What is ‘remapping’ – and is it worthwhile?

Did you know that you can boost each the power and fuel economy of your car in about 30 minutes, merely by altering the settings on the engine handle unit?

It’s a process called ‘remapping’ – and it is all the rage amongst petrolheads.

Automobile control

The engine manage unit (ECU) is fundamentally a computer that controls how the engine operates, a bit like a brain.

But the default settings – or maps – are not necessarily the best they could be, as manufacturers who sell their cars around the world have to take into account diverse climates, fuel qualities and laws when they program the software.

Auto makers are also recognized deliberately to limit the overall performance of their automobiles via the ECU so they can release more quickly models at a later date, with just a few software changes and a much larger cost tag.

Enhanced performance

Remapping is intended to make the most of your vehicle by overwriting the ECU’s default settings with new application which can be programmed to boost the car’s all round functionality.

It usually takes among 30 minutes and an hour, and modern day technologies indicates it’s pretty straightforward.

Previously, the method was named ‘chipping’ and involved the removal of the major microchip from the ECU, which was then replaced with a modified chip. Lots of scope for strife in that method.

Speed and energy

If the remapping is successful, you need to notice an instant improvement in the speed and energy of your automobile.

Some remappers claim an increase in horsepower of amongst 30 and 40bhp and in torque of up to 80nm.

The engine will also be a lot more responsive, so it will be less complicated to overtake, for example. You might also discover that you don’t have to alter gear as often, boosting the number of miles to the gallon.

Lifetime warranty

Harm to the engine is rare, but you ought to constantly select a reputable firm to carry out the remapping – and preferably a firm that offers a lifetime warranty on the software program.

You could even do a remap oneself as you can now buy plug-in kits that come with the computer software upgrade currently installed.

Bear in thoughts, even though, that some cars can’;t be remapped, usually because they are as well old. If you auto was manufactured before 2000, you might have difficulty, but it all depends on the make and model of the vehicle.

Tell your insurer!

Remapping is a way of fundamentally changing your auto, without in fact altering your vehicle, if you see what I mean, so do you want to tell your insurance company?

“…you need to inform your insurer of any modifications you make to the auto or you could invalidate your policy.”

The short answer is, yes. Remapping is classed as a modification simply because your car has been altered, even even though the alteration is not visible. And you must inform your insurer of any modifications you make to the auto or you could invalidate your policy.

In other words, it would not spend out in the occasion of a claim. You could also get into more serious problems for deliberately hiding relevant data, which is not as well far away from insurance coverage fraud.

Ideal deal

Some insurers refuse point blank to cover a modified or remapped auto.

Other individuals are significantly less squeamish, even though they would generally charge an further premium, occasionally in the kind of a flat charge.

What is ‘remapping’ – and is it worthwhile?