What is car remapping and is it legal?

Remapping cars – also referred to as ‘chipping’ has become popular with those who want to have a high-performance vehicle.

This process alters the automobile’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to alter its speed of acceleration. Typically, car makers set limits on the vehicle as part of the factory setting. Remapping can overwrite that.

But, is it secure? Is remapping a car legal? Can it invalidate insurance coverage or alter the value of resales? Here, we’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of remapping cars, along with its future costs in both the short and long-term.

What is the meaning of car mapping?

As stated the car remapping process is a procedure that alters the function of an ECU in a car. The ECU is the one that controls the performance of the engine and is able to limit how much power the engine is using.

Manufacturers utilize the ECU to customize the experience they like and to meet the driving rules. The use of an ECU could extend the vehicle’s life, because it stops an engine’s performance from becoming excessively. Also, it prolongs the durability of the engine. If your engine’s efficiency is restricted within a particular model, it is able to be used in a subsequent model with less restrictions on it.

Sometimes, though this can be slightly too slow for certain drivers. This is the point where car remapping can help.

Before we discuss the process of car remapping, it is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a certified professional. Doing it yourself could cause damage to your vehicle and cause dangers when driving.

Remapping is a lengthy procedure, but in basic terms, it’s changing the microchip of the engine of a car. The change removes the limitations on the engine, which means that the driver is able to design the perfect driving experience for their needs. In all, there are three main stages to consider:

A slight modification or remapping making minor changes to the experience of driving.
In addition, you can make physical changes such as spoilers and coilovers.
Fully optimizing the engine to ensure the best performance.

Remapping of cars has a lot in common with tuning, and the process is typically available as a service when you need it.

How much does remapping cost?

The cost for remapping varies on the make and model.

Prices may change when you choose to use an auto map switch. There are times when drivers are split about the amount of remapping they would like and may decide to install a switch that can switch between maps.

The actual price of remapping it’s not the amount you pay up front It’s the amount you’ll be expected to cover in the long run.

Does remapping affect insurance?

Most insurance companies will tell you that the remapping of a car can affect the cost of insurance. Insurance companies aren’t a fan of changes, and swapping is a major modification to a car’s safety, speed, etc.

But, the expense of this insurance can be increased by other elements. For instance, if you are a driver in your teens or a new car owner, then remapping your vehicle could increase your insurance more. In itself the increase in the cost of insurance could be acceptable, however when your insurance is already very high, be prepared for a substantial increase.

Remapping your car is considered as a modification. That means that if do not inform your insurance company regarding the change, it may cause the cancellation of your insurance. In the event of not telling them, it could result in driving under a policy that’s invalid.

It’s important to remember that changing your car could affect your financing agreement in the event that you have one therefore you’ll need to consult with your financial institution prior to making any changes as well.

Is remapping a vehicle a crime?

“Is the process of remapping a vehicle legal?” is a common query from car modders who are novices. There is currently no law that prohibits modifiying a car, however, it is suggested that it be handled by an experienced professional.

The only thing that you have to do after making the change is inform your insurance company about the new policy.

Benefits of car mapping

Performance is the main reason people modify their cars. However, there are additional benefits as well.

Sometimes, remapping may increase fuel efficiency too. If the car is naturally speedier and has better performance then the requirement to press the accelerator is less. This will naturally increase a car’s efficiency and efficiency in the fuel department.

Remaps do not always focus on speed or acceleration also. Remaps can improve the handling of the car more comfortable to drive.

The performance boost can enhance the towing capability of a car too and makes it ideal for holiday getaways and stays.

Advantages of car mapping

In addition to the cost of insurance, reconfiguration can come with a number of negatives. In general, the negatives of remapping your car are:

Remapping can only benefit turbo engines. There is a significant decrease in returns for remapping non-turbo engines.
The strain on engines from cars that have been remapped is much greater, due to the increased performance, speed and power of the engine.
The speeding process is much more easy in a car that has been remapped.
Sometimes, drivers require higher octane fuel to power their vehicle and is generally more expensive.

Like cars, the decision if changing the tune is worth it is entirely up to you. For the majority of drivers, however they’d be better off using an unmodified vehicle.