As you shop for a new vehicle, it is essential to keep in mind what conditions you will face during the winter months. You will want to choose a vehicle that can handle the snow when it comes your way.

#1: Traction Control

Traction control is designed to cut power when necessary to prevent your vehicle from spinning or sliding. Traction control works when you are accelerating and helps to keep your car and you safe.

#2: Anti-Lock Brakes

When you are driving in the snow, it is important to have anti-lock brakes. Anti-lock brakes help stop your wheels from locking up in sticky situations, allowing you to continue to steer your vehicle and drive safely. Anti-lock brakes help your vehicle prevent your wheels from locking up but do not necessarily shorten the distance required to stop.

When driving on ice or snow, for anti-lock brakes to work, you must pump your brakes. Then, safely steer your vehicle.

#3: Stability Control

Another type of system you are going to want to have in place is stability control. Your stability control system works with the anti-lock braking (ABS) system. The established control helps to monitor the speed of the tires. The stability system comes into play if a tire starts to spin.

The system will apply the calipers individually to each tire and will help keep your vehicle stable and allow you to keep control of your vehicle.

#4: High Ground Clearance 

When you live somewhere with snow, it can be helpful to have a vehicle that has higher ground clearance. A vehicle with higher ground clearance will allow you to cut through the snow and make it through higher snowdrifts. With higher ground clearance, you are going to want to ensure your vehicle has good weight distribution.

#5: All-Wheel Drive

When it comes to driving in the snow, you want to enjoy a high level of traction. With an all-wheel-drive vehicle, power is going to each of your tires. This helps to provide traction to all four tires on your vehicle. You don't have to do anything extra to enjoy traction on all your wheels; it works automatically. In addition, you are less likely to spin out when you have an all-wheel drive, as all your tires are working to grip the road.

If you live somewhere with snow, no matter what time of the year you are purchasing the vehicle, you need to think about the features you need to get you through the winter.

To learn more, contact a local auto dealer that offers vehicle brands such as Ford.