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Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving?

13 messages,  Last post on Aug 09, 2009 at 6:07 PM

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#7 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [oshkoshdriver] by vg33e power May 07, 2009 (1:00 pm)
Replying to: oshkoshdriver (May 07, 2009 12:34 pm) 2WD with traction control is really only useful on rain and light snow to regain the little loss of traction, because esentially it pumps the brakes (sort of like abs does) to momentarily stop the wheel that has lost traction in an effort to regain traction.   However, lets say you are in heavy snow and lots of slippery surface the traction control may (in my opinon) hinder your ability to quickly move forward because of the constant pumping of the brakes on both wheels. God forbid you are in a situation in which you need to manuever out of the way from a stand still to avoid a collision.   My take on TC and all the electronic gizmos now-a-days is just an excuse for our poor driving ability. People in the past (our parents) never had these features and they did just fine without them...after all aren't we here typing away.   I am not trying to push on you something you cant afford, but like I said before, if you can afford a 4WD (specially because of the region you live with) then buy it, you will appreciate it.   Just my two cents! Replies to this message: oshkoshdriver (May 07, 2009 1:09 pm) vg33e power (May 07, 2009 1:15 pm) steve_ (May 07, 2009 8:42 pm) and 2 more...
#8 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [vg33e power] by oshkoshdriver May 07, 2009 (1:09 pm)
Replying to: vg33e power (May 07, 2009 1:00 pm) Thanks for explaining the traction control better to me. I wasn't sure when that would really kick in. Lots of cars seem to be coming with that. And yep, we sure are here typing away, so I guess we're all doing something right. I appreciate the advice I've received here. Thanks for the perspective. I've also been looking at Subarus that come with AWD standard and that's another option for me. Not sure what I'm going to do. Sigh. Replies to this message: vg33e power (May 07, 2009 1:15 pm) steve_ (May 07, 2009 8:42 pm) oshkoshdriver (May 08, 2009 5:43 am) and 1 more...
#9 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [oshkoshdriver] by vg33e power May 07, 2009 (1:15 pm)
Replying to: oshkoshdriver (May 07, 2009 1:09 pm) My choice would be a Subie over the Escape.   4WD is standard Fun to drive in snow and in highway Most models come standard with a manual trnas even the upper scale models.   and if you can afford it...   TURBO! Replies to this message: steve_ (May 07, 2009 8:42 pm) oshkoshdriver (May 08, 2009 5:43 am) vg33e power (May 08, 2009 8:01 am)
#10 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [vg33e power] by steve_ HOST May 07, 2009 (8:42 pm)
Replying to: vg33e power (May 07, 2009 1:15 pm) I'd be interested in the mileage hit. I got by fine in snow country for years with winter tires and FWD. I have an AWD Subie wagon now that's good for going to the ski hill, but 9 months out of the year, I wish the mpg were a bit better.   The extra ground clearance on the Escape should help a bit in snow with either FWD or AWD. Replies to this message: oshkoshdriver (May 08, 2009 5:43 am) vg33e power (May 08, 2009 8:01 am)
#11 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [steve_] by oshkoshdriver May 08, 2009 (5:43 am)
Replying to: steve_ (May 07, 2009 8:42 pm) Yes - that's my concern too. I'm a bit of a miser at the pump, and am looking to buy something with at least "decent" MPG. I'm going to try to weigh my options. I really appreciate the feedback from people on this forum. Thank you. Replies to this message: vg33e power (May 08, 2009 8:01 am)
#12 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [oshkoshdriver] by vg33e power May 08, 2009 (8:01 am)
Replying to: oshkoshdriver (May 08, 2009 5:43 am) Considering your are between the Subie and the Ford, I take it you are comparing the Escape to the Forester just to be comparing apples to apples.   Forester 2.5X $19995 20mpg city 26mpg hwy 170hp 2.5L 4WD   Escape XLS $20435 22mpg city 28mpg hwy 171hp 2.5L 2WD
#13 of 13 Re: Front Wheel Drive Escape OK in winter driving? [oshkoshdriver] by sylviah Aug 09, 2009 (6:07 pm)
Replying to: oshkoshdriver (May 07, 2009 8:27 am) I have a 2005 Ford Escape - 4 cylinder and I live in Eastern Washington - if you have been following the news for the last 2 winters - you know that we got nailed with snow. My Escape got me everywhere I went and back home. I have all Season Tires (the better kind) and they are siped! Other then that I did nothing to it. I got high centered one time and had to dig out - but a 4WD would not have gotten me out either. I recommend that car highly!

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