Driving in winter comes with a unique set of challenges, from icy roads to freezing temperatures and heavy snow. Ford vehicles, equipped with advanced technologies, are designed to make navigating these conditions safer, easier, and more comfortable for drivers in Brampton. This guide explores 10 Ford technologies available across its lineup that enhance winter driving.
1- Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Ford’s Intelligent AWD and 4WD systems are key to maintaining control on snowy and icy roads. These systems continuously monitor traction and adjust power distribution between the front and rear wheels for optimal grip. Whether it’s the AWD system in the Ford Escape or the 4WD system in the Ford Bronco, these technologies ensure stability and confidence in slippery conditions.
The Terrain Management System™, available in models like the Ford Explorer, further enhances capability by offering selectable drive modes such as Snow, Gravel, or Sand, tailoring vehicle performance to specific conditions.
2- FordPass™ App with Remote Start
The FordPass™ app offers a suite of remote connectivity features that make winter mornings more manageable. Drivers can use the app to remotely start their vehicle, pre-heating the cabin and defrosting the windows before they even step outside.
Additionally, FordPass™ allows users to check fuel levels, lock or unlock doors, and locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot. This feature is available on many Ford models and provides unmatched convenience during harsh winter weather.
3- Heated and Ventilated Seats
Cold leather seats are a thing of the past in Ford vehicles equipped with heated and ventilated seats. Models like the Ford Edge and Ford Expedition offer multi-level heating settings for both front and rear passengers, ensuring everyone stays warm.
In higher trims, ventilated seat functionality is included, which can help clear moisture from heavy winter clothing, improving comfort during long drives.
4- Dual-Zone and Tri-Zone Climate Control
Maintaining a comfortable temperature is critical for winter travel. Ford’s Dual-Zone and Tri-Zone Climate Control systems, available in vehicles like the Ford Escape and Ford Explorer, allow passengers to customize their individual temperature settings.
These systems ensure that everyone in the vehicle remains comfortable, whether it’s on short commutes or longer road trips during the colder months.
5- Advanced Traction Control and Stability Systems
Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC) is a standard feature in many Ford vehicles, enhancing driver control in slippery conditions. This system automatically adjusts braking and engine power to maintain stability during sudden maneuvers, reducing the risk of skidding or rollover.
Coupled with traction control, which minimizes wheel slip during acceleration, these technologies ensure better handling on icy or snow-covered roads.
6- Winter-Specific Drive Modes
Ford vehicles equipped with selectable drive modes, such as the Bronco Sport and F-150, include Snow and Slippery settings designed to optimize performance in winter conditions.
These modes adjust throttle response, gear shifts, and traction control settings to improve handling and grip, making it easier to drive confidently on icy streets or through fresh snow.
7- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Safety Suite
Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ suite includes a range of advanced driver-assistance features that are particularly useful in winter. Key technologies include:
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions and applies brakes to avoid or reduce impact.
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®): Helps monitor blind spots, which can be harder to check in snowy weather.
- Lane-Keeping System: Assists in maintaining lane position, even on roads with faded or snow-covered markings.
- Rearview Camera with Washer: Ensures a clear view behind the vehicle by incorporating a washer to remove snow or debris.
These systems work together to enhance awareness and safety in challenging conditions.
8- QuickClear™ Heated Windshield
A feature often overlooked, the QuickClear™ Heated Windshield, available on select Ford models, is a game-changer for winter mornings. Fine wires embedded in the windshield heat up to quickly clear frost, ice, and snow.
This feature saves valuable time and eliminates the need for manual scraping, ensuring better visibility before starting your journey.
9- Heated Steering Wheel
Ford’s heated steering wheel, available on models like the Ford Escape and Ford Edge, provides immediate warmth for the driver’s hands. This feature is especially appreciated during early morning commutes or after the vehicle has been parked outdoors in freezing temperatures.
The heated steering wheel pairs seamlessly with other comfort features, like heated seats, to create a cozy driving environment.
10- All-Weather Tires and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
While not a technology exclusive to Ford, many Ford vehicles come equipped with all-weather tires that provide enhanced grip in winter conditions. Additionally, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts drivers when tire pressure drops, which is common in cold temperatures.
Properly inflated tires are critical for maintaining traction and ensuring safe braking and handling during winter, making TPMS an essential feature for Canadian drivers.
Why Ford Technologies Stand Out for Winter Driving
Ford’s commitment to integrating advanced safety and comfort technologies ensures that its vehicles perform reliably in winter conditions. From intelligent AWD systems and customizable climate controls to cutting-edge safety features like Ford Co-Pilot360™, these innovations make driving safer and more comfortable, even in the harshest Canadian winters.
Whether you’re navigating icy roads or warming up your vehicle on a frigid morning, Ford’s winter-ready technologies provide peace of mind and convenience, ensuring that winter driving is less of a challenge and more of a seamless experience.