Snowy Weather

[Toz]

So there has been lot and lots of chat about MPG in the cold and snowy weather, but what I want to know is, how does it drive/handle in snow and ice? Does it do OK with the all seasons on it? or does it really need snow tires? I am getting ready to pick up my new Fusion, and my first drive home (15 miles rural highway) will probably be in the snow. I have all sorts of experience driving in the snow, so that’s not a problem, but driving a new car that I don’t have a “feel” for in the snow scares me a little bit. Does the traction control help in the snow?

So any feedback from FFH drivers in snowy locals would be appreciated .

Thanks

[hermans]

This is my 2nd winter for the FFH and it handles great in the snow. I don't know yet about the MKZh, but since it is a little heavier than the FFH....it should be fine. I'll be taking a trip in the MKZh over Christmas to N. Michigan and suspect I'll find out then.

Edited December 11, 2013 by hermans

[acdii]

Both, the first one and my current one, both with the Goodyear tires, handle snow very well. We have had a few inches already and not one worry. There was only one time where the car did not handle well, then again, it was so slick that day, nothing handled well.

[MaineFusion]

I'm going into my second winter with my 2013 FFH (I got it last Feb). I have no complaints so far with winter handling. I can't say that I really test the limits of its winter handling ability as I'm a pretty experienced and cautious winter driver.

 

Before moving to Maine in 2000 I spent eight years in Alaska. Honestly, 90% of handling is about the way you drive. All the new tech to help keep us on the road is great, but all the winter handling tech in the world won't save you if you drive like an idiot in the winter. When driving on a snow/ice covered road, if you don't have 10 seconds to the driver in front of you and/or haven't slowed way down, you are asking for trouble. Have you ever noticed how many wintertime accidents originate in the left lane? It's because the drivers were going too fast and/or following too close because they were too impatient and over estimated their driving skills.

[ramseyny]

Winter has begun here in upstate New York and, in my opinion, the car was unsafe with the stock tires. The first dusting we had the vehicle was unable to start moving on a slight incline without total wheel spin. I've since put a set of four Michelin X-Ice tires on steel wheels and they make all the difference. I am no longer worried about getting home. Even so it is still not as good as my last car, an all wheel drive BMW 3 series. We have a lot of hills around here and I have a steep driveway but unless you stop driving when it snows, there is no doubt you should have true snow tires.