haul can derail your delivery schedule.

Prepare your semi-truck by:

Cleaning corrosion from terminals.
Ensuring connections are tight.
Having the battery tested for voltage and charge capacity.

Keep Emergency Supplies On Hand

Even with the best preparation, unexpected issues can arise. Make sure your semi-truck is stocked with essentials to handle minor problems or delays.

Include:

Extra coolant and oil.
Flares or reflectors.
Water, snacks, and sunscreen.
First-aid kit and basic tools.

Plan Your Route and Service Stops

Long summer hauls often mean navigating construction zones, traffic jams, and remote areas. Plan ahead to avoid overheating your engine or running low on fuel.

Pro Tips:

Use GPS with real-time traffic updates.
Identify safe rest areas with diesel services.
Schedule stops to check on vehicle systems during the trip.

MIDDLETON & MEADS IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VEHICLE’S NEEDS.

Need to repair your truck or bus? Contact Middleton & Meads today! Middleton & Meads provides quality truck and bus repair, service, and fleet management for the Baltimore, MD, area. We have over 90 years of experience in the trucking industry and will provide you with customer service like you have never experienced before! If you are interested in seeing how we can help your business, give us a call at (410) 752-5588 or visit us online today! You can see the vast catalog of services we offer by checking out our Line Card or heading over to Solutions for more information. For more articles and trucking tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.