Winter in St. Louis: 7 Ford Features That Make Cold Weather Driving Easier

St. Louis winters are no joke. One week it’s a light dusting of snow in Dogtown, and the next you’re skidding on black ice in South County. If you’re a Ford driver in the STL area, you’re in luck—Ford trucks and SUVs are designed with Midwest weather in mind. Whether you’re commuting down I-64, taking the kids to school in Kirkwood, or heading to Forest Park for a snowy weekend stroll, these features make winter driving safer, smarter, and more comfortable.

In this post, we break down 7 cold-weather features that help Ford drivers stay in control when the temperatures drop—and why they matter in a city like St. Louis.

1. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive & 4WD Systems

In St. Louis, road conditions can change block by block. That’s why Ford offers Intelligent AWD and 4WD systems across many of its most popular models, including:

• Ford Escape – Available AWD for better grip on slushy roads
• Ford Explorer – Intelligent AWD standard on Timberline trim
• Ford Bronco Sport – Standard 4×4 across all models
• Ford F-150 – Multiple 4WD options including FX4 Off-Road and Snow/Sand modes

These systems automatically detect traction loss and shift torque between wheels—especially helpful on STL’s hilly roads or icy overpasses along I-44.

2. Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel & Heated Mirrors

No one enjoys stepping into a cold car after walking across a frozen Schnucks parking lot. Ford’s winter comfort package features take the sting out of chilly mornings:

• Heated front and rear seats – Found on trims across Escape, Edge, Explorer, and more
• Heated steering wheel – Keeps hands warm during early commutes or post-soccer practice pickups
• Heated side mirrors – Quickly melt ice and improve visibility on side streets and interstates

These features are standard or available on most 2024 Ford models—making those early morning South County drives or school runs in U City far more pleasant.

3. Remote Start with FordPass™ App

FordPass™ is a game-changer during winter. From the warmth of your home or office, you can:

• Start your engine
• Defrost windows
• Turn on heated seats and steering
• Schedule daily start times

This is a must-have for anyone parking outside in St. Louis’s urban neighborhoods or overnight at a Clayton apartment complex. With FordPass Connect™, you can even monitor vehicle health, fuel levels, and battery charge (for hybrid or electric models).

4. Slippery & Snow Drive Modes

Ford’s selectable drive modes allow your SUV or truck to adapt to different surfaces—including winter conditions. Common winter-tuned drive modes include:

• Slippery Mode: Reduces throttle sensitivity and adjusts traction control
• Snow/Sand Mode: Great for deep snow or post-snowplow driving in STL suburbs
• Deep Snow/Mud: Found on off-road-ready trims like the Bronco Sport Badlands or Explorer Timberline

These modes give peace of mind when navigating side streets in Maplewood, navigating steep driveways in Sunset Hills, or managing tight parking lots near the Central West End during a snowfall.

5. Wiper De-Icers, Defrosters & Visibility Enhancements

Visibility is critical in winter weather. Ford equips its vehicles with features that help you see—and be seen:

• Heated windshield wiper zone: Prevents buildup and keeps blades flexible
• Rear defrosters: Clear your back window quickly when exiting your garage or STL metered spot
• Rain-sensing wipers: Adjust automatically during snow and sleet conditions

Ford also integrates available BLIS® with Cross-Traffic Alert, helping you stay safe when merging during rush hour or backing out of snow-packed grocery store lots.

6. Ground Clearance & Off-Road Confidence

While you may not plan to off-road in Forest Park, St. Louis winters can make even basic commutes feel like a trail run. Ford’s SUV and truck lineup offers winter-ready clearance and approach angles:

• Ford Bronco Sport: Up to 8.8 inches of clearance and G.O.A.T. Modes™
• Ford Ranger & F-150: Options for FX4 and Tremor off-road packages
• Explorer Timberline: Rugged suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates

These capabilities are ideal for snow-packed side roads, driveways, and backroads near Eureka, Imperial, or St. Charles.

7. Winter Service Readiness at Dave Sinclair Ford

No feature matters if your vehicle isn’t in winter-ready condition. At Dave Sinclair Ford, we offer winter service packages designed specifically for STL-area conditions. Services include:

• ✔ Tire inspections and pressure adjustments
• ✔ Brake pad and rotor checks
• ✔ Battery load tests (essential for sub-zero mornings)
• ✔ Oil changes with cold-weather synthetic blends
• ✔ Washer fluid top-offs with anti-freeze blend
• ✔ HVAC diagnostics and defroster functionality testing

Whether you live in Mehlville, Crestwood, Florissant, or right in the city, our team will help you prepare your Ford for whatever Missouri’s winter throws at you.

Additional Winter Tips for STL Drivers

• Keep a snow brush + ice scraper in your trunk at all times
• Use all-weather floor mats to protect from salt and slush
• Store an emergency kit with blanket, charger, flashlight, and snacks
• Refill washer fluid regularly and carry an extra bottle

And if you haven’t done it already—consider booking your winter service before the first major snow hits. Our South County service bays fill up fast.

Final Thoughts: STL Winter Confidence Starts with Ford

Driving in a St. Louis winter doesn’t have to mean white-knuckling your way down Lindbergh or delaying your errands because of snow. With winter-ready features like AWD, heated comforts, smart tech, and snow-specific drive modes, Ford vehicles are built for Midwest living.

Visit Dave Sinclair Ford this December to explore available models with these features—or to schedule a winter readiness service appointment. Stay warm. Stay safe. Drive Ford.