Exhaust Tips For Toronto Residents Who Want To Save Money On Car Repairs

Replacing your exhausts system is a fairly easy DIY repair. Only a handful of tools are required, and the full install typically takes less than 15 or 20 minutes. Below are a few exhaust tips for Toronto residents who want to save a bit of money on their car repair budget.

Tip 1 Order Your New Muffler Online

Installing your new exhaust system at home will not only save you the cost of labor, but save you can save even more by ordering your new muffler online. At Muffler Express, we sell standard, high performance, and CARB approved catalytic converters. Search for your exhaust parts by make, model, and year of your car—then further narrow down by your desired performance traits.

Tip 2 A Safe Workspace

You will need to jack your vehicle up to slide underneath and perform your repair. Before you get started—park on level ground and block your wheels to ensure your car will not roll away working. Invest in a quality car jack, that is designed for repairs above and beyond changing a flat tire. 

Tip 3 Gather Your Tools

Aside from your car jack, you will also need a wrench with varying ratchets. If your current clamps are rusted, you may need some lubricant to remove them. If your current muffler is welded on you will need a hacksaw and welding equipment.

Tip 4 Proper Installation

Removing your current exhaust system is typically easy, and your new system should fit easily in place. One of the most common mistakes when performing full or partial muffler repairs—is determining the difference between the front and the back of the muffler.

Tip 5 Check For Leaks

Once your muffler is clamped or welded into place, you need to check if for leaks. Drive your car after installation, and listen for any unusual sounds. Hissing, rattling, or squealing are all signs that your exhaust system is not properly secured, and that your clamps need to be adjusted.

Muffler Express sells the largest online selection of mufflers and exhaust parts in Canada. Take a peak now to see if we have the parts you need.

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. 

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.

For more information, Please visit at our website: http://www.mufflerexpress.com