Getting Your Car Ready for a Flagstaff Winter
Winters in Flagstaff aren’t Phoenix winters, you’re dealing with real snow, icy mornings, and temps that dip well below freezing. Preparing your car properly can save you from headaches when the snow really starts coming down. And may even save your life! Here’s how most people up there handle it:
1. Tires Matter More Than Anything
Up in Flagstaff, snow tires or good all-season tires aren’t optional, they’re survival gear. The city gets around 100 inches of snow a year, and the roads can get slick fast. A lot of locals swap to dedicated winter tires around November and don’t take them off until March or April. Chains are rarely used in town, but if you plan on heading into the mountains or through higher passes, it’s worth keeping a set.
2. Fluids & Antifreeze
You’ll want to make sure your coolant/antifreeze mix is ready for freezing temps. A 50/50 mix is pretty standard, but a shop in town can test it for you to be sure it won’t freeze.
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Windshield washer fluid should be the winter kind that won’t freeze in the reservoir. Regular blue stuff from Phoenix will turn into a block of ice.
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Top off your oil and transmission fluid, and consider switching to a lower-viscosity oil if your car’s manual recommends it for cold climates.
3. Battery Check
Cold weather is hard on batteries. If yours is more than 3 years old, it’s smart to have it load-tested before the first big storm. Many people in Flagstaff keep a jump starter pack in the trunk because you never know when the cold will drain a battery overnight. The importance of this cannot be overstated. You do not want to be stranded in this climate!
4. Wipers & Visibility
Snow and ice eat cheap wipers alive. Get a set of winter wiper blades — they’re a little heavier but stay flexible in freezing temps. And don’t forget to top off washer fluid with the freeze-proof stuff. A small ice scraper/brush combo is a glovebox essential.
5. Emergency Kit
Locals usually keep:
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A warm blanket or extra coat
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Gloves and a beanie – if you can swing it, leather gloves and a real wool hat will keep you nice and cozy
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Small shovel (handy if you get stuck in snow)
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Bag of sand or kitty litter for traction. A couple of bags of kitty letter kept in the trunk of station wagons is a good old school tip, lending a little more traction. Every little helps!
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Flashlight and a couple snacks
It’s not overkill, storms can blow in quickly and make travel tricky.
6. Keep It Fueled
Gas tanks freeze less easily when they’re half-full or better. Plus, you don’t want to be stuck on I-17 waiting for a snowplow with the fuel light on.
7. Don’t Forget the Basics
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Check tire pressure often — cold temperatures can make tires burst a lot more easily than say in a Phoenix winter.
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Test your heater and defroster before the first freeze.
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Lube the door seals so they don’t freeze shut (silicone spray works great).
Preparing your car for a Flagstaff winter is mostly about tires, fluids, and visibility; with a little bit of emergency planning thrown in. If you get those things covered, you’ll handle the snow just fine.
University Auto Repair In Flagstaff, AZ
When you need your car fixed, you need it fixed fast, and you need it fixed the right way. At University Auto Repair, we strive to provide the best and highest quality auto repairs in the region. We live here too, and we are dedicated to the safety, security, and convenience of drivers and car owners throughout the Flagstaff area. Contact our team today!
