Winter Ready In Markham: Expert Advice For Your Infiniti

As temperatures drop across York Region and holiday travel ramps up, INFINITI is sharing expert guidance to help Markham drivers prepare their vehicles for the season. From navigating the busy Highway 407 commute to weekend trips up toward Stouffville, these recommendations combine universal cold-weather best practices with the intelligent technologies engineered into every INFINITI.

Engineered for the Canadian Climate

INFINITI engineers evaluate vehicles through climate-controlled testing facilities and high-altitude winter routes while also validating systems such as:

• Intelligent "Snow Mode": Optimizes power delivery for slippery starts.
• Advanced All-Wheel-Drive: Essential for handling sudden lake-effect snow squalls common in the GTA.
• Climate Control Components: Ensuring your cabin stays warm whether you're parked at CF Markville or heading home in a blizzard.

Independent automotive assessments, including battery-capacity data and tire-industry winter guidelines, reinforce the importance of proper preparation before the first major snowfalls hit the Unionville area.

Rigorous Testing for Peace of Mind

To help drivers brush up on their pre-winter road safety checklist, INFINITI also consulted Scott Hallner, senior manager, Durability and Reliability Testing, who added:

"Our winter testing is performed in extreme conditions in Canada and the U.S., including sub-zero temperatures, icy surfaces and heavy snow. This rigorous testing and quality control ensures vehicles can perform predictably when traction, visibility and cabin comfort matter most."

By combining high-tech safety features with routine maintenance—like checking tire pressure and fluids—Markham drivers can enjoy quality, reliability, and safety all season long.

How do I prepare my tires for winter driving?

Between the stop-and-go traffic on the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and the windy, open stretches of Highway 407 in Markham, your tires are your most important safety feature this season. Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure—around one PSI for every 10-degree temperature drop—which can significantly reduce traction when you're navigating a slushy Steeles Avenue or merging onto the Gardiner Expressway.

Before the first major lake-effect snow hits the GTA, follow these essential steps:

1. Monitor Your Pressure Regularly

Don’t wait for a warning light while you're stuck in traffic near the Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Check your tire pressure regularly to maintain handling and stopping power.

If you drive an INFINITI, the Tire Fill Assistant makes this simple:

• Place your vehicle in Park with the ignition ON.
• Begin adding air—no gauge is required.
• The Easy-Fill Tire Alert system will beep the horn and flash the hazard indicators three times once the correct pressure is reached. This is especially helpful during those freezing nights when you want to get back inside quickly!

2. The "Loose Change" Tread Test

Whether you are parked at CF Markville or heading into Unionville for dinner, you can check your tread depth using common Canadian coins:

• The Quarter Test: Insert a quarter; if the tread reaches the moose’s nose, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
• The Loonie Test: If the tread only reaches the tip of the loon’s beak, your grip is compromised.
• The Critical Limit: If the tread only reaches the letters "CANADA" or "DOLLARS" (measuring just 1.6mm), replace them immediately before your next commute.

3. Switch to Winter Tires

For those frequenting the hilly areas of Scarborough or the often-icy bridges along Bayview Avenue, dedicated winter tires are highly recommended. They provide superior grip compared to all-season tires when temperatures dip below 7°C. Always consult your owner's manual if you are considering tire chains for trips further north of the city.

4. Leverage Intelligent Tech

INFINITI vehicles are designed for Ontario winters, pairing Snow Mode with advanced tire-pressure monitoring. This combination helps you maintain consistent traction and confidence, whether you're navigating a downtown side street or the wide lanes of Highway 7.

Wiper Blades, Wash Fluid & Winter Visibility: Navigating the GTA from the DVP to Highway 7

Winter visibility in the Greater Toronto Area is about more than just clearing frost; it’s about handling the heavy salt spray on the Gardiner Expressway and the blowing snow across Markham Road. To ensure a clear view of the road ahead, your equipment needs to be ready for the unpredictable shifts in Ontario weather.

Upgrade Your Blades

Before you get caught in a lake-effect snow squall on the Don Valley Parkway (DVP), inspect your wipers. Replace any blades that streak or show cracking. For those commuting between Downtown Toronto and North York, consider upgrading to winter wiper blades. These are specifically engineered with a protective sleeve to prevent ice buildup, allowing them to push through heavy slush and frozen rain more effectively.

Don’t Get Caught Empty on the 401

Salt-heavy slush kicked up by traffic on Highway 401 can coat a windshield in seconds. Always use a winter-grade washer fluid rated for -40°C to ensure it won’t freeze and can help melt light ice.

• Pro Tip: Keep an extra bottle in your trunk—it’s a lifesaver if you’re heading home toward Unionville or Mount Joy during a winter storm.
• INFINITI Advantage: Every INFINITI comes standard with smart fluid-level sensors, alerting you on your dashboard before you run out, preventing that "blind" moment during severe weather.

The INFINITI "Wiper Service Position" Hack

For Markham and Toronto owners who prefer a DIY approach, or for those who want to lift their wipers before a big snowfall at the GO Station parking lot, your INFINITI has a convenient service mode. This is especially helpful for larger SUVs like the QX60 or QX80.

To activate:

1. Ensure the vehicle is in Park with the ignition ON (or within 60 seconds of turning it OFF).
2. Quickly lift the wiper lever twice within half a second.
3. The wipers will move to a vertical position, making the blades easy to access and clear off the hood.

To deactivate: Simply lift the wiper lever to the "Mist" position once and release.

Keeping Your Battery Charged: From Downtown Toronto to Markham

Cold weather puts a significant load on your vehicle’s battery—specifically its Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)—which is the power needed to start your engine on those bitter January mornings. As your battery ages, its ability to hold a charge drops, making it more likely to struggle when parked outside at the Scarborough Town Centre or in a driveway in Cornell.

To avoid "no-start" issues during a GTA deep freeze, follow these expert tips:

1. Inspect Your Terminals

Road salt from the Gardiner Expressway and humidity can lead to corrosion. Check your battery terminals for any white, powdery buildup. If you find some, you can clean them using a simple mixture of baking soda and water to ensure a strong electrical connection. This small step ensures your INFINITI starts reliably, whether you're leaving a late-night show at the Princess of Wales Theatre or heading out for an early commute from Buttonville.

2. Watch Your Trip Distance

Winter performance is often impacted by how you drive.

• Short Trips: Frequent short hops—like a quick drive from Unionville Main Street to the Markham Pan Am Centre—may not give your alternator enough time to fully recharge the battery.
• Longer Commutes: If you’ve been working from home or leaving the car sitting, take your INFINITI for a longer drive. A cruise down the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) or across the 407 provides the necessary time for the system to provide a deep charge.

3. Field-Tested for Ontario Winters

You can drive with confidence knowing that INFINITI vehicles are specifically designed for cold starting in sub-zero climates. Our engineers have rigorously tested these systems in the field throughout Canada to ensure that even when the wind whistles across Lake Ontario and temperatures plummet in Downtown Toronto, your vehicle is engineered to perform.

Protecting Your Interior: Managing the GTA Slush and Salt

Winter in the GTA means more than just cold—it means tracking mud, slush, and heavy road salt into your vehicle. Whether you’re stepping in from a snowy parking lot at Markville Mall or walking through the brine-soaked streets of Toronto’s Financial District, that debris can quickly damage your carpeting and make your floors dangerously slippery.

Shield Your Floors from the Elements

Before the "Big Smoke" gets hit with its first major snowstorm, consider swapping your carpeted mats for all-season rubber floor mats. They are essential for:

• The Markham Commute: Catching the melting snow from your boots after a day at the Mount Joy GO Station.
• City Driving: Containing the grey "street slush" encountered while running errands along Danforth Avenue or near St. Lawrence Market.
• Easy Cleanup: Protecting your floorboards from the corrosive salt used heavily on the DVP and Highway 404.

Maintaining That INFINITI Premium Feel

Keeping your interior clean isn't just about aesthetics; it’s about preservation. INFINITI interiors are engineered to handle the realities of Canadian life—from spilled coffee during a crawl on the Gardiner to the salt stains tracked in from Old Unionville.

Cleaning Tips for the Season:

• Routine Care: Use mild soap and water for quick cleanups after a weekend trip to Main Street Markham.
• Tougher Stains: For stubborn salt rings or grime, use INFINITI vinyl and leather cleaner  to keep your upholstery looking like new.
• Proactive Protection: Cleaning your surfaces promptly prevents salt from hardening and damaging the material’s finish.

Enhancing Visibility and Safety: Navigating a GTA Winter

Between the heavy lake-effect snow in Downtown Toronto and the blowing drifts across the open fields near Markham Road, maintaining clear visibility is your first line of defence. Whether you are heading to a game at Scotiabank Arena or commuting along the 407 ETR, proper preparation ensures you stay safe and seen.

Visibility is a Must Before You Drive

In the GTA, we often deal with "ice pellets" and heavy slush. Before pulling out of your driveway in Unionville or leaving the parking garage at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, make sure to:

• Clear Your Lights: Ensure that both LED headlights and tail lamps are completely free of ice and snow. This is crucial for being spotted by other drivers on high-speed routes like the Don Valley Parkway (DVP).
• Complete De-Icing: Don't settle for a "peephole" on your windshield. Fully defrost all windows, side mirrors, and your rearview camera. You’ll need that full field of vision when merging onto a busy Highway 401 or navigating the tight side streets of Liberty Village.

How INFINITI Technology Supports You

Your INFINITI is engineered to tackle the specific challenges of an Ontario winter with features designed for maximum clarity and control:

• Heated Mirrors & LED Lamps: These help cut through the gloom of a dark, snowy afternoon on Steeles Avenue.
• Windshield Wiper Park:> This available feature helps prevent your blades from freezing to the glass while you're parked at the Markham GO Station.
• Intelligent All-Wheel Drive: Provides the necessary grip when turning onto a slushy Bayview Avenue.
• Predictive Forward Collision Warning: This advanced system can "see" two cars ahead, providing an extra layer of safety when sudden braking occurs in heavy traffic on the Gardiner Expressway.

What should be in my winter emergency travel kit?

Keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle can help keep you safe if you become stranded in cold weather.

Consider including:

• Jumper cables
• Ice scraper
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Road flares
• Blanket
• Warm clothing
• Phone charger
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks

Drive with Confidence This Winter

From the busy intersections of Downtown Toronto to the quiet suburban streets of Markham, winter in the GTA demands a vehicle that is as prepared as its driver. By taking these simple proactive steps—checking your battery at your local retailer, maintaining your tires for the 401, and keeping your visibility clear for the DVP—you ensure your INFINITI continues to provide the luxury and safety you expect.

Whether you’re heading to Markham Stouffville Hospital or catching a show at the Mirvish Theatres, don't let the elements slow you down. With your winter emergency kit packed and your INFINITI’s intelligent safety systems at the ready, you’re set to navigate every snow squall and icy commute with total peace of mind.