With most modern vehicles, but turbocharged petrol and diesel cars and vans in particular, it's possible to get a decent power increase and potentially better fuel economy for a fairly small cost.
This can be achieved by a process called remapping, which involves settings in the vehicle's engine control unit (ECU) - basically a computer which controls the engine - being updated.
The benefits of remapping vary depending on the vehicle, but a common boost to power is 30-40 bhp and up to 100 nm of torque, sometimes more. A remap will usually cost a few hundred pounds, so what do you need to know if you're interested?
Methods of remapping
You can take your car to a garage which offers remapping, or it's also possible to carry out the process yourself. This may sound daunting, but it can be very straightforward on modern cars - you buy a device which you connect to the diagnostics port inside your car (usually under the dashboard) and which allows you to upload updated software - a new 'map' - to your car's ECU. This method also allows you to reverse the remapping process should you ever want to, as the original 'map' will be downloaded to the device before the new one is added.
How does remapping achieve its benefits?
The reason a remap can improve performance and sometimes also fuel economy is that the standard 'map' provided by the manufacturer is designed to work in the same car sold all over the world, dealing with variable fuel quality, climate, local laws and (sometimes poor) frequency/quality of servicing. Manufacturers can also limit the performance of some models so that they don't compete too closely with those higher up the range.
Better economy can sometimes result from a remap allowing your car to perform more efficiently, so you don't have to change gear as often as before, helping to boost your mpg figures a little.
Considerations when remapping your car
As long as you service your car correctly, you can appreciate the benefits of a remap without needing to worry. A remap is very unlikely to damage your engine, but you should only choose a remap from a reputable company, so that the remap settings have been thoroughly tested and are known to not cause any excess strain on standard components.
Remember that you must inform your insurance company if you have your car remapped, as it counts as a modification even though it's not something visible. It's worth calling to check whether it will affect your premium before doing the remap. Some insurance companies may charge you more or say they wouldn't be able to insure you, but many more will have no issue as long as the remap is from a reputable firm.
If you have a modern car with a turbocharged or supercharged engine then it's worth investigating what a remap could do for the performance and efficiency of your vehicle.
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