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.

Why You Must Replace Your Flex Repair Pipe

Unfortunately for you, if you have a hole, crack, or tear in your flex pipe you will need to replace the pipe as soon as possible. The good news is, if the rest of your exhaust system is in good condition, that the pipe is all you need to replace it. Below, we dispel a few myths about flex pipe repairs.

YES, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE PIPE

Even if the hole, tear or crack is small, the pipe needs to be replaced. While it might be tempting to try to weld the pipe or fix with a heavy-duty tape, neither will resolve the problem. If you continue to drive with your compromised pipe, you can cause a long list of secondary damages to your exhaust system and transmission.

IT MIGHT SOUND COOL, BUT IT’S NOT WORTH IT

When you have a break in your flex pipe, your car is likely to make a strong roaring sound. While this sound might be appealing, sexy even, it’s simply not worth it. Instead, purchase the parts you need from Muffler Express—your dedicated flex repair pipe wholesaler. If you really want to keep the roaring sound, upgrade your exhaust system to a high-performance system—one that is fully functional, and nice and loud.

FLEX REPAIR PIPES SUPPLIER

The Muffler Express is a flex repair pipes supplier serving Canada and the U.S. While we sell full exhaust systems, we also sell the individual parts that you require—such as flex pipes and mufflers. Parts can be searched by make and model, making it easy to find the quality car parts you require. 

Muffler Express sells only high-quality flex repair pipes from trusted manufacturers. Our goal is to provide you with competitively priced car parts, that are designed for optimal performance. Next time you are in need of DIY muffler and exhaust parts, come to Muffler Express first!

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. 

Top 5 Driver Distractions

Driving is an activity that requires your full attention. Even experienced drivers must stay alert. While driving in areas you are familiar may make you feel an increased sense of confidence, over half of all car accidents occur less than 5 miles from home. Many accidents are the result of preventable distracted driving. Below are the 5 most common types of distracted driving. 

Eating While Driving

Between work, family, school, and fun—it is tempting to eat in the car between stops. While it seems as though eating while driving will save some time, eating is a major distraction. Actions such as digging through the to-go bag to find what you ordered, unwrapping food, and balancing food and drinks while driving often leave you more concerned about your food than the road and cars around you. Take the few extra minutes to eat before you hit the road.

Managing Music

Managing music has always been high on the list of driver distractions. From changing radio stations, searching through your iPod, or changing CDs. Even adjusting volume or managing other sound and speaker features can take your eyes off the road. Avoid this distraction by selecting your music before you start driving. 

Talking Or Texting On The Phone

Accidents caused by talking and texting while on the road are on the rise around the world. In fact, texting while driving is 6 times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Studies even find that using hands-free options are still a significant distraction—because drivers are still somewhat focusing on their phones. You can avoid temptation by silencing your phone, or by putting it in your purse or glove box while driving.

Other Passengers

There are multiple ways in which the passengers in your car can be a cause of distraction. From wandering pets, crying babies, fighting siblings, and topics of conversation that are troublesome. While conversations and interaction will occur while driving, set rules and guidelines about volume control, avoid heated topics while driving, ensure pets are in the back seat, and pull over if the kids get too rambunctious.

Grooming

From shaving to applying makeup, or putting the finishing touches on your hair or outfit—grooming while driving is dangerous. It may seem as though you are saving time by grooming on the go, but your attention will be on your appearance—instead of on the road. Instead, bring your grooming supplies with, but wait until you arrive at your destination to finish up.

At Muffler Express, we want you to stay safe on the road. While these 5 driver distractions certainly aren’t the only ones, they are the most common distractions—and ones we often forget are a distraction.

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.