Winter mornings in Boisbriand bring frosted windshields, frozen door handles, and seats that feel like blocks of ice. For drivers across Quebec, the morning routine often means bundling up, going out into the cold, and waiting for the vehicle to warm up. Modern remote control technology completely transforms this experience, allowing drivers to prepare their Alfa Romeo from the comfort of their home.
Remote cabin preheating transforms the winter driving experience by eliminating the uncomfortable wait. Instead of shivering for the first few kilometers of a trip, drivers can step into a preheated interior with defrosted windows and heated seats already up to temperature. This convenience goes beyond comfort: it improves safety by ensuring clear visibility before departure and reduces engine wear by allowing for proper warm-up time.
Remote Start: The Foundation of Winter Comfort
Remote start capability forms the cornerstone of winter convenience across the Alfa Romeo lineup. The 2025 Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale all include key fob remote start as standard, allowing drivers to activate their vehicle from their home or office.
The system starts the engine and climate control with a simple press of a button on the key fob. Within minutes, the cabin reaches a comfortable temperature while the defrosting system clears ice and condensation from the windows. The heated steering wheel and heated front seats automatically activate when remote start is engaged in cold weather, ensuring every touchpoint is comfortable from the moment drivers enter.
For families in Boisbriand, this feature proves particularly useful during school drop-offs or early morning commutes. Parents can start the vehicle while packing lunch, allowing children to enter a warm cabin instead of waiting in the cold. The Stelvio and Tonale also offer standard heated rear seats, extending comfort to second-row passengers during winter months.
Climate Control That Anticipates Your Needs
Dual-zone automatic climate control works in concert with remote start to create personalized comfort zones. The 2025 Giulia and Stelvio offer this system as standard, allowing the driver and front passenger to set independent temperature preferences. The Tonale matches this capability, ensuring both occupants can find their ideal comfort level.
The Air Quality System (AQS) monitors incoming air and automatically switches to recirculation mode when it detects pollutants or unpleasant odors. During winter in Quebec, this feature helps maintain cabin air quality when idling in traffic or following salt spreader trucks on Highway 15. The system operates continuously without driver intervention, filtering air through the cabin filtration system to remove particles and allergens.
Temperature settings remain in memory after the vehicle is turned off. When remote start activates the next morning, the climate system automatically resumes the last used settings. Drivers who prefer 22°C on the driver's side and 20°C on the passenger side will find these preferences maintained every time, eliminating the need for daily adjustments.
Defrosting Technology for Quebec Winters
Clear visibility figures among the most critical safety factors during winter driving. The adaptive climate system in Alfa Romeo models prioritizes windshield defrosting when remote start detects sub-freezing temperatures. Warm air is directed first to the windshield and front side windows, melting ice and clearing condensation before the driver enters.
The Stelvio and Giulia include an acoustic windshield and laminated front acoustic glass as standard. These multi-layer constructions not only reduce road noise but also help retain cabin heat more effectively than single-pane glass. The Stelvio's infrared windshield offers additional protection by reflecting heat back into the cabin while blocking harmful UV rays.
Rear window defrosters activate automatically with remote start in cold weather. The heated rear glass clears ice and fog from the back window, ensuring drivers can check blind spots safely before backing out of driveways in Boisbriand neighborhoods. Combined with heated exterior mirrors (standard on all models), these systems offer 360-degree visibility before the vehicle moves.
Heated Surfaces Throughout the Cabin

Strategic placement of heating elements creates comfort at every touchpoint. All three models in the 2025 Alfa Romeo lineup include heated front seats as standard. The Giulia and Stelvio extend this feature to heated rear seats, warming the second row for passengers on long trips across Quebec.
Heated steering wheels are standard on the Stelvio and Tonale, with the Giulia offering this feature in higher-end configurations. The leather-wrapped steering wheel warms up quickly when remote start activates, eliminating the need for gloves during the first few minutes of driving. This proves particularly helpful for drivers with arthritis or circulation issues who find cold steering wheels uncomfortable.
The Tonale's eight-way power-adjustable front seats include four-way power lumbar support for the driver and passenger. Combined with seat heating, this adjustment allows occupants to position heat exactly where needed for maximum comfort. The Giulia and Stelvio offer even more sophisticated seating, with 10- or 14-way power adjustments depending on the configuration, ensuring optimal support during winter commutes.
Wireless Charging and Connected Convenience
Modern remote functions go beyond climate control. All three Alfa Romeo models include standard wireless charging pads, allowing drivers to place compatible smartphones on the pad for cable-free charging. During winter, this eliminates the frustration of stiff charging cables caused by the cold and ensures phones remain charged for remote start apps or navigation.
The Tonale's 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen and the 8.8-inch systems in the Giulia and Stelvio support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers can access climate settings, vehicle status, and remote start functions via their smartphones without removing gloves or fumbling with cables. The systems maintain connectivity even in extreme cold, providing reliable access to vehicle functions.
USB ports throughout the cabin (three in the front for Giulia and Stelvio, multiple configurations in the Tonale) ensure passengers can keep their devices charged during winter travels. Cold weather drains phone batteries faster, making these charging options essential for families heading to ski resorts or visiting relatives across Quebec during the holidays.
Practical Benefits for Boisbriand Drivers
The combination of remote start, automated climate control, and heated surfaces creates measurable benefits for daily winter driving. Reduced windshield scraping saves time during rushed morning departures. Preheated cabins improve comfort for elderly passengers or young children sensitive to the cold. Clear visibility thanks to defrosted windows improves safety when navigating icy intersections.
Engine warm-up time also benefits from remote start activation. Starting the vehicle several minutes before departure allows oil to reach optimal temperature and circulate properly, reducing wear on internal components. This proves particularly important during Quebec winters when temperatures regularly drop below -20°C, causing significant thickening of engine oil.
For drivers who park outside in Boisbriand, these remote features transform the winter ownership experience. Instead of fighting frozen locks or waiting in a freezing cabin, they can prepare their Alfa Romeo from inside, then step directly into comfort. Technology handles the unpleasant aspects of winter driving, allowing occupants to focus on the journey ahead.
Discover Alfa Romeo Winter Technology at United Auto Alfa Romeo
Remote cabin preheating represents just one aspect of the thoughtful engineering found throughout the Alfa Romeo lineup. From the sporty Giulia sedan to the versatile Stelvio SUV and the efficient Tonale crossover, each model combines Italian design with practical features adapted to Quebec winters.
Discover how remote start, heated surfaces, and intelligent climate control can transform your winter driving experience. Visit United Auto Alfa Romeo in Boisbriand to explore the 2025 Giulia, Stelvio, and Tonale, and experience these comfort technologies firsthand.