How To Jump Start Your Car Battery

Muffler Express is Canada’s number 1 online wholesaler for catalytic converters for all major car brands, like Ford, Acura, Honda, BMW, and more. But our goal is also to provide you with the invaluable insight required to keep you safe on the road. There is nothing worse than getting in your car only to find that it won’t start. Sometimes all you need to get back on the road is a simple jump tart, however, although jump starting is simple, you must know what you are doing.

Essential Supplies

You want to keep your car stocked with a set of jumper cables, and a pair of work gloves so that you don’t get your hands dirty. Standard cables require the assistance of a nearby good Samaritan, or you can invest in portable jumper cables. Portable cables are not only convenient because a second car is not required, but also because they are perfect to jump start your car when you are parked in a tight location—such as your garage.

Jump-Starting Your Car With Standard Car Cables

If jump starting your car with portable cables, follow the instructions on the battery pack. Regardless so the type of cables used, have your battery checked soon to see why it malfunctioned. 

1. Ideally, you want to park the two cars nose to nose, but side by side will do. 
2. Turn off both cars, and place the transmission in park, with the parking brake on. 
3. The cables are color-coded red and black. Attach the red (+) cable to the dead battery, then attach to the red (+) cable to the working battery.
4. Repeat this process by connecting the black (-) cable to the dead battery, then attach the black (-) cable to the working battery.
5. Start the car with the working battery first, and allow it to run for a full two minutes to charge the battery.
6. After 2 minutes, try to start the car that has the dead battery. 
7. If it does not start, allow the battery to charge for two more minutes and then try again. Revving the engine of the working vehicle may help.
8. When the car with the dead battery has started, remove the black cables first—then the red.
 
Order Your Ford Rear Direct Fit OEM Catalytic Converter Today!

If you are in need of a brand name, universal, or Ford catalytic converter—place your order now at Muffler Express! 

Source:http://www.mufflerexpress.com/muffler-industry-blog/117-how-to-jump-start-your-car-battery.html

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

Protecting Your Family From Accidental Carbon Dioxide Poisoning

There are close to 400 accidental CO deaths each year in Canada, most of which are easily avoidable. Below are a few tips you can turn to, to lessen the likelihood of accidental CO poisoning.

Sources Of Carbon Dioxide In Your Home

Each home and business is different, but all have at least a few sources of carbon dioxide. Some of the most common home sources include:

Home furnace
Space heater
Decorative fireplace
Wood stove
Kitchen stove or grill
Gas/charcoal barbeque
Hot water heater
Automobile
Lawnmower

These are not all of the potential sources of CO poisoning, but they are the most common. Take a few minutes to walk through the interior and exterior of your home to identify all of your CO sources.

 
Invest In A CO Detector

CO detectors are now required in all Toronto sleeping areas. CO detectors are inexpensive, and range between $26 to $100 each. While there are some combination smoke and CO detectors on the market, not all are one in the same. Just like smoke detectors, you must change the batteries and test your CO detector no less than once every 3 months. If it helps, set an electronic reminder every few months. 

CO Poisoning And Your Vehicle

Your car produces toxic emissions that contain carbon monoxide. CARB approved catalytic converters are designed to reduce these emissions, but they do not eliminate the CO. Your muffler helps to direct emissions away from your car, so that they do not pool under your car while driving or sitting idle. This is why it is essential to listen and look for any cause for concern. For example, if your exhaust is hissing or roaring, or your muffler is damaged, dragging, or detached—it is time to replace ASAP. Do not run your engine in an enclosed space, such as your garage.

Muffler Express offers wholesale catalytic converters and exhaust systems, for both standard and high performance needs. We sell our parts by make and model, ensuring that all drivers in Canada can easily find the parts they require.

Source:http://www.mufflerexpress.com/blog/114-protecting-your-family-from-accidental-carbon-dioxide-poisoning.html

What Makes OBD2 Catalytic Converters Different?

Depending on where you live, you may be required to upgrade your exhaust system to an OBD2 catalytic converter—but you might be wondering what it is that makes CA and N Y approved catalytic converters different? The information below will help you to understand the difference between factory-standard and after-market converters.

What Is A Catalytic Converter?

Catalytic converters were developed in 1975, as a method of reducing the amount of harmful vehicles emissions produced during the combustion process. As its name implies, this front portion of your exhaust system “converts” emissions into less harmful gasses.

Ceramic Honeycomb

There is a ceramic honeycomb inside of each converter, that is coated with the appropriate metal required to degrade harmful gases—and transform them into less harmful water and carbon dioxide. As we all know, carbon dioxide is a toxin, one that can be lethal if breathed within an enclosed space. This is why you have a muffler that directs the carbon dioxide behind and away from your car. If your muffler falls off, have it replaced as soon as possible—otherwise the toxic gases can pool underneath your car.

What Makes OBD2 Catalytic Converters Different?

Factory standard and high performance converters work in the same manner, but have a few key differences. OBD2 catalytic converters are a high-flow converter, typically with a larger honeycomb. The high flow and larger surface area work together to ensure that more gases are degraded—releasing less harmful gasses into the local environment.

Upgrade To High Performance—Even If You Are Not Required To Do So

While upgrading to a high performance system is sometimes required by law, you may still be interested in an upgrade—even you are not required to do so. For most, the motivation is to reduce the amount of toxins released in the local environment. This is easy to achieve with minimal investment, and simple part replacement.

At Muffler Express we offer N Y and CA legal converters for every make and model of car you require.

Summer Driving Tips – Muffler Express

An essential part of begin a responsible driver is being apprised of the risks associated with driving. With the warm summer months, come a few driving hazards that aren’t on your year-round radar. The tips below alert you to increased summer driving concerns.

Summer Weather

As much as we love the warm summer weather, it brings with it a few hazards. Sunshine is bright and sometimes blinding, so drive with sunglasses and use your built-in sun visors. Your engine is more likely to overheat in the summer, especially if your car is older—or you are driving for an extended period of time. Stop to allow your engine to cool down on particularly warm days, or when using your AC for long periods of time. Further support your engine by staying on top of scheduled maintenance such as oil changes and tune-ups, and replace any malfunctioning catalytic converters or exhausts systems.

Also take measures to keep yourself cool while driving by keeping hydrating beverages in the car, parking in the shade when possible, using a wind shield sun shade while parked, and by maintaining your car AC.

Kids Are Out Of School

Kids will be out of school by the end of June, meaning that there will be more teenage drivers on the road. Teenagers are not only inexperienced drivers, but they are often more easily distracted while driving.

Increased Tourism

The summer months are an excellent time to travel, so expect there to be more drivers on the road who are not familiar with the area. This means more abrupt stops and turns, and more distracted driving while reading maps and directions. Vacation traffic can also lead to increased congestion.
More Two-Wheeled Transportation On The Road

Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road on bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles. Since these two-wheeled means of transportation are smaller, you have to take more care that they are not in your blind spot.

Vacation Vehicles

Not only is the summer an excellent time to vacation, but to drive vacation and summer vehicles. This includes RV s that drivers only take out a few times a year. Also keep an eye out for convertibles and sports cars that stay locked up during the winter months—and are tempting to drive at high speeds in the warm weather. 

Roadwork And Construction

Summer is the perfect time to complete roadwork and construction. This means you can expect more traffic delays in your nearby construction zones. You must also drive with increased caution through your construction zones, paying special attention to temporary road signs and construction workers.

If you need to replace your car’s exhaust system to ensure safe summer driving, Muffler Express is your trusted online Canadian exhaust supplier.

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.