Watch the Ford F-150 Struggle on Ice
Winter is here, and for some drivers in the South, this is a problem. For example, a Tenessee man had trouble in his Ford F-150 as it began sliding down an icy street. This made us wonder if the Ford F-150 is the best winter truck or not.
The Ford F-150 fights winter weather
According to Car Scoops, a security camera in Nashville, Tennessee, caught a Ford F-150 in trouble. A winter storm came in and froze the streets, making it tricky for some to head out. But as soon as the truck left the driveway, it faced a steep, icy street.
As the driver turned the wheel, the truck began sliding down the hill as the back swung around. It continued sliding perpendicular to the street until it went out of view.
The driver was a dad who was going to pick up his daughter from a sleepover. He didn’t realize that the street was covered in ice until it was too late. Luckily, the F-150 came to a stop before hitting a car parked at the bottom of the road.
After retrieving his daughter, dad mode kicked in. He realized that he didn’t want to battle going back up the hill. So the man parked his F-150 at the bottom of the hill and walked up to his home instead.
Is the Ford F-150 good in snow?
Yes, the F-150 is a good truck for tackling snow. As far back as the 2017 Ford F-150 model, these trucks have had a ground clearance of 9.3-inches. This gives them more than enough ground clearance to drive through snow, even if the roads haven’t been plowed.
According to Motor and Wheels, you should spring for 4×4 to give your truck extra capability. The Ford four-wheel-drive system delivers torque to all four wheels independently. With each wheel getting enough power, you’ll have increased traction and control in slippery conditions.
With the Electronic-Shift-On-The-Fly (ESOF) system, 4WD can be activated as needed. It doesn’t stay on all the time. Also, the Electronic Stability Control system monitors wheel operation to prevent skidding and slipping.
Other Ford safety features for winter include:
- The Traction Control System. The TCS uses sensors on the F-150 to determine the difference between your wheel speed and vehicle speed to help your tires find traction.
- The Anti-Lock Brake System. This helps prevent your wheels from locking up due to excessive force. If the system senses that a wheel is rapidly losing speed, it will decrease the braking force.
- The Snow mode. The Ford F-150 has a snow mode that helps you meet different performance needs. The Snow/Wet mode provides better traction and enhances stability.
What is the best pickup truck for snow?
According to Autobytel, the 2018 Ford F-150 is one of the best options for driving in snow and ice. This is because it has an optional 10-speed automatic transmission with five driving modes, including Snow/Wet.
So, if you want a used Ford F-150 for winter, then you’re in luck. However, one of the safest driving moves you can make in the ice and snow is staying home if you can. Don’t push your limits. The Tenessee dad made the right move by deciding not to drive up that icy hill again.