Engine Re-Mapping FAQ’s

Engine Re-Mapping Services from AP Autocare Partners with Pendle Performance

Who is Pendle Performance?

Pendle Performance is a tuning company which was started over 26 years ago and has a wealth of knowledge and many years of first-hand tuning experience.

They specialise in Engine Management Control system (ECU) software recalibration for cars, vans and heavy goods vehicles. They have in-house Chassis Maha LPS3000 Dyno facilities and close partnerships with leading hardware manufactures in the industry making them at the cutting edge of the tuning industry.

Pendle Performance are proud to be the first major UK tuning company that can offer a fully bespoke tuning service that no other UK company can match, and AP Autocare are a proud partner with Pendle Performance along with a network of professional agents across Europe.

As a dealer and partner with Pendle Performance we have state-of-the art equipment which enables us to read and write your vehicles engine control unit software. The software is sent to the main Pendle Performance development centre where it is custom tuned to suit yours and your vehicles requirements.

AP Autocare Performance Tuning

Our custom performance remaps enable us to tailor the software in your vehicle whether is a car, van or lorry so you get the most from its performance. Our professional software developers have years and years of experience customising vehicle software and each one we carry out is vehicle specific.

Vehicle manufacturers produce software for a vehicles Engine Control Unit (ECU), also known as an Engine Control Module (ECM). It is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators on an internal combustion engine to ensure optimal engine performance and control the key functions of a car’s engine.

ECU is critical for measuring the systems operating throughout a car’s engine and has a range of sensors which feed into it, therefore, if something isn’t working correctly or isn’t re-mapped correctly then critical engine problems can arise.

Vehicle manufacturers tailor the ECU for vehicles in line with where they are manufactured for so they work in that particular climate and altitude; hot climates, cold climates and countries with poor quality fuel, and this can result in you not being able to get the best performance from your vehicle.

Having a custom performance remap with AP Autocare enables us to tailor the software so you get the most from your vehicle’s performance, in line with your requirements.

AP Autocare Custom Performance Remap on your petrol or diesel vehicle will:

• Increase Horsepower
• Increase Torque throughout the rev range
• Better throttle response
• Smooth power delivery

AP Autocare Economy Tuning

At AP Autocare we can remap your vehicles software specifically aimed at fuel savings if that’s what you are looking for. An economy tuning focuses on increasing lower end torque which will in turn lead to better driving in higher gears at lower rpms, and by adjusting the drivability this leads to less throttle requirement. The savings in fuel consumption vary but will be particularly best on turbo-charged diesel engines with possible gains of up to 20%.

AP Autocare Engine Re-Mapping FAQ’s

What is engine re-mapping?

Engine re-mapping is a process of changing your car engine’s computer which is the Engine Control Unit (ECU). A professional and experienced garage like AP Autocare can change and overwrite the program with new software, customising and improving the functions and performance of your car.

In summary, vehicle manufacturers sell their cars all over the world and this means that the software settings on the ECU of vehicles manufactured for a particular country must take into account its climate, laws & restrictions and varying quality of fuels. Engine remapping is the modification/replacement of the manufactures default software on a vehicles ECU which results in improved performance and fuel economy.

How does engine re-mapping work?

A vehicle remap replaces manufacturers default software on its ECU, overwriting it with new software which can be programmed to optimize the cars overall performance.

The tuned software is plugged into your cars serial port (or OBD port) which then overwrites the engine map with the new version to enhance its engine performance. You should always use a reputable and professional garage like AP Autocare to carry out an engine remap on your vehicle as they are partnered with Pendle Performance who are the UK experts in engine re-mapping. Having the latest engine re-mapping state of the art equipment and professional software experts that have the experience and know how to re-map your vehicles engine results in the performance you are looking for.

Why would you have your vehicles engine re-mapped?

There are lots of different reasons to have your vehicle’s engine remapped and these include:

• Improved engine response when accelerating
• The overall torque and power will be noticeably increased
• Smoother power delivery resulting in a safer driving experience and removing flat spots where possible
• Easier and safer overtaking
• Improved normal driving miles per gallon (MPG, decreasing fuel costs
• Minimises your carbon footprint
• Improved throttle response and the rev range will be enhanced

Do I need to tell my insurance company I have had my engine re-mapped?

Yes, you have to tell your insurance provider if you have had your vehicles engine re-mapped as re-mapping or chipping is considered to be a car modification, so it is notifiable. Engine re-mapping can result in a minimal increase to the cost of your car insurance premium so if you are concerned about this you should always check them first before you book it in to be done.

Does re-mapping shorten an engines life?

Engine re-mapping itself will not shorten the life of an engine if you have it done by a reputable and expert re-mapping garage like AP Autocare. Vehicle engines are more likely to be damaged by excessive acceleration and not having it serviced regularly to ensure all its working parts are in good working order, so this is the case with any vehicle, whether its engine has been re-mapped or not.

An engine remap doesn’t put any stress on the engine, so it doesn’t affect the longevity of it as long as it is done by a garage like AP Autocare who have the equipment and expertise to do it properly and safely.

Does engine re-mapping make a car faster?

Re-mapping your car’s ECU means you get the most out of its engine by improving its performance, fuel efficiency and responsiveness, which in turn will make the acceleration feel faster.

Does re-mapping affect your vehicles MOT?

Re-mapping your vehicles engine will not affect its annual MOT as long as it’s done by a professional and reputable garage like AP Autocare who is an expert in engine re-mapping as they will have the equipment and knowledge needed to do it safely.

Will having your vehicles engine re-mapped affect its manufacturer warranty?

The modification to your vehicle’s engine software won’t show up on a main dealer’s diagnostic equipment, therefore they won’t be aware that it has been done. Only software changes are made rather than any hardware changes, however, if a manufacturer was to know it can affect your vehicles warranty. At AP Autocare we keep all original files on our database so we can revert you back to the original file at any time you need it.

Can an engine re-map be reversed?

Yes the engine re-map process can be completely reversed without any trace as long as you use an expert garage like AP Autocare who has the knowledge, experience and specialist equipment to do it safely and who keep your original files so they can revert it back to its original file at any time. 

Why choose a Pendle Performance Engine Remap with AP Autocare?

Having your vehicle’s engine re-mapped with AP Autocare gives you peace of mind that it is being carried out by one of our highly skilled tuners. Pendle Performance is the only major tuning company in the UK that can carry out a fully customised tune specific to your vehicle.

We do not carry out generic remaps and with the support from our Pendle Performance tuners we will remap your vehicle to your exact specifications. Examples of this are:

• Limit torque in first gear
• Iron out flat spots
• Remove the speed limiter
• If your car has high mileage and you want to play it safe
• Change the stock throttle response
• Looking for improved fuel economy
• Remove the catalytic converter or DPF
• And much more, talk to us at AP Autocare and we can help

Does it make a difference if your car’s mileage is higher than average?

Before we carry out an engine re-map, we complete full diagnostics on your vehicle and if it is well serviced and in good and normal working order then a remap won’t cause any issues as they are custom to your vehicle and your requirements.

Will an engine re-map affect my service program?

With all of our re-maps you can continue to use your manufacturer’s recommended service program. For some cars we do recommend starting to use premium unleaded petrol (98RON). On these cars, fuel consumption with 98-octane fuel is a bit less than with lower octane ratings, actually making it cheaper to run for you.

How long does an engine re-map with us take?

Most vehicles engine re-mapping takes 2-3 hours, however, there are some cars that can take a whole day. Using AP Autocare give you peace of mind as we are experts in what we do, and we carry out full engine diagnostics before and after the remap to find any potential problems in the vehicle.

Is an engine re-map safe?

Our professional software developers have years and years of experience customising vehicle software with different cars and engines and each one we carry out is vehicle specific. Pendle Performance have done a huge amount of research on the limits that should not be exceeded for certain engines and vehicles and our re-maps always retain the safety limiters found within the ECU, ensuring your vehicle is safe to drive and won’t encounter any performance or technical difficulties. .

At AP Autocare we carry out full engine checks and diagnostics prior to any engine re-mapping and tuning service to ensure your vehicle is in perfect working condition and we provide you with a full engine report.

I have modified my engine and I need a custom engine re-map; can you help?

Pendle Performance remaps are the only major tuning company in the UK that can offer full bespoke tuning to your car and this is needed if you have a custom engine in your vehicle. AP Autocare will complete a full diagnostic on your vehicle before carrying out any software changes to make sure you get the result you are looking for and it is safe for you to drive.

What does Chiptuning / Remapping mean?

The term “chiptuning” dates back to the late 1980’s and when we talk about chiptuning, we mean the reprogramming of the calibration data found inside the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Today, it is known as chiptuning, re-mapping and reflashing and it all means the same thing.

Is engine remapping illegal?

Engine re-mapping ECU is not illegal and is a safe procedure to improve the performance of your vehicle whilst still being safe to drive. Our partner Pendle Performance are experts in the field of re-mapping as our software engineers at AP Autocare will only re-map a vehicle if it is safe to do so and carry out full diagnostics before and after.

Will an engine remap damage my engine?

At AP Autocare our engine remaps are carried out to improve your vehicles engine performance whilst still keeping everything within its operating tolerances ensuring there is no need to worry about any damage. We carry out full diagnostics before and after the service to check it is in good and full working order for you and provide you with a written report to show this.

Will an engine re-map void my manufacturer’s warranty?

Engine re-mapping (ECU) remapping is very hard to detect as there are only software changes made rather than any hardware changes, however, if a manufacturer was to know it can affect your vehicles warranty. At AP Autocare we keep all original files on our database so we can revert you back to the original file at any time you need it.

What if I am unhappy with the changes in my vehicle’s performance?

If for any reason you are not happy with the extra performance or fuel consumption improvements, we can happily put your original map back on your vehicles ECU and the process usually takes around an hour and half.

About AP Autocare

AP Autocare has been in operation since 1976 and have grown to be one of the most reputable independent city centre garages in Bristol.

We are located within walking distance from Bristol City Centre and Temple Meads Train Station and are ideal if you work within the city or require a train home.

We offer courtesy car facilities or a lift to work/home or collection and delivery to ensure that being without a car for any period is not an inconvenience for you.

We are honest and our services are friendly and professional at competitive rates without the costs associated with manufacturer main dealers.

We offer services for all vehicles of any age and size from small cars to light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonne (Class 7).

Our Services include:

• Pendle Performance Engine Remapping
• Engine Diagnostics
• Annual and Interim Services
• MOT’s
• Air Conditioning
• Tyres & Exhausts
• Brakes
• Clutches
• Bodywork & Paint Repairs

We are a specialist and recognised garage for many car manufacturers including; BMW, Citroen, Peugeot, Mini, Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda and Land Rover specialists with dealer level diagnostic equipment, saving you up to 30% on main dealer services and prices.

If you are looking for an expert Pendle Performance Engine Re-mapping service, please contact us today on 0117 963 8916 or book online here and one of our team will be able to answer any questions you may have or can arrange an appointment for you.

We have been awarded the eKomi Gold Seal of Approval with 5/5 Star Ratings.