DIY Smart Car

You have a “smart” phone, a “smart” home system, and multiple “smart” electronic products designed to create environmentally friendly alternatives to their counterparts. While you could invest in the Smart car brand, with a few small changes you could also make the car you drive smarter. Here are a few quick tips.

Switch To An OBD2 Catalytic Converter

OBD2 catalytic converters are fitted to exhaust systems and are designed to significantly reduce your vehicle emissions. Not all cars come standard with these advanced converters, but with an investment of $250 to $500 dollars, you can upgrade your converter. Before you make the investment, inquire about whether or not your car came standard with a low-emission converter. If by chance you purchased your car in NY or CA in the past few years, it is likely to already have the upgrade.

Invest In A Smart Port

Did you know that your car has an onboard diagnostic (OBD) port? This is how testing centers verify your emission levels. It’s okay if you didn’t know this port (aka. dongle) was there, as it is only used by mechanics or emissions testing professionals—that is until now. Modern OBD systems are designed to deliver far more information than your emissions data. Based on the same theory as the “smart” home, you can invest in a dongle designed to record data that can help you become a “smarter” driver.
 
Some of these tools are Bluetooth enabled, and will alert you while on the road, while others are linked to an app that will create a driving report of sorts. Every dongle captures different data, but some of the smart driving data they share includes:

Whether or not you are wasting gas by braking or accelerating too fast
Precise calculation of your fuel efficiency
Emission levels
Calculates fuel costs
Kilometers per trip, hours on the road, and other driving data
On-demand roadside assistance after an accident
Driving patterns and habits

Even if your car is older and does not have a dongle, you can easily upgrade to a car-specific or universal OEM grade catalytic converter.

Source:http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/116-diy-smart-car.html

Fuel Efficiency Tips For Rideshare And Uber Drivers

Rideshare programs are an excellent way to earn some cash in your spare time. You don’t even have to commit to a set schedule, just drive as many or as few trips as you like each week. In order to maximize your earnings, you need to ensure that you are getting the best fuel efficiency possible. The tips below will help.

Tire Pressure

Most drivers are driving on low tire pressure, which can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 3%. Most fuel stations have free air and gauges for you to check your psi. If you’re not sure of your psi, check your owner’s manual.

Acceleration, Stopping And Starting

It might be fun to accelerate with speed, and you might not think much about the speed at which you decelerate or stop, but the faster you do either, the more fuel you burn. Smooth things out, and save some fuel.

Don’t Skip Your Oil Changes And Tune Ups

Now that you are an Uber or rideshare driver, you will need to keep a closer eye on your mileage so that you can go in for your oil change in a timely manner. If you are driving 50+ miles a day, your mechanic may also suggest upgrading your oil—or coming in for more frequent oil changes. It’s worth it though, as it will improve your fuel efficiency by 1 to 2 percent. Tune-ups ensure that your engine and systems are working at optimal levels. Without timely tune-ups, your fuel efficiency can decrease by 4 to as much as 40 percent.
 
Upgrade Your Catalytic Converter

A CARB approved catalytic converter isn’t’ just good for the environment, but speed the air/fuel charge—which can decrease efficiency by as much as 4%.

These tips are great for Uber drivers and everyday drivers alike. Order your new catalytic converter from Muffler Express now!

Source:http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/115-fuel-efficiency-tips-for-rideshare-and-uber-drivers.html

Life hacks Car Gadgets Every Driver Should Have

The list of available car gadgets is endless, but there are a few that every driver should seriously consider having on board for their next trips. Some of the gadgets listed below serve an emergency function while others simply make driving and life easier and more convenient.

SOLO JUMPER CABLES

Almost every driver keeps jumper cables in their car, but jumper cables require the assistance of another driver. While most people will take the time if you ask, what if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere? Or late at night? Or, what if your car is parked at an odd angle—making it impossible to use your jumper cables? Avoid all those roadblocks, by keeping solo jumper cables in your car.

TIRE REPAIR KIT

Just as with jumper cables, every driver should have a spare tire in their car. While a spare tire is sufficient for changing your tire, it requires you to change your tire—which can be tricky. Even if you have changed a flat tire before, a tire repair kit can speed up the process and get you back on the road. There are a multitude of kits to choose from, so find the one that appeals most to you. A popular choice is the foam inflation kits which temporarily fill the leak. Just as with spare tires, a repair kit is a temporary fix, and your tire will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Also keep in mind that some flat tires will need to be changed regardless. In short, it'll help you go that extra mile until you can safely fix the situation. 

ELECTRONICS CHARGER

While the road certainly needs to be your primary concern while driving, it is inevitable that you will need to you can also buy your car charger of choice. Aim for a universal charger that allows you to charge all of your mobile electronics at the same time.

NAVIGATION

Just as with electronics chargers, navigation comes standard with many cars. If it does not, consider upgrading your car, buying a car GPS, or downloading a navigation app to your mobile phone. 

Also consider emergency roadside assistance upgrades such as OnStar or CAA. Because not everyone knows how to repair flex pipes. 

The suggestions and gadgets above are designed to improve your overall driving experience, and support your lifestyle. Think of our checklist the next time you go for a ride and see which of the above you have or don't have. As the saying goes, it's better to be safe than sorry.