Last week, we covered the basics of remapping and looked at the key benefits of getting your vehicle remapped. At Trust A Garage, we do provide a balanced view – so this week, we look at the possible downsides of remapping, the average cost, and the impact that it could have on your insurance.
As we discovered last week, remapping gives your vehicle the performance potential of a higher spec vehicle, improves towing, horsepower, torque and MPG. It sounds almost too good to be true, and there are some downsides. However, these tend to depend entirely on how you drive, rather than the remap itself.
The cons of remapping
1. More power means more wear and tear
Just as going for a run will inevitably lead to more injuries than a walk, if you are going generally faster and putting your engine under more strain, parts such as the clutch, gears, engine, rotors and pistons will endure more heavy usage and, therefore, be worn out more quickly.
2. Warranty problems
The car's standard map is a way of your manufacturer optimising vehicle life and controlling performance. Modifications such as remapping can render the warranty null and void.
3. Higher speeds – higher risks
Just because you CAN go at higher speeds, it doesn’t mean that you SHOULD. If you are a little heavy on the accelerator, it is worth thinking twice about getting your car remapped. If increasing your maximum speed is your main motivator, you should definitely think twice!
4. Higher speeds – lower MPG
Remapping should improve your fuel consumption. However, if you use your remap to drive harder and faster, it will inevitably lead to lower MPG, no matter how efficient your engine is.
5. Premium fuel
The saying “you are what you eat” doesn’t just apply to mammals; cars perform better when they have a better diet. And if remapping your vehicle makes it an athlete, your car’s fuel needs will change, too. Premium fuel will help your car to work harder and better – but it does tend to cost more.
Are remaps reversable?
In short, yes. Most tuners will be able to return your vehicle to factory settings quickly and easily.
How much do remaps cost?
The cost of remapping will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the remapping service you use. Usually, a remap will cost between £150-£300.
Will remapping affect my insurance?
All modifications will impact your insurance – especially ones that change how you use your vehicle or its performance. You MUST tell your insurer that your vehicle has been remapped; it shouldn’t make a huge difference to your premium, but if it does, shop around for insurers who specialise in modified vehicles.
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