Service Bay Heat: Tips to Keep Technicians Cool, Safe, and Productive All Summer

Specialty vehicle service bays often lack the same climate control as front offices. So when summer temperatures come in hot, your service department won't get a break, and neither will your technicians. This makes heat a serious challenge, not just for comfort and morale, but for employee safety.

As a dealer, your technicians are invaluable. Here are some practical strategies to help your team beat the heat this summer:

Prioritize Ventilation and Airflow

Heat buildup in large service bays is common, especially when engines are running. You can improve ventilation by: 

• Installing high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans to move large volumes of air quietly and efficiently 

• Using exhaust fans or roof vents to pull hot air up and out of the bay 

• Strategically opening bay doors to create cross-breezes, but only when it improves airflow — otherwise you might just let more heat in 

If HVAC systems aren't realistic, portable evaporative coolers (also known as swamp coolers) can make a noticeable difference in temperature.

Encourage Hydration (and Make It Accessible)

Dehydration is a large threat to technicians' health when temperatures are high. To make water accessible and encourage frequent hydration, consider:  

• Installing water stations with cold, filtered water in or near the bays 

• Providing reusable water bottles and cooling towels (you can even customize them to create a personalized experience)  

• Offering electrolyte drinks or packets during heat waves to help replenish nutrients 

Reminding your team to hydrate is essential. You can put up poster reminders in break rooms or send internal messages to every technician through your dealer management system to promote heat exhaustion and safety.

Adjust Scheduling for Heat

The U.S. Department of Labor found that most workplace injuries and illnesses due to heat exposure occur from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

When possible, adjust work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day: 

• Start shifts earlier to take advantage of cool morning temperatures. 

• Rotate tasks so no one is in the heat for too long. 

• Schedule the most physically demanding jobs for the morning and save lighter tasks for the afternoon. 

Even a quick 15-minute break in a shaded or air-conditioned area can prevent heat exhaustion and improve productivity. 

Educate and Train Technicians

Equip your team with the knowledge to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses. Train them to spot: 

• Heat exhaustion symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea 

• Heat stroke signs: confusion, fainting, dry/hot skin, rapid pulse or breathing 

Establish protocol for reporting dehydration concerns and make sure employees know they won’t be penalized for asking for time to cool down. 

Invest in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

In extreme temperatures, provide your team with the tools they need to stay cool, such as: 

• Lightweight, breathable uniforms 

• Auxiliary or personal cooling systems (e.g., cooling vests) 

• Nonslip, heat resistant gloves 

Talk to your suppliers about their options designed specifically for high-heat environments without sacrificing protection.  

Stay Cool, Stay Safe

By taking proactive steps to manage heat in your service department during peak summer season, you protect your team and your business, while showing technicians their well-being is a priority. Investing in workplace safety today will boost performance and results throughout the entire season.