Winter in North Idaho brings cold mornings, icy windshields, and long stretches of freezing temperatures. Fortunately, many Ford vehicles come equipped with features that make winter driving far more comfortable. Many of our customers are especially fond of Ford’s remote start, heated seats, heated steering wheels, and heated mirrors. These features aren’t just about comfort. Used correctly, they improve visibility, safety, and overall convenience during the coldest months.
At Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho, we want our customers to get the most out of every feature built into their vehicles. Here’s how you can maximize your Ford’s remote start system and heated amenities this winter.
Understanding Ford’s Remote Start System
Ford’s remote start allows you to start your vehicle from a distance so the interior can warm up before you get in. Depending on the model, you can start your vehicle using:
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The key fob
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The FordPass® App
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In-vehicle settings on some models
Remote start activates climate settings automatically, making the cabin more comfortable and helping to defrost the windshield and windows before you hit the road. It will also give the engine a change to warm up. While today’s engines do not need to warm up for a long time before getting you on the road, the engine does operate better when warm, and the short interval provides time for oil to circulate through the system.
Set Your Climate Controls for Winter Comfort
Most newer Ford vehicles allow you to choose how the climate system behaves when remote start is activated. You can typically access these settings through the SYNC® screen under “Remote Start” or “Vehicle Settings.” You can select:
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Auto Mode: The system chooses the ideal temperature and engages defrosters as needed
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Last Settings: The vehicle uses whatever climate settings were active when you last turned it off
Climate controls can defrost your windows and warm up the cabin, making it possible to drive in comfort and with good visibility.
Use Heated Features to Improve Comfort and Safety
Ford offers several heated features designed to make harsh winter conditions and freezing temperatures less uncomfortable for drivers:
1. Heated Seats: Getting into a car where the seats are already warm makes it easy to get on the road for a commute to school or work, and also reduces the need to blast hot air into the cabin while driving. Heated seats consume less energy than cabin heat alone, and they help create comfort quickly.
2. Heated Steering Wheel: This feature is especially useful during early morning drives. Steering wheel heaters warm up quickly, making your grip more secure while reducing the stiffness and discomfort of cold-weather driving. It also means you don’t have to wear gloves, which can slip on the wheel or inhibit the feel of control for more secure and safe driving.
3. Heated Mirrors: Even if your windows are clear, you depend on your side mirrors for better visibility and safety. Heated side mirrors help melt ice and prevent fogging or frost buildup. Combining heated mirrors with the rear-window defroster ensures better visibility all around your vehicle.
4. Heated Windshield or Wiper Park (On Select Models): Some Ford models offer heated elements near the wiper blades or a fully heated windshield. These features help ice melt faster and prevent your wipers from getting stuck (and sometimes ruined). Using your wipers on icy windshields can tear or mar the rubber, ultimately causing streaks or missed spots when operating. A heated windshield or wiper features ensures your wipers are fully operational, which is critical for good visibility.
Using FordPass® to Enhance Convenience
The FordPass® App adds even more usability to your remote-start system. From your phone, you can:
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Remote start or stop the engine
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Schedule automatic start times
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Adjust vehicle settings
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Monitor fuel level and range
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Check battery status on hybrid models
These additional features that you control from your smartphone make driving in winter even more convenient. For example, if you leave for work every morning at 7:30, you can schedule your Ford to automatically warm itself up at 7:25 and it will be ready to go when you are, no matter how hectic your morning becomes.
Avoid Common Mistakes When Using Remote Start
To get the best performance, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t rely on remote start to defrost everything for extra cold days or after a heavy snowfall. If heavy ice is present, scrape your windows manually to ensure complete visibility.
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Avoid idling for extended periods. Remote start runs for a preset time (usually no more than 5–15 minutes), which is enough to warm the cabin but avoid unnecessary and wasteful fuel consumption.
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Make sure your vehicle is locked. Most Ford models require the vehicle to be locked before remote start works, both for safety and theft prevention.
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Keep your key fob battery fresh. Weak batteries reduce range and reliability.
Stay Warm, Safe, and Comfortable This Winter
Remote start and heated features may seem like luxury conveniences, but they have a direct impact on safety and the driveability of your car. Clear windows and mirrors enable you to see better, and a comfortable cabin, seats, and steering wheel ensure you will not be distracted or stressed by cold or discomfort. When roads are snowy or icy, all your concentration can be focused on driving, and not on frigid fingers and toes.
If you need help setting up FordPass®, learning how to use your Ford’s conveniences features, or adjusting your vehicle’s remote-start climate settings, or if you would like to explore some of these convenience upgrades on newer Ford models, our staff members at Mike White Ford in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint are here to help.
Stop by or contact Mike White Ford today. We’re always happy to help you get the most out of your Ford all winter and beyond.