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Ford prioritizes your safety, and that's why every Ford includes advanced safety features that keep you and your passengers safe. Ford Co-Pilot360 is included in every vehicle, and your model may have additional Ford safety features. We'll look at a few of these systems and how they work. Lane-Keeping System This system helps to keep you on track, as it identifies the lane line markers using a camera. It then works to keep you within the line boundaries. If you stray toward the lines and aren't actively steering, you'll hear warning beeps, and a warning icon also appears on your front screen. If the system has provided several warnings, it displays an icon of a coffee cup as a suggestion to pull over and rest. Rear View Camera When you shift into reverse, a rear-facing camera activates. The camera view appears on your screen, enabling you to see the area directly behind your Ford. The camera also displays guidelines and direction indicators to make reversing or parallel parking easier and safer than ever. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking This system uses radar and a camera to continually monitor the area in front of your Ford for vehicles, pedestrians, or animals. If anything is detected, the system calculates its speed and distance. This information is then compared to your speed, allowing the system to determine if a collision risk exists. If there is a risk, it provides audible and visual warnings. Some drivers can panic or freeze, and this system will automatically activate your brakes to bring your vehicle to an instant stop if needed. Stopping might not prevent an accident in every situation, but it will reduce the damage from one. Evasive Steering Assist Sometimes an accident can be prevented by swerving out of the way. This feature also uses the camera and radar from the system above and warns if a vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or stops. In this situation, it instantly provides audible and visual warnings and supplies additional support to your steering so you can quickly veer away from a rear-end collision. Hill Descent Control When driving down a steep, winding road, gravity can intervene, and your vehicle weight can force you to move downhill faster than you want. This feature is active at speeds up to 6 mph and helps control your speed until you're on level ground again. It uses a camera to determine you're moving downhill. Auto High Beam Headlamps This innovative technology uses sensors to detect the lights from other vehicles at night. If lights are detected, it automatically switches your headlamps to low beams. Once no vehicles are within the sensor range, it reverts to high beams. If you'd like to know more about your safety systems, visit us today at Fury Ford Waconia in Waconia, MN.

Snow, sleet, or ice can create treacherous road conditions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving on winter roads in 2021 resulted in an estimated 22,325 injuries and 395 fatal crashes. The following tips for safely driving on snow from your Ford dealer will help you navigate winter roads around Waconia, MN, like a pro. Winterize Your Ride It's important to prioritize safety when driving in the snow. We recommend scheduling a vehicle inspection with us to winterize your vehicle to ensure it's safe for winter driving. Our certified Ford technicians will meticulously examine every system and component of your car, with particular attention given to your vehicle's brakes, battery, lights, windshield wipers, defroster, radiator, and tires. Additionally, we will swap your tires with winter tires when the temperature drops to 46 degrees Fahrenheit or below to give your car the necessary grip on snow and ice. Perform Safety Checks During the winter season, quickly check your car before heading out. Walk around your vehicle and check all the lights, windshield wipers, and tires. Remember to keep your tires, including the spare, properly inflated and maintain at least half a gas tank. Check your battery regularly to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Before driving off, clear your vehicle's tailpipe of snow and ice, and clean and defrost your windows for better visibility. Steer and Corner Slowly and Carefully To drive safely, maintain slower speeds and practice smooth steering and cornering techniques. Press down on the gas pedal until your car rolls smoothly forward to prevent spinning and drive much slower than the speed limit. It's essential to anticipate stops, corners, and hills well in advance and plan slow, wide turns. Refrain from using cruise control during extreme winter driving conditions, as snowstorms can block the sensors and road markers these systems rely on to operate. Remain fully alert and attentive behind the wheel. Apply the Brakes Gently Driving on slippery road surfaces can significantly increase the distance it takes for your vehicle to come to a stop. Adjust your driving accordingly by navigating more carefully and avoiding sudden movements such as slamming on the brakes or jerking the steering wheel. To safely stop when approaching intersections, apply the brakes gently and steadily and begin slowing down well in advance. Keep a Safe Following Distance Maintain a safe following distance between your car and the one ahead of you to give you enough time to react and brake early without going into an uncontrollable skid. Increase the usual three-car length distance to at least six lengths. The idea is to create enough space between your vehicle and others so that you can brake smoothly, maintain control, and avoid skidding. To drive safely in the snow, remember to slow down, steer and brake gently, and keep a safe following distance. Stop at Fury Ford Waconia today, and our qualified Ford technicians will winterize your vehicle so you can confidently navigate snowy and icy winter roads.