There was a time when remapping vehicles was reserved for car enthusiasts but today, more and more people are looking into remapping. With so many people doing it or talking about it, we cover the basics of remapping: what is it, the pros and cons, cost, and what impact might it have on your car insurance.
What is remapping?
Also known as chipping, remapping is a process which changes the settings on the microchip in the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
What is the ECU?
The ECU is your vehicle’s brain and gives the engine instructions on how to perform, including how much power to produce.
Manufacturers limit a car’s performance to set levels for two reasons. The first is customer-centric: the limits are set to optimise the lifespan of the vehicle and ensure that it meets local needs in terms of terrain, emissions laws and fuel quality. The second reason for limiting a car’s performance is basically marketing; most vehicles are available to different specs despite having the same engine, with the higher spec offering improved performance. It is only by limiting the performance of the lower spec that manufacturers can promise improved performance on a higher one.
By overwriting these performance limiting factory settings, you will allow your vehicle to perform at optimal levels – in some cases, overall performance is improved by over 30%.
The benefits of remapping your vehicle
There are many advantages to remapping your vehicle, but here are some of the most significant benefits:
More torque
Torque is the force of an object twisting around an axis. Increased torque means increased ability to work – which leads to better acceleration. Increased torque in turbo cars is what gives a vehicle a boost from behind when you accelerate; remapping typically improves torque by 20-30%, making the vehicle less sluggish and more manoeuvrable on overtakes.
Increased horsepower – and higher speeds
Horsepower is calculated using RPM and torque and ultimately dictates how fast your vehicle can go, and how long it takes to achieve top speeds.
Reduced MPG
By improving the efficiency of your engine, remapping will help to improve fuel economy. The improved torque at every RPM will mean that you need less throttle to achieve and maintain speeds, which means that the engine will require less fuel to function. So, theoretically, remapping can benefit the environment and your wallet – provided you don’t drive faster with your new found power.
A smoother ride
Remapping smooths out the flat spots in power delivery, allowing for an easier, smoother ride.
A better tow
If you use your vehicle to tow, the improved power and acceleration will make it easier for your vehicle to cope with hills and overtakes.
Tempted to go for a remap? Get in touch with a reliable remapping specialist to find out more, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter for next week’s instalment, when we take a closer look at the cons, costs and practicalities of remapping your vehicle.