For your consideration, an OTC Ball Joint Spreader tool. I've owned and used this tool removing ball joints for decades. Your Ford service manager is an idiot. This tool makes removal almost effortless and certainly preserves the rubber boot in addition to preventing control arm/spindle damage.
I'm a huge fan of Maxpider mats. Full coverage front and rear. Easy to clean. I had them in my 535iX wagon and my wife's MDX.
Maxpider 3D mats
I'm not affiliated with them at all, just like their product.
I've not seen this in the replies yet, so here's another thing to consider - summer gasoline blends (by federal EPA law) are 1.7% more energy dense than winter blends so we all get less MPG in the winter, regardless of the ambient temperature. BEV and Hybrid owners suffer even more in the winter...