Ford Fusion in the Snow

[hoskin14]

Hey All,

 

I have a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This is the first hybrid that I've ever driven, so I'm not sure if it's supposed to do this. In snowy/slippery conditions, the rear end slips around pretty badly. Is this because of the hybrid battery in the back adding all of that weight, and will a good set of tires minimize this issue? I don't have a good set of tires on the back.

[bbf2530]

46 minutes ago, hoskin14 said:

Hey All,

 

I have a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. This is the first hybrid that I've ever driven, so I'm not sure if it's supposed to do this. In snowy/slippery conditions, the rear end slips around pretty badly. Is this because of the hybrid battery in the back adding all of that weight, and will a good set of tires minimize this issue? I don't have a good set of tires on the back.

 

Hi hoskin. If you say you "...don't have a good set of tires on the back.", then you have likely answered your own question. Tires are the most important factor in snow/bad weather handling. This has nothing to do with the hybrid batter.

 

All the usual questions...How many miles on the tires, what brand/model etc?

 

Snow tires will always give superior winter snow traction than all-season tires. And if you decide to replace your tires, you most likely will need to replace all four, not just two. We can not blindly determine that over the Internet, but keep that in mind.

 

The Tire Rack is a good place for all types of tire information: https://www.tirerack.com/content/tirerack/desktop/en/homepage.html

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[md40022]

We've been dealing with over a foot of snow for the last week or two where I'm at and my 2010 has been really impressive in it so far. My first winter with the car and absolutely no complaints at all. That said I have a pretty good set of tires with probably 75-80% tread on them still. Like BBF said, admitting to having bad tires in the snow pretty much answered your own question.

 

 

[hoskin14]

17 hours ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi hoskin. If you say you "...don't have a good set of tires on the back.", then you have likely answered your own question. Tires are the most important factor in snow/bad weather handling. This has nothing to do with the hybrid batter.

 

All the usual questions...How many miles on the tires, what brand/model etc?

 

Snow tires will always give superior winter snow traction than all-season tires. And if you decide to replace your tires, you most likely will need to replace all four, not just two. We can not blindly determine that over the Internet, but keep that in mind.

 

The Tire Rack is a good place for all types of tire information: https://www.tirerack.com/content/tirerack/desktop/en/homepage.html

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

I figured it was just the tires, I wasn't sure if other owners had any issues with the snow or if it was because of the battery in the back.

 

As for the tires, I'm not sure how many miles are on the tires (bought the car about a year ago from a dealer), but the fronts have Michelin EnergySaver A/S (I've had good luck with these tires before) on them, and the backs have the Ironman iMove Gen 2 A/S (I've never heard of these tires before). 

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, hoskin14 said:

I figured it was just the tires, I wasn't sure if other owners had any issues with the snow or if it was because of the battery in the back.

 

As for the tires, I'm not sure how many miles are on the tires (bought the car about a year ago from a dealer), but the fronts have Michelin EnergySaver A/S (I've had good luck with these tires before) on them, and the backs have the Ironman iMove Gen 2 A/S (I've never heard of these tires before). 

 

Hi hoskin. That is a major problem right there. A car should have the same tires on all 4 corners. Having mix and match tires like that can lead to an ill-handling, or even dangerously handling vehicle. As you have discovered.

 

My opinion (backed by any expert tire site) would be to replace the two "Ironman" tires with Michelin EnergySaver A/S tires. Of course, if the two Michelins are already sufficiently worn, you may need to replace all 4, since a large enough difference in tread depth/tire diameter can lead to ABS, Traction Control and ASC (Stability Control) problems.

 

A professional tire shop can/will advise you on that and whether your two Michelins have enough tread to keep. You can also check tread depth yourself with a tread depth gauge, which you can purchase for a few dollars at any auto store. Brand new passenger car tires generally have a tread depth in the 10/32 to 11/32 range. Here is a quickie way to check tread depth: https://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/penny-tire-test/

However, a proper tread depth gauge is a good investment for your toolbox.

 

And you can find a lot of good tire information on this Tire Rack page (amongst others): https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tiretech.jsp

 

Either way and no matter what...you need to have four of the same brand/model tires on your car.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited February 15, 2021 by bbf2530

[andyross]

Also, if you are in a snowy area, you may want to look into what Consumer Reports calls "All Weather" tires. These are all-season, but are also rated for snow (snowflake symbol on tire.) I have the Michelin CrossClimate+ which are working well in all the snow we have gotten here in the Chicago area the past few weeks. CR rated them #1 overall in the Performance All-Season car tires category.

Some other 'good' rated all-weather tires from CR:

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

Vredestein Quatrac 5

Firestone WeatherGrip

 

[twonder]

2011 ffh.  Bought it new I have never lost traction in my fusion in the winter . With The engine weight up front and battery weight (ni cd) in the back, It’s been a dream in the snow

[Ford2transit]

me too 2011 ffh.  Bought it new I have never lost traction in my fusion in the winter . With The engine weight up front and battery weight (ni cd) in the back, It’s been a dream in the snow.