Flagstaff winters bring cold mornings, snow, and icy grades. Here is a short checklist for semi trucks and RVs before the season starts, and what to do if you get stuck.
Drivers who know Arizona only for its desert heat are often surprised by Flagstaff in winter. The high country around Flagstaff, Williams, and the Grand Canyon sees cold nights, snow, and icy stretches on I-40 and I-17, and the grades in and out of town are hard on brakes, tires, and batteries.
Roadside Repair LLC has worked these roads year round since 2001. Most of the winter calls we answer start with something a quick check could have caught. Here is the checklist we would run before the season starts.
Batteries and Charging
Cold weather is hard on batteries. A battery that cranks fine in October can leave you stranded on the first freezing morning.
- Have the batteries load tested before winter, not just checked for voltage
- Clean and tighten the terminals and cable ends
- Check the alternator output so the batteries actually recharge on the road
- RV owners should check the house batteries too, since furnaces and fans draw on them overnight
Fuel and the Fuel System
Diesel can gel in hard cold, and a clogged filter will stop a truck as surely as an empty tank.
- Fill up with winter blend diesel when you are heading into the high country
- Carry the anti-gel additive your engine maker recommends, and use it the way the label directs
- Change the fuel filter on schedule and drain the water separator
- Keep the tank fuller than you might in summer, which leaves less room for condensation
If you do run low or the fuel stops flowing, our emergency fuel delivery can bring diesel to you.
Tires and Wheels
Snow and ice punish worn tires, and cold air lowers tire pressure.
- Check tread depth on every position, including the trailer
- Check pressures cold, before you start driving, and adjust for the temperature
- Inspect sidewalls for cuts and bulges picked up on rough shoulders and forest roads
- Make sure your spare is inflated and mounted securely, and that you have the tools to reach it
If a tire fails on the road, our spare tire mounts service and roadside tire help can get you rolling again.
Brakes, Air System, and Axles
The long grades around Flagstaff lean hard on brakes, and freezing moisture can cause trouble in air lines.
- Drain the air tanks regularly so water does not freeze in the lines
- Check the air dryer and replace the cartridge if it is due
- Inspect brake adjustment, linings, and drums before the season
- Listen for noise from wheel ends and bearings, and look for leaking seals
An axle or bearing problem caught early is a far easier job than one found on the shoulder. Our axle repair and trailer repair technicians handle both in the field.
Locks, Doors, and Keys
A key can snap in a frozen lock on a cold Flagstaff morning, and a dead fob is easy to forget about until it matters. Carry a spare key somewhere you can reach it, and keep lock deicer in the cab rather than inside the truck you are locked out of. If it happens anyway, our truck lockout service runs 24/7.
RVs: Water Systems and Living Space
RV travelers heading to the Grand Canyon, Williams, or Sedona in the cold months have a few extra things to watch.
- Know how your RV's water system handles freezing temperatures, and winterize it if you are not using it
- Test the furnace and carbon monoxide detector before your trip
- Check slide seals and roof seams for leaks before snow sits on them
- Plan fuel and propane stops, since services can be far apart outside town
For problems on the road, see our RV roadside assistance and RV roadside repair services.
Pack a Winter Kit
Keep these in the cab or coach all winter:
- Warm clothes, gloves, a blanket, and extra water and food
- A flashlight with spare batteries and a phone charger
- Reflective triangles, and tire chains if your vehicle and route call for them
- An ice scraper, a small shovel, and traction material
Before you leave, check road conditions and closures with the Arizona Department of Transportation's 511 service. Winter storms can close or slow stretches of I-40 and I-17.
Stuck in the Cold? Call Us Anytime
Roadside Repair LLC answers 24 hours a day, every day of the year, from our base in Flagstaff. Whether it is a gelled fuel system on I-40, a dead battery at a Williams campground, or a semi truck repair on the I-17 grade, call (928) 699-0436 with your location and we will get a technician headed your way.