Is Speed Limiter Removal Safe?
Speed limiter removal for the economy is 100% safe for vehicle reliability because we ask the engine to attain a lower top speed than it would usually do. Excessive speeding isn’t an issue because a vehicle’s ECU can be directed not to exceed 70mph.
Approximately 30% of all fatal accidents can be linked to high speeds. Typically, between 40 and 60 per cent of drivers are caught doing so. Multiple studies have found that reducing just 1 km/h in average speeds can reduce fatal crashes by as much as 5%. (Source: road-safety.transport)
What is a Speed limiter?
A speed limiter is either installed by the manufacturer or by a third party on most contemporary automobiles. The vehicle’s peak speed is automatically controlled and limited by the speed limiter, which is an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) technology designed for safety.
In this method, the device will stop your automobile from going any faster than you specify, which will be much gentler on your nerves when driving. So, you can drive without constantly checking your speed and worrying about receiving a ticket for exceeding the speed limit.
How do speed limiters work?
Video or GPS-linked systems detect speed signs in Intelligent Speed Assistance systems. If the driver doesn’t slow down, the speed limiter should interfere. Instead of using the brakes, it reduces engine power.
Afterwards, the vehicle’s speed should decrease naturally to conform to the restricted zone.
ECU remapping services include speed limitation removal. It involves altering the ECU’s software and rewriting the engine code to disable the speed limits.
Is it safe to remove the speed limiter?
The removal of a speed limitation raises two major concerns:
- 1. Vehicle dependability
- 2. Rapid acceleration
Excessive speeding isn’t an issue because a vehicle’s ECU can be directed not to exceed 70mph – keeping it in line with the national speed limit.
Speed limiter removal might be a godsend for fleet managers. It will not only reduce fleet emissions and fuel consumption, but it will also ensure that your drivers do not exceed speed limits on dual-carriageways and motorways. This will prevent unintentional speeding tickets.
However, removing speed limits for performance cannot guarantee safety. Most cars have a peak speed of 120 – 155 mph, which the OEM considers safe for the engine and other mechanical components – and often a number that a car will struggle to attain with its stock mechanicals. You risk a major mechanical failure when you surpass a vehicle’s initial top speed by 20 – 30%.
It’s also worth noting that removing speed limiters for performance on normal, daily cars is usually a waste of money unless you live near the Autobahn or a race circuit with a very long straight and your car has plenty of power and torque to reach the top speed.
What does ECU FLASH offer for Speed limiter removal?
You can disable a speed limiter in one of two ways:
- Remove the performance speed limiter (higher top speed)
The roads in the UK are off-limits for this service. Service is performed on vehicles destined for the racetrack or usage on foreign routes with no legal speed limit, such as the Autobahn.
- Remove the economy speed limiter (lower top speed)
To maximize fuel efficiency, this service is highly sought after by high-mileage private drivers and fleet managers.
Conclusion
Speed limiter removal is safe for most uses.
ECU FLASH is an expert at removing speed limits from many kinds of cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles, as well as from most HGV trucks. Most cars are safe and legal to drive without a speed limit. But before they do any work on your vehicle, our experts will ensure that your speed limiter is not required by law. If you want to remove your speed limiter successfully with the best performance, you need a professional team of experts.
Let’s contact ECU FLASH commercial engineers directly
