Snow Driving

[Dennis Kilbride]

I use slippery mainly in town on the side streets which in Minnesota winter suck with hard compacted snow/ice. The max I had thus far in fresh snow was 6 inches with zero problems. If I had to, I really do think I could handle 10 inches of fresh snow, but I would be concerned about the buildup underneath. Everyone up here in Minnesota has to learn over how to drive in snow every winter. Just give yourself plenty of stopping time and keep the speed down. Pic attached in northern Minnesota after a snowstorm. On this stretch I kept my speed below 45mph.

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[Ford Motor Company]

I use slippery mainly in town on the side streets which in Minnesota winter suck with hard compacted snow/ice. The max I had thus far in fresh snow was 6 inches with zero problems. If I had to, I really do think I could handle 10 inches of fresh snow, but I would be concerned about the buildup underneath. Everyone up here in Minnesota has to learn over how to drive in snow every winter. Just give yourself plenty of stopping time and keep the speed down. Pic attached in northern Minnesota after a snowstorm. On this stretch I kept my speed below 45mph.

Hope you are enjoying your Bronco Dennis! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

 

[SapphireCat]

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

I drive in the snow fairly frequently in Colorado. First thing (and my gripe every time it snows here in CO) is make sure your tires (all-seasons, snow, whatever) are in good condition and are properly inflated. Second, AWD or 4x4 means nothing if your tires have no traction. So - take it easy, watch far down the road, leave way more space than you think between vehicles and start applying your brakes early. Do not pump them, since you have antilock brakes. If you start to slide, steer the direction you want to go. Gentle braking, gentle steering maneuvers.

I've tried the different GOAT modes in snow. Honestly, I found my best results were in "Normal" mode and using the tips I outlined above. Also, I've never had to use snow chains/cables, so I'll have to defer that question to someone who has. I believe CA requires more vehicles to have chains/cables than Colorado.

Enjoy the trip! Hopefully the weather will cooperate and you can just admire the snow from the cleared roadways

 

[ATLAS BLUE BADLANDS]

Before I begin, let me preface my question with this: I’m a So. CA kid and have VERY limited experience driving in snow, so please be kind. ?

My niece is getting married on February 27 in Yosemite at the Valley Chapel. While I’ve been to the Valley dozens of times I’ve never gone during the middle of the winter. I have a 2023 OBX and am aware of the various GOAT modes, but I know I’m going to have to carry cables as well. The Valley is just over 3000’, but getting into it requires climbing to close to 6000’, and we could hit a bit of snow.

What do I need to know about using the GOAT mode and cables, and what kind of cables would you all recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Thanks!

Nice looking BS. Lots of good tips here. Carry chains as required. When road conditions say "Chains required except AWD" keep going do not chain up. When road conditions require chains even for AWD do not go - wait it out.

That works best for Snoqualmie Pass here in Washington where many do not know how to drive in the snow or prepare their rig for snow driving. And you will never get around them in such bad conditions anyway.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Just break out your can of Ford liquid tire chains!

 

[AndyMac204]

traction control off. heel to the steel.

 

[Stircrazy]

traction control off. heel to the steel.

why would you turn the traction control off

 

[Stircrazy]

best thing is just remember to drive smoothly on bad roads, steady acceleration and stopping, no fast turns, just slowly turn the wheel to help maintain traction. give your self a little more room between your self and the person Infront of you so you can gently stop

 

[Mwittke5857]

best thing is just remember to drive smoothly on bad roads, steady acceleration and stopping, no fast turns, just slowly turn the wheel to help maintain traction. give your self a little more room between your self and the person Infront of you so you can gently stop

If I cannot see the rear tires on the ground of the vehicle in front of me, I've stopped too close. You never know what's on the mind/attention of the person coming up behind you

 

[AndyMac204]

why would you turn the traction control off

i like the ability to have some slip here and there. i find i can crawl through deeper snow way better. i also enjoy kicking the tail out or drifting once in a while.

 

[Mwittke5857]

i like the ability to have some slip here and there. i find i can crawl through deeper snow way better. i also enjoy kicking the tail out or drifting once in a while.

I might be 67 chronologically, but the 17 year old is strong in me when the snow flies and I'm in an empty parking lot!

 

[fridgeguy]

In deep snow I use sport and lock the 4wd in or mud/ruts and lock the diff. You can also, at least in the Badlands, used normal and lock the diff and 4wd. Have fun! (I also have studded snow tires--its a blast!)

 

[Escape2Bronco]

why would you turn the traction control off

This is typically required to do if you actually get stuck. Trying to free a stuck vehicle without shutting off the traction control is very frustrating. Basically, the vehicle will not get out of its own way with this on.

While driving it is fine to use especially if you are not familiar with how to control a vehicle in slippery conditions. While it is true that the computer is faster than a human, the human can be better at understanding what the situation is. Getting unstuck is one of those situations.

I used to live half way up a steep hill. I can’t count the number of people I’ve been able to get up to the top just by disabling the traction control. The real trick is figuring out how to disable on some vehicles!

 

[Escape2Bronco]

I might be 67 chronologically, but the 17 year old is strong in me when the snow flies and I'm in an empty parking lot!

I’d much rather have rear wheel drive than front wheel drive in snow. I don’t care for how front wheel drive cars “push” in the corners. I’d rather have them “loose” in the corners. But I’m in the same age group so unless you drove an Saab, Eldorado or Riviara, front wheel drive cars weren’t a thing when I was driving as a young adult.

 

[Greeno]

Thanks. I should be fine. Went to the local auto shop and it appears that I can buy them and return them if I don’t use them.

Should be fine! But what tires are those, look pretty street/summer?? Hows the tread life? For the most part, unless hard packed ice type snow where chains are really needed, you should be fine. Typically they close everything before 4x4+chains is required and just have the 4x4 chains carried rule from what I remember my time out that way.

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