I took mine off at first oil change, both splash guards and mud flaps. Off-road they get in the way and will cause damage. Mine looks like a shark took a bite from it. Free to anyone who wants to pickup in NJ.
If you plan on going off-road, the splash guards in front reduce approach angle. I had mine pulled off at first service mainly cause it looked like a shark took a bite out of it by the time I got to first oil change
on the steering wheel menu check oil life. I have used this with Ford and the best time to change is once you get below 20% oil life.
From what I have been told it factors mileage and engine run time. The oil life can also be found in your Ford pass app which you can setup oil change tire...
Really depends on the "Upstate" you are talking about... That lake effect up near Buffalo you should think about getting something with a ❄️❄️❄️ rating. If your talking everywhere else solid tread on those continentals will get the job done. Lived upstate commuting to Vermont for 7 years never...