Winter Preparation & Snow Driving (2017 Ford Escape)

Cold weather driving is easier when the Escape is set up for it. This guide covers what to do before the first storm, how to keep visibility clear, and how to drive on packed snow and ice with confidence. I follow the same plan each fall on our Escape, which we call Alice. Use this as a checklist so winter feels calm instead of chaotic.

Winter tires are the biggest upgrade

• Why they matter: Winter compounds stay soft in the cold and the tread clears snow. Stopping distances improve more than any other change you can make.
• Size choice: Narrower helps bite through slush. If you run 18s or 19s in summer, consider a 17 inch winter setup that matches your brake clearance and load rating.
• TPMS and wheels: A dedicated wheel set with programmed TPMS makes swaps fast. Label each wheel’s corner so rotations stay organized.
• Pressures: Set pressures cold to the door placard. Check monthly. Cold air drops PSI which hurts grip and triggers TPMS lights.

Fluids that work in the cold

• Oil: Use the viscosity your manual lists for winter temps in your region. Full synthetic crank speed is better in the cold.
• Coolant: Confirm freeze protection with a tester. Top only with the correct chemistry. Fix leaks before winter since small leaks grow in the cold.
• Washer fluid: Switch to winter-rated fluid that will not freeze. Keep a spare jug in the cargo area.
• Fuel: Keep the tank above half when possible. Less empty space limits moisture and helps if you get stuck in traffic.

Battery, charging, and starts

• Battery test: Cold reveals weak batteries fast. Load test if the battery is older. Clean terminals and tighten clamps.
• Grounds: Verify engine and body grounds are snug. Low voltage creates strange module behavior on cold starts.
• Block heater if equipped: A warm block improves starts, reduces wear, and heats the cabin sooner. Use a quality outdoor-rated cord.

Visibility and glass care

• Wipers: Install fresh blades and consider winter beam-style blades that resist ice buildup. Do not run frozen blades across ice.
• Defrost routine: Start with A/C on, temp warm, and airflow to defrost to pull moisture off the glass. Crack a window slightly for the first minute if humidity is high inside.
• Heated items: Check rear defroster and heated mirrors if equipped. A faster clear rear window helps with lane changes in slush.
• Interior glass: Clean the inside of the windshield. It reduces glare at night and fogging in the morning.

AWD behavior and traction control

• AWD helps you go, not stop: It improves takeoff on slick surfaces but braking still relies on tires. Keep winter tires on all four corners.
• Traction control: Leave it on for most driving. If you get stuck in deep snow, a brief toggle can help rock the vehicle free. Re-enable it when moving.
• Matching tires: All four tires must match brand, model, and size on AWD. Mismatched rolling diameters stress the driveline.

De-icing the right way

• Use a proper ice scraper and soft brush. Push snow off the roof so it does not slide onto the windshield while braking.
• Lift wipers only if ice threatens to glue them down. Lower them gently before driving.
• Do not pour hot water on glass. It can crack. Use de-icer spray on locks and door seals if they freeze.

Rust and underbody protection

• Rinse the underbody after storms to remove salt and brine. Pay attention to wheel wells and the rear subframe.
• Keep door seals clean and conditioned so they do not tear or squeak.
• Touch up paint chips before salt season. A small dab prevents big rust later.

Emergency and recovery kit

• Compact shovel, traction boards or sand, tow strap, and gloves.
• Booster cables or a compact jump starter. Cold batteries sag more than you expect.
• Blanket, hat, hand warmers, and non-perishable snacks. Add a small first aid kit and a reflective triangle.
• Phone charger and a flashlight with spare batteries. A headlamp is great for hands-free work.

Driving techniques on snow and ice

• Gentle inputs: Smooth steering, throttle, and brake. If the wheels spin, ease off slightly and try again. Let the tires find grip.
• Longer following distance: Triple your space. Packed snow and black ice increase stopping distance more than you think.
• ABS feel: In a hard stop you will feel the pedal pulse. Keep your foot down and steer where you want to go. Do not pump the brake.
• Downhill strategy: Select a lower gear early and brake gently before the slope. Avoid braking mid-curve on ice.
• Stuck procedure: Clear snow ahead of the tires, straighten the wheels, use a gentle rocking motion between Reverse and Drive, and place traction boards if you have them.

Night and storm checks

• Confirm all exterior lights work and aim low beams against a wall so the cutoff is correct. Dirty lenses reduce output fast in slush.
• Keep a microfiber towel and anti-fog wipes for interior glass. Moist breathing and wet clothes fog windows quickly.
• Listen for ice buildup in the wheel wells. If you hear thumping, stop and clear packed snow before it damages liners.

My pre-winter checklist for Alice

1. Install winter wheels and set pressures to the door placard
2. Swap to winter washer fluid and top off
3. Test battery and clean terminals
4. Check wipers and add a spare rear blade to the cargo bin
5. Load the shovel, traction boards, booster pack, and a small blanket
6. Clean the inside of the windshield and confirm defroster performance

Products to buy

Match sizes and specs to your exact trim and region.

Traction and visibility

• Quality winter tires in a size that fits your wheels Shop 235/55R17 · Shop 235/50R18
• Beam style winter wiper blades in the correct lengths Shop wipers
• Winter washer fluid and a small de-icer spray Washer fluid · De-icer

Emergency and recovery

• Compact snow shovel and traction boards Shovel · Boards
• Jump starter or heavy gauge booster cables Jump starter · Cables
• Tow strap with rated shackles Tow strap

Comfort and care

• Windshield ice scraper with soft brush Scraper
• Heated blanket for 12V power points Heated blanket
• All weather floor liners that fit the Escape Floor liners

Final notes

Winter is about preparation and habits. Good tires, clear glass, a strong battery, and a calm driving style make the biggest difference. Set a reminder in your phone for a monthly winter check: pressures, washer fluid, battery terminals, and a quick look under the Escape for leaks or loose panels.