Will Car Remapping Work for You?
Car remapping can improve your car’s economy and performance. A bad remap, on the other hand, can increase its unreliability as well as the cost of its insurance. The main questions drivers need to answer when it comes to car remapping are, will it work for your car and is it worth it?
Car remaps were once reserved for car enthusiasts, but they have grown in popularity in recent years. Although remapping your car’s ECU is often quick, cheap, and effective, it does have some drawbacks, such as higher insurance rates and faster wear and tear of car components if not performed correctly. Our ECU remapping experts have compiled a list of things to think about when remapping your vehicle.
What Does Car Remapping Do to Your Engine?
ECU remapping or a car remapping is similar to a software upgrade for your car. It is achieved by changing your ECU’s default settings with a software file known as a ‘map’. The ECU is one of your vehicle’s most important components because it controls everything from ignition timing to fuel efficiency.
Changes to a car’s engine control unit, or ECU, provide an extra performance boost. When your car left the factory, it had the potential to go faster and use less fuel. However, automakers cannot optimise an engine for each market’s optimal atmospheric conditions. It’s prohibitively expensive. Car manufacturers also place a high value on vehicle longevity. As a result, car manufacturers wisely create a ‘de-tuned’ middle ground, allowing engineering technicians, aka the remap market, to exploit the space in-between.
Can Your Insurer Tell Your Car has been Remapped?
No insurance company is psychic. For most minor accidents, most insurers will not require a thorough investigation of what’s under the hood. However, driving a ‘chipped’ car without informing your insurer remains risky behavior. Our advice is to play it safe and declare to your insurance provider that you have remapped your car’s ECU. This may increase your insurance but by shopping around you may be able to find a reduced quote.
Will a Remap Raise my Car Insurance Premiums?
Your insurance will almost definitely be affected, especially if you’re a new driver or have a conviction on your record. If you make any changes to your vehicle, you must notify your insurer. The remap or ‘modding’ industry has grown significantly in the last twenty years. As a result, insurers view it as less risky if the job is done correctly by a professional.
In addition, when you declare your modifications, you should be covered for any accidental damage to the modifications (remapping comes under modifications when it comes to insuring your car). It makes it more difficult for an insurer to deny a legitimate claim.
What are the Advantages of a Good Car Remap?
A remap can provide several benefits, including improved performance and fuel economy. Most modern cars, whether diesel or petrol, can be remapped. When done correctly, a remap is generally safe because a specialist will ensure that any ‘mods’ are within your car’s performance parameters.
A high-quality remap can do the following:
- Reduce your fuel costs and CO2 emissions.
- Increase your overtaking power.
- Improve the efficiency and drivability of your vehicle.
About ECU-Flash
At ECU Flash, we have trusted experts with years of experience in the field of car remapping. Contact us today to schedule a time for us to remap your ECU and demonstrate the benefits of engine remapping. Please visit our contacts page to find the right service for you. You can also find us on Facebook.
