Detailing in the heat

I washed around 50 cars in the last week on a blacktop lot in sunny 84 degree temps. I just take a short break after every 3 cars to drink water. Staying hydrated is a must. I also only work 4 hour shifts per day.
 
If you go to a true bicycle shop that has a nice inventory,they have effective supplements that you add to your beverages in the heat that replaces electrolytes and snack on salty foods.Gatorade and water will not be enough during a 8 hr day in the heat especially in south Florida with the humidity.The sun intensity in New England is not as strong as the south.Becareful out there heat stroke can kill you and know your limits.
 
Real Riders said:
I washed around 50 cars in the last week on a blacktop lot in sunny 84 degree temps. I just take a short break after every 3 cars to drink water. Staying hydrated is a must. I also only work 4 hour shifts per day.
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Where do you live?
 
On the pop up canopies, put pool noodles on the legs to protect paint if they do move & I tie a full 5 gallon bucket of water to each leg. I was gonna put a piece of 2" pvc in a 5 gallon bucket & fill around it with concrete mix & then push the legs into the pvc to anchor it. But then I have to find a place to store them,it is easier to dump,stack & store 4 empty buckets so that my method for now.
 
GSKR said:
If you go to a true bicycle shop that has a nice inventory,they have effective supplements that you add to your beverages in the heat that replaces electrolytes and snack on salty foods.Gatorade and water will not be enough during a 8 hr day in the heat especially in south Florida with the humidity.The sun intensity in New England is not as strong as the south.Becareful out there heat stroke can kill you and know your limits.
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We ride quite a bit. My wife is a fan of the nuun brand tablets. I like Scratch's drink mix because it's all natural (fruit, salt, sugar) and pretty light in taste.

It's also important to note that prehydrating is a good practice. Make sure you drink plenty of water the night before. If not, you're already in the negative when you take that first break in hot weather.
 
I agree pilotpip on the "pre-hydrating". In addition to hydrating enough to "have to pee frequently" while i'm working, i drink almost a gallon of water before i even hit the heat. I also program in at least a couple of breaks to go in to the AC during the job. I benefit greatly from a good 15 mins. back in the house.

One of the things i have wanted to do is to weigh myself before i work and then weigh again at the end of the job. I would be curious to see the fluid loss.
 
Real Riders said:
I live in West Virginia. It was 90 degrees here yesterday and I washed, dried, and wiped down the wheels on 8 Grand Cherokees in the hot sun and it was brutal
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come down here mix 95 degrees with horrible humidity.The heat is bearable but factor in the humidity it's a struggle.1pm I'm done for the day,I'm not gonna get wrecked staying out till 4 or 5 even hydrated.not to mention the heat that radiates from the foundations such as concrete.Be careful guys and don't push yourself or you will be visiting the er.
 
Great talk and advice so far!

Yesterday I detailed a Chevy Tahoe for 8.5 hours straight... I drank as much as possible and ate enough I believe, but that heat always gets to my head. I had a really bad headache from the sun, heat and exhaustion! This is why I offer a discount for people to come to me!
 
If you start to get a headache out in the heat you should really think about upping your intake of high glycemic load carbs (Gatorade for example) while you're out there. If it's going to be a long day out in the heat you should also consider throwing some pedialyte in a cooler just in case the headaches come on unexpectedly. Hydration is huge, but ensuring your body can facilitate the energy expenditure on top of dehydration is a huge key to maintaining your peak function.
 
natewood70 said:
If you start to get a headache out in the heat you should really think about upping your intake of high glycemic load carbs (Gatorade for example) while you're out there. If it's going to be a long day out in the heat you should also consider throwing some pedialyte in a cooler just in case the headaches come on unexpectedly. Hydration is huge, but ensuring your body can facilitate the energy expenditure on top of dehydration is a huge key to maintaining your peak function.
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Thank you for the helpful advice! I really like Vitamin Water XXX Zero, so I'll have to stock up on more of that or the like. I have always been sensitive to working and playing in the heat. I may also try wearing sunglasses when I can, as it gets really bright sometimes, which can lead to headaches.
 
Excuse me if I'm out of line, but I don't think you're listening to these guys. The drinks that bicycle riders use can make a HUGH difference. Cytomax, Heed, A guy previously mentioned Scratch. If you have never tried these while your working hard in the heat, you should.
 
ducksfan said:
Excuse me if I'm out of line, but I don't think you're listening to these guys. The drinks that bicycle riders use can make a HUGH difference. Cytomax, Heed, A guy previously mentioned Scratch. If you have never tried these while your working hard in the heat, you should.
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OK, I will look to buy some and try them out. Thanks!
 
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