Personalize Your Car

Whether you purchased your car brand new and want to make a few changes, or you purchased a used car and really want to switch things up—you have to decide where to begin. Below are just a few upgrades and changes you can make to your car to make it look and feel more like you.

Electronics

Electronic upgrades in your car have never been more versatile. If your car is a bit older, it may not have many electronic gadgets built-in. Below are a few electronic car upgrades to consider:

• New car stereo, speakers, woofers, etc. 

• Satellite radio

• IPod and/or Smartphone adapter

• Bluetooth

• GPS

• Rear seat DVD

• Solar chargers

• Dash cam

• Radar detector

• Power locks

• Remote starter

Interior Changes

Changing the interior of your car is an excellent way to make your car more comfortable, functional, and even more visually appealing. A few interior changes to consider include:

• New upholstery

• Seat covers

• Upgraded or seasonal floor mats

• Interior car organizers

• New steering wheel

• Decorative shift knobs

• Dash kit

• Custom gages

Paint and Detailing

Changing the color of your car will make a dramatic difference. When you factor in finishes and colors, your list of options is a mile long. On top of that, you want to determine if your car will be one solid color, or if you want to have a custom design painted on. Automotive painters are true artists who can do far more than pinstripes and flames, and instead creative color blocking and patterns. 

However, painting your car a fairly common color can make it feel more like you. Since most cars come standard in only a handful of colors, painting your car a color you like will really personalize its appearance. 

Exterior Upgrades

Some exterior upgrades are more for visual appeal, while others are designed to improve speed and function—and this goes far beyond a new paint job. Some of the most common exterior car upgrades include:

• Lighting—both functional and decorative

• Fender

• Bumper 

• Spoiler

• Folding side mirrors

• Moldings and trim

• Running boards

• Custom grilles

• High performance exhaust systems

• Truck cab accessories

• Off-roading upgrades

Personalizing your car has never been easier. Just select the features you want to upgrade, and work on them one-by-one until you have the look and feel you are going for. If car exhaust systems are on this list, check out the wide selection at Muffler Express—available for shipping to both the US and Canada. 

What Emergency Supplies Should You Keep In Your Car

Even if you drive primarily during daylight hours, and in heavily populated areas—you want to ensure you are always prepared for the unexpected. By keeping a few emergency supplies in your car at all times, or alternating emergency supplies for the warmer and cooler seasons, you can ensure that the essentials you require are always nearby. Below are some supplies to serve as inspiration.

Essentials Car Supplies

The essentials below are required to address common car troubles, and should be in your car year-round.

• Car manual

• Jumper cables—consider solo jumper cables

• Spare tire—even if you have a tire inflation kit, you should still have a spare

• Tire pressure gauge

• Wiper fluid

• Water 

• Duct tape—perfect for when your muffler unexpectedly comes loose

• Flashlight or headlight

• Multi-tool

• Tow strap

• Seatbelt cutter—keep nearby in your glove compartment or console

Seasonal Emergency Supplies

Items on this list can be removed as needed during the summer and winter months. This only includes the seasonal supplies for your car, personal seasonal supplies are included in the next section.

• Deicer wiper fluid for winter months

• Shovel—foldable varieties take up less room

• Long handled ice scraper with snow brush

• Deicing salt

• Cardboard or carpet square—perfect for creating traction

Emergency Supplies For You

The above supplies are all for addressing issues with your car, but you must not forget the personal supplies you require if your car breaks down. 

• Spare phone battery and/or solar charger

• Flares or other emergency lighting

• Pocket radio—fully charged, or solar powered

• Compass

• Water

• Some type of food—MRE, protein bars, trail mix, etc.

• Emergency blanket

• Umbrella

• Comfortable shoes and/or winter boots—keep a pair in your trunk just in-case

• Winter clothing—coat, hat, gloves, scarf

• Hat to shield the sun in the summer months—an umbrella works too

• Paper map—we all know that GPS doesn’t always work

• Emergency cash stash

• Pencil and paper

• Tissue/paper towel/real towel

• First aid kit—some are small enough to fit in your glove compartment 

• Hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes

• Something to keep the kids entertained

• If traveling with a pet, pet essentials—food, water, leash, etc. 

This list might sound like a lot, but if packed well really won’t take up too much space—and won’t create too much additional weight in your vehicle. While you may not need to use these items often, you will be glad you have them if the need arises.

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How To Improve Your Fuel Efficiency

Fuel prices fluctuate rapidly, but regardless of the current price per liter—you still have to fill up your tank. Even if the current prices are low, every bit adds up. To help improve or maximize your fuel efficiency, turn to the tips below.

Empty Out Your Trunk

The heavier your car, the more fuel you burn driving from one place to the next. While you want to ensure you have the emergency essentials you require in your trunk, over time you may find that you have a bunch of excess. From sporting equipment, to kids toys, pet essentials, and trash—all together the excess can weight enough to burn more fuel while driving. 

Maintain Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure plays a major role in fuel efficiency, but many car owners forget to check their pressure. Underinflated tires can cost drivers $0.24 per kilometer or more. The good news is, both checking your pounds per square inch (psi) and adding air to your tires is fast and easy. Many gas stations and garages have both air pressure gauges and air, or you can buy your own air pressure gauge. Your required psi can be found in your driver’s manual, or on the sticker of your driver’s side door. Most mechanics are available to check your tire pressure for free in-between maintenance.

Invest In Regular Oil Changes And Tune Ups

Oil changes and tune ups are essential for many reasons, including improving fuel efficiency. During your oil change, you will be notified of any minor investments you need to make—such as investing in a new air filter, or getting new spark plugs before your next tune up. Your car’s make, model, and year will determine how often you should go in for an oil change and tune up—as well as your driving habits.

Repair Or Remove Any Items Of Resistance

Aerodynamics come in to play while driving. Any excess items of resistance on your car can create drag, and in turn reduce your fuel efficiency. This includes your overhead ski rack, or any damaged items that create drag—such as a broken spoiler, damaged fender, or dragging muffler. 

These are some of the most effective ways of improving your fuel efficiency, all of which are easy to implement. 

Spring Cleaning And Car Maintenance

Spring is here, meaning that now is an excellent time to transition your car from winter and to get it ready for the warmer spring and summer months ahead. Car owners can perform much of their spring car care sols, but some maintenance may be faster and easier when performed by a mechanic. Below are the most important spring car care tips to consider.

Detail Cleaning

Detail cleaning often falls by the wayside during the wet winter months, making spring an excellent time for a full detail clean. Detailed cleaning may not be essential for your car’s performance, but is one of the many ways you take pride in your car. Regular detail cleaning also helps to maintain its sales value by ensuring it looks its best. While detailing, look for any dings or scratches to your windows or body that must be addressed. Also, consider any additional car accessories that will help to keep your car organized and clean. 

De-Winterize

Canadian winters can get chilly, meaning you probably took a few precautions when winterizing your car. Now it is time to switch back to standard maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Switching out your winter tires

• Switching out your winter floor mats

• Switching out any of your winter fluids

• Check windshield washers

• Remove winter gear from your trunk—salt, shovel, snow brush, lock deicer, etc. 

• Add summer emergency gear and supplies

Spring Car Care General Maintenance

Now is an excellent time to head to the shop, or for those who are mechanically inclined, to perform a full tune-up. During the tune-up, also check for any winter wear tear. A few areas to pay close attention to after the winter months include.

• Wear and tear to belts and hoses

• Corrosion to battery or spark plugs

• Make sure all lights are fully functioning

• Test the HVAC system, and make sure the AC is ready for summer

• Check the brakes, particularly brake pads, rotors, and drums

• Check the steering and suspension to make sure the shock absorbers, struts, ball joints, and all            essential components are fully functioning

• Check the wholesale exhaust systems for damage or leaks. Order any new parts in need of                replacement

Performing seasonal car care ensures that your car is properly serviced every 3 or 4 months. It is the best way to identify concerns before they grow into larger issues. As always, look, listen, and feel for any changes to your car when driving.