Engine remapping involves modifying your car's computer, better known as its engine control unit (ECU). The ECU manages functions such as fuel injection, sensors, air flow, etc. By changing or overwriting this program with new software, the functions can be customised, boosting your car's performance.

No. Remapping an engine ECU is not illegal.

Yes, as a professional company we must inform you that you should declare that you have had the ECU remapped to your insurance company or insurance provider. It is advisable to get an insurance quote before having your engine remapped as it may affect your insurance premium.

No, our remaps are carried out to improve the engine performance but still keep everything within its operating tolerances. There is no need to worry about damage to the engine.

ECU remapping is very hard to detect as no hardware changes are made - but if the manufacturer was to know, it may affect your warranty. We keep all original files on our database so we can revert you back to the original file at any time.

It is very unlikely you will not appreciate the extra torque and improved MPG, however, if for any reason you were not happy with the extra performance or fuel consumption gains, we can happily put your original map back on the ECU.

It will take around one and a half hours for the procedure to be completed.

A simple way to change your vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) was known as 'chipping', because a factory microchip had to be swapped out for a new one programmed by your supplier. The technology for remapping has evolved, and the techniques have too. Today, with the use of remapping software and expertise from reputable and established providers, such as Pendle Performance, the approach has become more sophisticated. Expert technicians at AP Autocare are highly skilled in using the systems to get the most out of your vehicle's engines.

You may want a remap for several reasons, including power and torque. When your vehicle left its factory, there's a very good chance it was designed to meet product planning objectives or efficiency and economy targets.

These days, most cars have software-based engine control units (ECUs) that limit the power and performance of the car, not mechanical parts. Computer algorithms control all sorts of parameters on modern cars, including ignition timing, air-to-fuel ratios, and turbocharging boost pressure. Therefore, if you want your car to run better and provide more power, or if you want better fuel economy, the first place to look is the little black box under the bonnet.

If a turbodiesel engine adds torque low down in the rev range, it can increase efficiency by 7 to 10%. That means the engine won't have to work as hard as before. It's these turbo diesel engines (often known as TDI, HDI, and CDTi depending on the manufacturer) that are driving the car chipping industry because you can augment the engine's performance with a software chip. The performance improvements are very often exceptional and do not require significant investment, even on everyday cars.

The ECU software can be altered so that an engine's performance is closer to its own maximum potential, often increasing horsepower and torque by 20% or more. In most cases, a vehicle intentionally has its performance dialled down when it leaves the factory for a variety of reasons. Frequently to meet the demands of emissions regulations or economic or noise regulations.

Remapping can help any vehicle perform better and consume less fuel. A remap can power up even 1-litre engines, especially if they have a turbocharger.

Nowadays, most modern cars come equipped with a turbocharger (or supercharger). An engine works by mixing compressed fuel and air and igniting that mix inside its cylinders. Turbochargers and superchargers increase the fuel compression, allowing a greater amount of fuel to pass through the cylinders before ignition. More fuel equates to more power. Instead of just having a larger engine to start, this is a more fuel-efficient method of increasing power. Emissions are also typically much lower. This is one of the reasons we have more engines with 3, 4 and 6-cylinders, and fewer engines with 8, 10 and 12-cylinders.

Remapped vehicles benefit the most when they are fitted with a turbocharger or supercharger, since the principal changes to the software are fuel compression, the air and fuel mix and a boost in pressure.