Brakes, Lights, and Tires: Key Safety Checks for Summer Driving

Post Date - Jun 2, 2025

At Ascend, we know that safety is the foundation of a successful trucking career. Keeping your truck in top shape is essential year-round, but summer presents unique challenges for your brakes, lights, and tires—three of the most critical components of your truck. The combination of extreme heat, increased traffic, and longer hauls can put extra strain on these systems, making regular inspections more important than ever. Here’s how you can ensure that you stay rolling this summer.

Brakes: Beat the Heat & Avoid Brake Fade

Your brakes take a beating in the summer. Rising temperatures can cause brake fade and a decrease in your truck’s braking power due to overheating. Brake fade is often caused by prolonged or excessive braking, reducing stopping power when you need it most. Long descents, stop-and-go traffic, and heavy loads only add to the stress on your braking system.

Brake Safety Tips for Summer:

·        Check for wear and tear – Regularly inspect brake pads, shoes, and drums for thinning or cracks.

·        Watch for air leaks – Hot weather can cause rubber seals to dry out, leading to air system leaks.

·        Use proper braking techniques – Avoid excessive braking on long downhill stretches; instead, use engine braking when possible.

Lights: See and Be Seen

Summer means more daylight hours, but don’t let that fool you—fully functional lights are still crucial for early mornings, late evenings, and poor weather conditions like sometimes unexpected summer storms. Plus, road construction (and higher levels of traffic) are at an all-time high during the summer months, and good visibility is key to navigating work zones safely.

Light Safety Tips for Summer:

·        Inspect all lights – Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and trailer lights daily.

·        Clean off dust and bugs – Summer roads bring an influx of debris that can cloud your lights.

·        Replace bulbs ASAP – Don’t wait for a roadside inspection to find out you have a burnt-out light.

Tires: Heat & Heavy Loads Can Spell Trouble

Tires are especially vulnerable in hot weather. High temperatures cause tire pressure to rise, increasing the risk of blowouts, which can be incredibly dangerous. Underinflated or worn tires can also lead to hazardous situations, especially on long summer hauls.

Tire Safety Tips for Summer:

·        Check pressure regularly – Heat can cause overinflation, while long hauls can lead to underinflation.

·         Look for wear and damage – Check for cracks, uneven tread wear, and embedded objects before each trip.

·        Avoid overloading – Excess weight increases tire strain and raises the risk of failure.

Stay Ahead of the Game with Preventative Maintenance

Keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your brakes, lights, and tires stay in peak condition. Regular pre-trip and post-trip inspections can help catch minor issues before they turn into major problems. Schedule routine maintenance checks, especially during the hot summer months when wear and tear can escalate quickly. Taking a few extra minutes to inspect your rig can save you from costly repairs and unexpected downtime.

At Ascend, we’re committed to giving our drivers the tools and resources to stay safe on the road. Whether it’s providing top-notch equipment or ensuring access to maintenance support, we’ve got your back.