A portable toilet

Frozen pickle juice – This was actually found in my car. I have always had a slight obsession with pickles… My future sister-in-law gave me a jar of her Dad’s homemade pickles that promptly rolled under the front seat of my car for me to forget about.  It froze, cracked, and thus frozen pickle juice spilled, giving my car a delicious smell and a frozen snack for when I get stuck in a snow bank.

Hula-hoops – The VP of Operations does not have any children, does not moonlight as a clown; but he is always prepared for some hip swinging fun. He claims that his fiancé (who is a school teacher) left them in his car and he keeps forgetting to take them out. We fear that he is just waiting for the right quarterly meeting to incorporate them into a ‘team’ building exercise.

Fake Rose Petals – When asked what was the weirdest thing found in his car, one of our fearless leaders (Dan), responded that there was nothing odd in his car. Totally believable considering he is a bit of a neat freak when it comes to his car… and then he remembered he has fake rose petals. You know just in case he needs to take a breather from steering the ship to stop and smell the roses.

????? – Our Chief Strategy Officer responded with an email full of interesting/odd/disturbing items. We have all decided that none of us ever want to ride in his car again. EVER. (no explanation required)

What is the weirdest thing found in your car?

-          Breanne

The other day we were talking around the office about the features in cars that we like the best. Heated seats and steering wheels were high up on the list (it was -31 outside). It got me thinking about all of the different features that you can get in a car nowadays. The dream cars from the movies have essentially leapt into our garages. Entertainment systems that would make most family rooms jealous, navigation systems that talk to you in whatever accent you prefer, automatic parking and driving; all that is missing is someone to cook for you while your car drives you home from work. I love convenience features… but when do they become creepy?

Self-Parking Cars

No issues with this one. I am all for self-parallel-parking cars. It is about time someone came up with a fix for the painful task of parallel parking. I have made a fool of myself one to many times trying to park my car on a busy street.

Self-Driving Cars

This one scares me a bit. All I can think about when I picture a self-driving car is the computer locking me into my seat while the car drives me somewhere I do not want to go. I have no doubts that a self-driving car run by a computer is far less prone to driver error than I am first thing in the morning, but none the less I would feel like I was being kidnapped.

Heart Rate Monitors

This one was new to me. Apparently there is now a feature in Volvos that checks to see if there is life in your car by heart rate detection and will alert you on your key fob if there is an unexpected visitor in your parked car. Paranoid much?

Also experimenting with in car heart rate car monitors, Ford is currently testing technology that will continually monitor a driver’s heart rate, check for any heart abnormalities/defects, and let you know if you are about to have a heart attack. Very cool.

My only concern is what they plan on doing with the data that will undoubtedly be collected. Yes I had 6 heartbeats in my car last night… and two of them were racing

Adaptive Cruise Control

I hate nothing more than having to break both literally and mentally from my day dream on a long, boring, straight drive. Most people space out when they are driving long distances that allow for the use of cruise control. This feature would ensure that someone is paying attention and prevent quick breaking at high speeds that can cause accidents.

Research the car’s potential hidden problems

Listen to your mother and do your homework first… make sure you know what frequent problems pop up with this make/model/year. Checking internet forums to uncover frequently occurring issues will give you a list of things to listen/look/feel for on your test drive. (You can always ask the mechanic who lives in our Facebook wall… his name is Stephan and he is very friendly)  Research will also prepare you for those less than honorable dealers who may try to distract you with bells, whistles, bling, and other features.

Don’t be rushed

When we rush we forget things. It’s like when you forget deodorant in the morning. Make sure that there is nothing hurrying your test drive. Not being rushed gives you enough time to ask all of your questions, and ensure you have all the information you need to make a sound decision. Sales people can sense when you are rushed and make take this opportunity to pressure you into a purchase.

Phone a Friend

I love driving my brother’s car, but I hate being the passenger. It is cramped and it feels like my butt is travelling on concrete instead of in a coupe. If you are planning on frequently having passengers in your vehicle it is a good idea to take someone along to test drive the passenger side of the car. It also never hurts to have a second pair of eyes/ears to pick up on anything you might miss.

Diversify Your Drive

Sunday is only one day of the week, so don’t just Sunday drive on your test drive. Get a feel for all of the situations you will encounter in your potential car.  Drive like you normally would; start fast, start slow, highway drive, test turning, change lanes, parallel park, fill up the trunk. There is nothing worse than discovering your new car has a rather large blind spot after you back into your boss’s car.

Can I See This in Blue? – Test Drive More Than One

Have you ever thought yours was great until you tried someone else’s?  Be sure to test drive a similar model/year within a short time frame. Driving a similar version of the car you are looking at can highlight any glaring differences you wouldn’t notice by trying only one vehicle. Uncover any features you forgot you couldn’t live without, or odd noises and smells before you bring it home. This one is especially true for used cars.

Before you go … Decide What You Are ‘Interested In’ Today

Test driving is like dating. Knowing what your expectations/limits are helps weed out the lemons and ensures you don’t wind up in a prickly situation the morning after. Decide before if you are willing to buy today or are just looking. This will help keep you from being pressured into a purchase you are unsure of by a charming salesperson.

Got a helpful test drive tactic? Share it below.

Happy Shopping!!!

-          Breanne

Our Facebook page’s caption contest makes Thursdays my 2nd favorite day of the week (Friday is beer day). Seriously, I check the comments all day and frequently wish I could award more than one. So here are a few of my favorites from the past year.

Audi Axe Car

• There’s gold under that that hood

• ‎5:00 o’clock new tonight …7 dwarfs attack

Car in Pool

• When paying for gas gets us frustrated, me and my buds like to carpool.

• Radiator Leaks got you down? install a car pool and they become a thing of the past!

SnowHawk Car

• Pimp my ride – Frosty the snowman style

• Jack Frost’s family car

• Ice cream truck?

• I hate it when my car wakes up with a snow boner

Car With Broken Wheel

• We have exclusive spy photos of the Daihatsu “auto load leveling” system being tested in traffic.

• I hear flipping is a problem with my car, well… NO PROBLEM anymore!!

• Transformer’s leg is broke…

Camel

I know his 0-60 times aren’t great, but his emissions are within EPA guidelines and his “sandstorm insurance” coverage is almost nonexistent every month. He’s even house broke. Would you like to go for a test ride? I have the turbin.

• Happy Hump Day from Mercedes Benz!

• For Sale: 1 camel seen as pictured. Roll with confidence up above it all, and make speeding tickets a thing of the past. Forget electricity, come join the camel revolution. Will trade for a Yugo.

• Don’t laugh – its paid for!

Car on staircase

• Damn GPS told me to turn right

• Onstar!!!!!

• Free parking …

Elephant Car

• Republicans vs. Democratics

• I warned you before: “NO PARKING IN RESERVED SPACES”

• I think the guys with stride gum are going a bit far..

Car Shoe

• There was a young man who drove in a shoe,
  he had no children…
  because, let’s face it, he was driving a shoe!

• If the shoe fits, wear it..take that back if the shoe fits..drive it!

House Car

• Obama’s Plan To Fix The Housing Crisis

• My mobile home is having an identity crisis

Cop Car In Sticky Situation

• Son, do you know how fast you were going?

• Urban Monster Jam! Sunday! Sunday! SUNDAY!!

 5. We are Canadian – Seriously, we are based in the middle of Canada in Winterpeg, I mean Winnipeg. It is frigidly cold here… as I am writing this it is -19 C with the wind chill. (don’t worry our summers overcompensate). We LOVE the Winnipeg Jets and yes we do say Eh.

4. Chocolate is an endangered substance in our office – around 2-3 times a week someone breaks down and buys chocolate for the office, but it never actually lasts more than 3 hours… Santa and our various partners have indulged our vice in a most extravagant way this holiday season. (Thank-you VERY much)

3. Most of us would love to be Meatatarians - Sorry PETA. Our plans for this year`s holiday party include a number of orders for rather large sides of red meat.

2. We drink beer instead of coffee on Friday afternoons – we like to reward ourselves after a grueling week of squeezing lemons by adding beer to our usual diet of chocolate. Sometimes we drink coolers, which the guys like to say are for me however, I have never had more than one.

1. Dan wears his lemon costume when we are not around – Just breaking it in for NADA… Or so he says.

Stay tuned for more secrets …

- Breanne

smart Cars

It’s not safe, it’s got the highest safety ratings in its class… you’ve heard it too. Given that the smart car reminds me of an enclosed motorized scooter I used to see putting around Winnipeg (it is cold here), and I undoubtedly would be apprehensive if a large truck was coming at me and I was in a smart Car… I still vote yes! I know, I know. But it’s mainly because you can get them out of car vending machines in Europe and they look so darn cute and fun to drive.

Chevrolet El Camino

Described as a coup utility vehicle, the El Camino is more or less what it would look like if a truck and a car got drunk one night and hooked up. In my humble, yet omnipresent opinion, it just looks a little confused. Perhaps it is because the El Camino was before my time and I just don’t get the styling, but I am going to say ‘no way José’ on this one. However, I do appreciate the functionality of having a large trunk to throw all of your junk into.

Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet

This is a new addition to the debate and one that hasn’t received as much attention yet, but I thought that I would throw it in anyways. The Murano CrossCabriolet offers views for all passengers coupled with spacious seating that is lacking in many convertibles. It lets convertible lovers enjoy the practicality of a SUV, while not compromising the wind in their hair. Lets face it, this is the epitome of a chick car. Maybe that is why my mind is drifting to the ‘I like it, but I just can’t admit it’ area. Even being a girl it feels a little bit too desperate housewives to be seen driving it proudly. (That is a ‘Yes’ but in private for me)

Chrysler PT Cruiser

This one has a very loyal following with fan clubs all over the world and numerous websites dedicated to the vehicle. There are even people out there who purchased multiple PT Cruisers just so they could have the convertible model. And then there are the Facebook pages celebrating photos of desecrated PT Cruisers.  For me this car is a ‘nope’. Though a good friend of mine rented one and claims that her mind was changed forever after she took a road trip in it. All the space and comfort in the world is great, but I draw the line at driving around in anything that looks like a hearse while still living. It is bad karma.

Nissan Cube

Tokyo chic or air hating box? This car reminds me of something out of an old school Nintendo game or animated movie. It’s very bubbly and fun, but I am not overly sure of the purpose it serves. Either way I like it! Well, my 6 year old self and younger brother like it. What a fun car for a people with kids. How cool would it be if you were 6 and were carted around in a car that looks like it could be from your favorite cartoon or movie.

What do you think of these cars?

-          Breanne

I love this fiat commercial. Classic. Fiat draws on the nostalgia of products from yesterday, plays on the fun nature of their cars and shows you how their brand is always moving forward.

Admittedly I am not a fan of Chrysler’s vehicles but this commercial is fantastic and HAD to be on this list. I love the way they inspire hometown/domestic pride in the face of austerity. Plus the fantastic use of a come from nothing, hometown success, soundtrack and spokesperson.  10/10. No surprise this one is an award winner.

Fiat makes my list twice. Again this commercial consistently reinforces the playful nature of the brand, while displaying their car in an entertaining fashion. And tossing George Cloony into the mix never hurts.

This Toyota commercial is perfectly targeted at an active, vibrant, older generation. Highlighting the difference in generational interpretation of ‘living’ is funny because it is so true.

I also think that Subaru killed it with this commercial. Everyone loves a good rivalry. Especially when it results in better products for consumers.

Don’t agree with me? Check out Dan’s favorites here:

http://blog.lemonfree.com/2011/08/11/5-best-car-commercials-of-all-time/

I don’t know if I agree with his ‘best car commercials of all time’ claim, but I do love the VW Force, and the Subaru Car Wash, and the Swagger Wagon… see what I mean, way too many to choose from.

1. Dodge Charger Hemi

2. Knight Rider’s Ford Mustang GT500KR
This isn’t the original 1980s smart car driven by Hasselhof. This is the Ford Mustang GT500KR, built for the modern version of the television show. This is the most powerful stock car that Ford has ever built. It’s a Shelby variation with 480lb-ft of torque at 4500rpm and solid-axle rear suspension that makes for some fantastic cop-car action sequences.

3. Italian Police Lamborghini Gallardo
Leave it to the Italians to choose a Lamborghini as a cop car. Just like in the movies, some of the fastest car chases occur in Europe and the Italian police want things to be fair. Lamborghini built specialized versions of its awe inspiring Gallardo for the task, including image and voice transmitting equipment and crime scene evidence storage coolers.

4. Steve McQueen Bullit Ford Mustang GT
Known for one of the best car chase scenes in cinema history, Steve McQueen’s 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback rose to cult status. In 2008 Ford released a limited edition Bullit model.

5. Miami Vice Ferrari Testarossa
Miami Vice was the epitome of cool in its day, from the flashy cars, cheap suits and high speed boat chases. But to this day, what is most rememberd from the series is Crockett and Tubbs’ 1980s Ferrari Testarossa. Enzo Ferrari himself was such a fan of the show that he donated two Testarossas to the series to replace the Daytona Spyder 365 kit car replica. Whether simply as a gift from a fan, or a shrewd marketing ploy, Ferrari established itself as a brand in the United States during this time period. In the 2006 movie version of Miami Vice the Testarossa was replaced by the sleek modern F430.

6. Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
This is the vehicle most think when referring to a police car or often see patrolling their streets. It is the most widely used police car in the United States. Production started in 1992 and continues to this day. The vehicle is so popular among law enforcement agencies because it possess all the qualities needed for police driving techniques. It has a conventional rear wheel drive, a powerful V8 engine, and body on frame construction. This allows for more durability and easier repairs. It also boasts a heavy duty transmission, heavy duty brakes, and a 250 horsepower engine.

7. Chevy Camaro Z28 B4C
A stock Camarao was combined with the best part of the Z28 and a Chevy 350 V8 from 1991-2002. Besides a heavier frame then the stock Camaro it came with many add ons needed specifically for police cars. Heavy duty features include oversized front and rear sway bars, a high-output alternator, larger four-wheel disc brakes, separate engine, power steering, and transmission oil coolers. It has a certified 145mph speedometer. The California Highway Patrol, which deals with the most car pursuits annually in the U.S. adopted the car.

Back to the Future Trilogy – 1981 Delorean DMC 12

The Delorean is one of the best big screen cars– any chance someone could make an exact replica….anything in particular you want to see?  I’ll drive!

Love Bug – 1963 Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle)

Herbie, you little Love Bug.  How can we not love such a little car with such a big personality?  Beep beep!

The Dukes Of Hazard – 1969 Dodge Charger R/T

The classic General Lee with a good ol’ boy behind the wheel was always speeding away from trouble – or into it!  Fast and sexy – one of the coolest cars to this day.

Knight Rider – 1982 Pontiac Trans Am – KITT

Have you ever read the list of what this car could do?!  The most impressive would have to be the Money Dispenser – KITT could give Michael money when he needed it.  How come my car doesn’t do that?  Maybe we need to add this as a search option in our alerts…just an idea.

Batmobile

And of course the Batmobile… you know for when you need a jet engine and machine guns for your Sunday drive!

If you have any favourite cars from the big screen (or the little screen for that matter) let us know!  We’d love to know what you come up with!

1. Replace windshield wipers with winter blades
Factory and summer blades are great for weather that doesn’t involve snow and ice build-up on your windshield. However, visibility is everything in winter when driving conditions are poor. Try using a winter optimized blade that helps reduce the snow build up on the blade and has an arm strong enough not to break off under the weight of the snow.
2. Replace summer windshield washer fluid with winter optimized fluid
A winter optimized windshield washer fluid is a great asset. Not only does a windshield washer fluid contain an anti-freezing agent combined with a detergent, but many of the products on the market also offer a de-icer. From my personal experience this is unbelievably handy when you are late for work and your windshield is covered in a nice layer of ice. De-icer also helps to prevent ice build-up on windshield washer blades by lowering the freezing temperature of water.
3. Make sure your vehicle has a block heater
This nifty invention helps to warm an engine in cold weather so that your vehicle does not have to work as hard to start. Most vehicles sold in areas with cold climates have this as standard equipment. If you are re-locating or have purchased a vehicle from a warmer climate, be sure that your vehicle has a block heater. Plugging your car in frequently means the different between a start or staying where you are. If you have a block heater in your car, pull the cord out early. There is nothing like fishing for a the cord in -30 weather.
4. Ensure you have at least a ¼ tank of gas at all times
This one may sound odd, but to those who have run out of gas when we thought we still had room to run, it is no laughing matter. Frozen fuel lines can occur when a car is low on gas and left for an extended period of time in extremely low temperatures. To thaw a frozen fuel line, pull the vehicle into a warm garage, or try adding a gas line anti-freeze.
5. Replace your all-season tires with winter tires
My winter tires have frequently prevented me from sliding into the vehicle in front of me. Winter tires have a tread design that can provide up to 50% better traction on ice and snow. Look for a tire that meets the Rubber Association of Canada Snow Traction Performance requirements (logo is found on the side of tires). If you will be driving in extreme snow/ice conditions opting for chains may be a better bet.
6. Replace all season motor oil with winter oil
5W30 weight oil will flow better than a heavier weight in colder weather. This will ensure that the oil gets to your engine faster, causing less wear and tear. Be sure to check that the formula is compatible with your vehicle before use.
7. Always have a scraper, salt, warm weather gear, a candle and a lighter in your car
In a snow storm a scraper helps to brush off the snow from your covered vehicle. It can also be a useful shovelling tool in case you get stuck in said snow. Sand can help give your tires traction while stuck. Warm weather gear such as mittens, a hat, and a blanket can keep you warm until the tow truck comes if you find yourself in a sticky situation. Additionally, the heat generated from a candle can keep a car warm preventing you from freezing if things get really bad.
8. If you don’t know, ask a Winnipegger (LemonFree Staff)
We don’t mean to brag, but we really are experts when it comes to keeping our vehicles LemonFree in cold weather. Post a question to our Facebook wall or shoot an email to Support@lemonfree.com

I’m off to get my snow tires. Happy Winter Driving!