Bronco Nation

Snow and Ice in the Bronco and Sport: Conquering Winter Driving On-Road and Off

Nov 11, 2025
By Laura
4

Whether we like it or not, the snow is already falling, so it’s time for our annual refresher of winter driving. What’s the best G.O.A.T. Mode for snow or ice? Should you be in 4H or 4L off-road? How can you be prepared to help other drivers, and what gear should you carry?

We cover these questions and more. Share your winter driving tips and what you keep in your Bronco for safety in the comments!

Best Bronco and Sport G.O.A.T. Modes for Driving On-Road in Winter Weather

What are G.O.A.T. Modes?

G.O.A.T. stands for “Goes Over Any-type of Terrain.” The modes are settings that adjust various aspects of your Bronco or Sport with a turn of a dial.

Choose a terrain or road condition that matches what’s outside your vehicle, and in return, you’ll get enhanced control and driving dynamics. The system can alter steering, powertrain response, transmission shift points, and traction control, among other effects.

How to select a G.O.A.T. Mode in the:


Highway/Around Town: Which G.O.A.T. Mode Is Best for Snow and Ice in My Bronco or Sport?

There are two we recommend, Normal and Slippery.

From your owner’s manual:

  • Normal – For everyday driving. This mode is a balance of excitement, comfort and convenience. This is the default mode after each ignition cycle.
  • Slippery – For less than ideal road conditions, such as snow or ice-covered roads. This mode can be used for crossing terrain where a firm surface is covered with loose, wet or slippery material.


Why Use Slippery?

If you’re newer to snow and ice driving or your Bronco or Sport in general, dial it in to Slippery. This mode lowers accelerator pedal responsiveness, adjusts transmission shift points, and optimizes traction and stability controls to help mitigate wheel spin and maintain vehicle control in slick driving conditions. Meaning, you can still slide, run off the road, or spin out, but you’ll have a harder time doing it.

Remember, if conditions are bad, slow down. No 4-wheel-drive setting or G.O.A.T. Mode can prevent all issues, and just because 4WD can get you moving easier, it does not help you stop faster.

Some things to note: Don’t use Slippery on dry pavement. Drive at speeds OK for the conditions. Ford does not place a recommended top speed on the mode, a question we often see. Use your common sense and drive like you would if you didn’t have a vehicle nanny in place.

When to Use Normal

If you’ve got experience in winter driving and are used to changing the transfer case on 4x4 vehicles, then Normal can go far, especially in a Bronco with a transfer case change to 4H when needed, or by staying in 4A, if you have it. There's no issue with staying in Slippery, though, if you prefer. 

Top Tips for Driving Your Bronco or Sport in Snow, Sleet, and Ice on the Road

Once you’ve got your transfer case setting or G.O.A.T. Mode locked in, practice good driving techniques:

1. Get winter tires: Winter tires are one of the best ways to have safe trips. The rubber is softer, the tread patterns help you clear snow and slush, and you’ll be able to brake and handle your Bronco or Sport better.

2. Test the road conditions: As you leave your driveway or street, pay attention to the feel of the road. Check your brakes by applying them somewhat abruptly before you actually need them. Are you already slipping, skidding, or bogging down in the snow? Adjust your Bronco or Sport to help you travel safely: Consider a G.O.A.T. Mode, shift your transfer case, slow down if icy or slippery, and maintain momentum in the deep stuff.

3. Keep steady, slow speeds: Don’t gun it from stops, to avoid tire spin and sideways slips. Power through deeper snow with good throttle control and lower RPMs. And once again, slow down. You’ll better avoid a spinout –– or worse –– if you don’t hurry. If you do feel the back end of your Bronco or Sport break away on ice or slick snow, counter steer (turn the steering wheel in the direction your back end is going). It’s a small movement; don’t overcorrect as you find traction. If you’re newer to snow, find a parking lot to practice this.

4. Get off the brakes or get on them early: If you’re in a slide or attempting to descend a snowy/icy hill, don’t keep your foot on the brake pedal. You want to be able to steer as you slide. With your foot jammed to the floor on a descent, you may just end up forcing your vehicle sideways. And even with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), which allows you steer as you stop, don’t slam on the brakes if you can avoid it. Gradual inputs of the throttle and brakes will help you maintain the best control. Remember, ABS can increase stopping distances as it pulses the brakes, so leave more room that you may think you need.

What About Off-Road? Recommended G.O.A.T. Modes and 4H/4L Settings for Snow and Ice

Bronco Nation Member Spotlight: Winter Driving Edition

Off-road is where the real fun begins with winter driving. Ditch the finger-clenched commute, find some snowy trails or ORV park, and let your Bronco or Sport shine.   

Off-Road: Which Is the Best G.O.A.T. Mode for Snow and Ice in My Bronco or Sport?

Consider using either Sand and Mud/Ruts, or Sport’s Rally (replaces Sand) and Off-Road (replaces Mud/Ruts), depending on the type of snow and which G.O.A.T. Modes your Bronco or Sport has.

  • Sand/Snow – Sand mode is for off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. Sand mode engages the four-wheel drive lock.
  • Mud/Ruts – For off-road driving. This mode enhances vehicle performance to traverse muddy, rutted or uneven terrains. Mud/ruts mode engages the four-wheel drive lock.
  • Rally – For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.
  • Off-Road – For off-road driving on soft, dry sand or deep snow. This mode may help get your vehicle unstuck from deep snow or sand.


When Should I Use 4H, 4L, or 4A Off-Road? Bonus: 4A Use


Read up on the above articles if you like understanding the “whys” of high and low ranges, and how to get an extra boost of momentum with lockers.

Otherwise, for a quick primer, when off-road:

Use 4L for:

  • Steep hill climbs where you need to maintain a steady momentum
  • Hill descents
  • River crossings
  • Mud that requires steady speeds to get through (usually thick, gooey, and sticky)
  • Deep, wet snow


Use 4H for:

  • Continuous snow and ice (on paved roads, as well)
  • Dirt and gravel trails with loose surfaces
  • Powdery snow off-road
  • Greasy, watery mud that benefits from wheel spin to clear treads


The 4A option –– four-wheel drive auto –– comes with the Advanced 4x4 With Automatic On Demand Engagement transfer case. It continuously varies power to the front wheels for optimal on-road performance in all weather conditions.

Use 4A for:

  • Wet weather conditions
  • Snowy roads with patches of cleared or dry areas
  • Optimal performance no matter the weather


Off-Road Driving Tips to Keep You Moving

1. Turn off traction control: Do so by hitting the second switch from the right on the hero button row (there's no indicator light on this button; instead, you will see it is off on the instrument panel). Traction control can break your momentum, causing you to become stuck.

2. Use lower gears when necessary: This tip can be used on-road for hills, as well. For owners with automatic transmissions, shifting into M1 or M2 can help you control descents better than with the brake pedal. To do so, shift into M and use the plus and minus buttons on the shifter. You'll see M1 or M2 on the instrument panel, depending on what you toggle to.

3. Decide on tire pressure: This is a “read the snow” situation and can come down to tires and preference. On some snow, airing down will let you float on top. Other types will be easier to drive in if you can cut through and reach a solid bottom. Get to know your vehicle, weight, and tires. By carrying a compressor, you can always test out the trail and adjust pressure if necessary. So much of off-roading skill is grown by seat time in your own setup, though an understanding of the whys and hows can help you get started.

4. Try slowing down: If you find yourself getting bogged down in the snow, try slowing down instead of speeding up. You may get your tires to grip easier. 

Winter Recoveries: On-Road and Off-Road

The Bronco is perfectly equipped to recover vehicles and be recovered, with most trims having multiple recovery points. The question is, are you ready to recover or be recovered?

If you’re not, I highly recommend attending the Bring Your Own Bronco Advanced Recovery experience. After, you’ll feel that much more ready to start snatching disabled vehicles from snowbanks.

Read: Everything You Need to Know About 'Bring Your Own Bronco' — From People Who Tried It

Making Your Bronco Winter-Ready

And it’s hard to help anyone, even yourself, if you don’t have recovery equipment. Carry items like:

  • A shovel
  • Traction boards
  • Gloves
  • Soft shackles
  • Kinetic rope
  • A winch
  • Backup navigation and communication devices like paper maps and a Garmin inReach
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A first-aid kit


Read: Winter Driving Prep: Essentials to Pack in Your Bronco

Travel with emergency blankets, lights, food and water, reliable communication, and recovery gear. Call for help before it is dire and be sure to turn off the engine if your exhaust pipe is covered. Don’t forget Bronco Nation members get 10% off in the Gear store, which can be stacked with Ford Rewards Points as well. Learn how to use them here. Pick up some missing pieces or start your collection.  

Finally, check out what Ford Senior Master Technician Kyle Stone recommends as winter prep for your vehicle before the cold truly sets in, from the tires and battery to fluids, wipers, and roof panels.

Tell Us

Do you have any snowy off-roading trails you love to do? A can’t miss winter event other Bronco owners should check out? Tips that have kept you and your family safe? Recommend them below!

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