QUESTION: Can anyone give me any input as to how the Ford Escort Wagon handles in the snow or in inclement weather. I live in Central Maine where snow is prevelant at any given day and my sister is a visiting nurse here and would appreciate any info you may have.
ANSWER: While living in the Washington, D.C. area I owned a previous model of the Ford Escort wagon, and found it a fine vehicle in moderate snow if driven properly. If your car has anti-lock brakes, it should be fine in most conditions. The advantages of the car are that it has front-wheel drive and is not too heavy. This helps keep the vehicle under control, and the lower mass allows it to turn and stop more easily. The drawback that it has in comparison to sport utilities and pickups is that it has less ground clearance, and can get hung up more easily in deep snow.
The most important thing to do on any vehicle for mobility in the snow, and more importantly, safety, is proper snow tires. The compound enables the tires to get good traction in low temperatures and on the slippery snow. Open tread areas get a better grip on unplowed roads and driveways. These tires should only be used until the tread is half worn. Obviously, the best tires should be put on the front of a front wheel drive car since the front tires do the bulk of the braking and all of the power and steering work.
The big advantage of 4-wheel or All-wheel drive is when the snow is very deep and is seldom plowed. The higher ground clearance is usually more important than the fact that these vehicles drive all wheels in most snow conditions. These vehicles are usually only needed if you have to drive off the road in really sloppy conditions.
Just remember to drive cautiously. Look and plan farther ahead, and accelerate, steer and brake gently. A good hint is to press the brakes or gas pedal as if you were stepping on eggshells. By far the most important element is good tires. I recommend those made by Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin or Goodyear, and buy the best they have -- it is cheap insurance.
DISCLAIMER: Responses to questions posed by users of NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE are offered only for general education purposes. User expressly agrees that the information contained herein will be used at its sole risk. Neither NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE nor any of its information providers, licensors, employees, or agents warrant that the responses will be error free nor make any warranty as to the results to be obtained from use of the information contained herein. Neither NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE nor anyone else involved in creating, producing or hosting the response shall be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of use of the response information. User agrees that it will not in any way hold NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE responsible for any selection or retention of, or the acts or omissions of, third parties in connection with the response information.
