Many people go to great lengths to improve the way their car functions and performs. We all ensure we’re getting our cars regularly serviced, fixing any issues that arise along the way, so they continue to serve us well. However, some people decide to take it a step further and opt to remap their car.
For some people, remapping is a great step towards improving the performance of your car. For others there are many doubts about remapping, as people feel that the negative aspects of car remapping actually outweigh its benefits.
In today’s blog post, we’re going to outline exactly what remapping is, explaining the benefits of remapping, and discussing how much car remapping tends to cost.
What is a vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU)?
Before we go into detail about what car remapping is, it’s important that you first understand what a vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) is and how it functions. This is because the car’s ECU is integral to remapping.
A vehicle’s ECU is essentially a small computer or microchip that controls a car’s engine function. Car manufacturers programme a car’s ECU with software settings that are appropriate for a wide range of driving conditions in the region where the vehicle is being sold.
The ECU then controls the actuators in the car’s engine to ensure it performs as designed.
It controls everything in the vehicle’s engine, such as:
- The wheel speed
- Braking power
- Idle speed
- Air/fuel mixture
- Ignition timing
It also plays a role in a number of the vehicle’s other functions, such as:
- Airbags
- Door locks
- Emergency braking
- Engine responsiveness
What does it mean to remap a car?
In short, to remap a car is to re-programme a vehicle’s ECU to enhance the car’s power and improve performance. Other terms for car remapping include car ‘chipping’ or ‘ECU tuning’.
When a vehicle is manufactured, the ECU will have set default settings. These settings can improve overall reliability and emission output as well as the car’s fuel consumption. However, in doing so, it may restrict the vehicle’s overall driving performance.
This may lead to a person remapping their car in order to improve performance. In some cases, remapping can boost a car’s brake horsepower by as high as 35%.
In times gone by, the process of remapping a car’s ECU meant removing the old ECU and replacing it with a new one. However, the technology has improved over time and professionals can now rewrite the factory settings that came with your car’s ECU.
In order to do this, they will access the chip via the vehicle’s on board diagnostics (OBD).Once accessed they can edit the limits that the ECU places on the car, thus changing performance.
In some cases, modern cars may restrict access via the OBD. This can be for security purposes. If this happens, a professional may need to physically remove the ECU from the car and connect it to an external computer. Alternatively, you can opt for an external ECU. This approach preserves the car's original configuration while adding a separate unit that can be easily removed if you decide to sell or trade in your vehicle.
Generally speaking, the three stages of remapping a car are:
- Stage 1: The ECU software is updated, resulting in immediate gains in both power and torque without any physical modifications to the engine.
- Stage 2: The engine components are enhanced to complement the ECU update. Upgrades may include the intercooler, exhaust system, or air intake for improved performance.
- Stage 3: Comprehensive hardware upgrades are performed, including a custom remap of the ECU. The vehicle is then tested on a rolling road to fine-tune performance. This stage is the most costly due to the extensive modifications involved.
Benefits of remapping a car?
When trying to work out if remapping a car is worthwhile, it’s important to weigh up the benefits and drawbacks of remapping. Below are some of the benefits of remapping a car:
1. Improved performance
One of the primary reasons people consider remapping their car is to increase performance. By adjusting the ECU’s software, a remap can unlock more horsepower and torque, making the car faster and more responsive. This is particularly appealing for drivers who want amore dynamic driving experience or people who regularly drive on highways or performance-oriented roads.
For instance, remapping can optimise the engine’s fuel and air mixture, ignition timing, and boost pressure (in turbocharged cars) to deliver more power without the need for physical modifications being made to the car. In some cases, even modest remapping can result in a noticeable improvement in acceleration, top speed, and overall driving satisfaction.
2. Enhanced fuel efficiency
While performance gains are a major selling point, remapping can also lead to better fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for those who spend a lot of time on the road. By fine-tuning the engine’s parameters for more efficient combustion, remapping can optimise fuel consumption, reducing the amount of fuel you use during everyday driving.
This is particularly beneficial for drivers with diesel engines or those who regularly commute over long distances. A well-executed remap can balance power with fuel economy, ensuring that the car delivers the best possible fuel consumption without sacrificing performance.
3. Customisation for specific needs
Every driver has different preferences, and remapping allows for a high level of customisation. Whether you want a smoother driving experience, more low-end torque for towing, or higher revs for a sportier feel, remapping can be tailored to meet your specific needs. This flexibility is one of the reasons why remapping is often seen as a personalised tuning option, enabling the car to perform exactly as you want it to.
4. Cost-effective upgrade
Compared to other performance upgrades like installing larger turbochargers or exhaust systems, remapping is relatively affordable. It offers significant improvements in performance without the high costs associated with mechanical modifications. Additionally, remapping can be easily undone if necessary, which makes it a low-risk way for you to experiment with different performance settings.
5. Better driving experience
Beyond power and efficiency, a remap can improve the overall driving experience. Many drivers report that remapping enhances throttle response, smoothens gear shifts, and makes the car feel more agile when on the road. These subtle changes can transform an ordinary drive into something much more enjoyable.
Negatives of remapping a car?
So we’ve outlined some of the advantages that car remapping can offer. But now it’s time to list the possible drawbacks and potential risks associated with the process. It’s always worth considering these points before deciding to modify your car’s engine software.
1. Increased maintenance and servicing demands
Remapping your car’s ECU essentially demands more from the engine, often pushing it beyond its factory settings. As a result, the engine may experience greater wear and tear. This can lead to increased maintenance requirements, such as more frequent oil changes, brake checks, or monitoring of cooling systems. This additional strain placed on the different parts of the engine may accelerate the need for repairs or replacements, which you may find becomes costly over time.
2. Higher fuel costs
Another potential downside of remapping is the need for higher-octane fuel. To take full advantage of the performance gains offered by remapping, you may need to use premium-grade fuel with a higher octane rating. Higher-octane fuel is more expensive than standard fuel, and this can add up over time, especially if you’re using your car regularly. While some remaps are designed to optimise fuel efficiency, the need for more expensive fuel associated with other forms of remapping could negate the savings in fuel costs that might come with improved efficiency.
3. Adapting to the increased power can be difficult
After remapping, the increased power and torque can significantly change how your car drives, especially if the performance gains are substantial. Now we know that that is the whole point of remapping for some people, however, for drivers who are not accustomed to a high-powered car, this can be a challenging adjustment at first.
The sharper throttle response and increased acceleration might feel overwhelming, especially in everyday driving conditions. You may need some time to adapt to the way your car drives, and in certain situations, like tight corners or city driving, the increased power could feel difficult to control until you become accustomed to it.
4. Insurance implications
Many insurance companies may not approve or fully cover vehicles that have been remapped. This is because remapping alters the car's original specifications, potentially increasing the risk of engine failure or accidents due to changes in handling or performance. As a result, you could face higher premiums or even find it difficult to insure your car at all. In some cases, insurers may not cover any damage resulting from the remap, leaving you at risk if you end up having an accident or experiencing mechanical failure.
5. Void warranty
If your car is still under warranty, remapping can void the manufacturer's warranty. Manufacturers typically specify that any modification to the car’s engine or software will invalidate the warranty, meaning that if something goes wrong, you might have to cover the repair costs yourself. This is particularly concerning for those with new or relatively new cars, where the cost of repairs could be significant.
6. Software updates can undo remapping
Car manufacturers frequently release software updates to improve vehicle performance, fix bugs, or comply with emissions regulations. These updates can overwrite the custom remap settings, reverting the car to its original factory configuration. As a result, you would need to have the ECU remapped again after each update, which can be time-consuming and costly. Over time, this could become an ongoing expense and inconvenience.
How much does it cost to remap a car?
At Plympton Car Centre, we offer car remapping services in two stages: Stage 1 and Stage2.
A Stage 1 remap is available from £240, while the price for a Stage 2 Avon Tuning remap is available on request.
To learn more about our remapping services, please get in touch with our team today.
Why should you choose Plympton Car Centre to remap your car?
At Plympton Car Centre, we're not just proud of our extensive selection of quality used cars– we're also honoured to be the exclusive Avon Tuning Agent in Plymouth, specialising in Stage 1 and Stage 2 remaps.
Whether you're looking to enhance your car's performance or boost its fuel efficiency, our expert remapping services are designed to deliver noticeable improvements on the road.
If you are interested in remapping services, or a range of other vehicle services, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team! Give us a call on 01752 651340 for more information and to book.
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