Written by, Bojana Atanasovska
Updated August, 17, 2022
Remapping your car is an effective way to improve your car’s performance and fuel economy.
But, is remapping a car legal in the UK?
Let’s find out.
Remapping a car, also called ‘chipping,’ is a quick and cost-effective process that allows you to change or upgrade the microchip in your car’s ECU (Engine Control Unit) and essentially overwrite the manufacturer’s factory settings to allow the car to function at full potential.
By remapping the software and fine-tuning the engine, the car’s maximum performance can increase by up to 35%.
But why do ECUs limit the performance capabilities of cars in the first place?
Manufacturers have plenty of reasons to impose certain restrictions: regulation of noise and emissions, adapting the car to the country’s climate, and terrain and fuel quality (to lengthen the car’s lifespan).
There is no current law that prevents Brits from remapping their cars.
Geeky car enthusiasts do it all by themselves (some even write their own code), but if you’re not an expert, it’s best to drop off your car at a garage because a mistake can be expensive.
Remapping a car can bring some beneficial changes to your car’s overall performance, for example:
While there are some positive aspects to enhancing the car’s capabilities, there are some downsides to modifying the ECU.
Some of the disadvantages of mapping a car include:
The car remapping cost depends entirely on the car’s model.
Some simple engine remaps are around £150 (VAT not included). In most cases, remapping will cost between £200 and £400, unless you opt for a car map switch, which will cost more.
Still, the car remap cost can go past £400 for some newer models or vehicles that require bigger engine remaps.
Car remaps are generally safe when done by professionals.
However, not all cars are good candidates for remapping.
Adding a chip to the computer controls will further increase the risk of damage if your car has a poor service history or if the car has been driven a lot (since the remap will increase wear and tear of components and can potentially worsen the car’s condition).
If you remap your car, you need to inform your insurance company about the changes because some insurance companies don’t cover vehicle remapping (in which case you can find a remap specialist insurance provider and reach a finance agreement).
You may be interested in: Car Insurance Statistics in the UK
if your insurance provider does and you get your car remapped, they will increase your premiums, but you will have remapped car insurance.
However, failing to inform your insurance provider, will invalidate your policy agreement.
In addition to affecting your insurance policy, a remap will also void your warranty since the change puts more pressure on your car components, such as the engine, turbo, gearbox, clutch, flywheel, and other electronics,
The MOT (Missionary of Transport) is an annual test required in the United Kingdom for most vehicles over three years old. The test checks the vehicle’s safety, roadworthiness, drivability, and exhaust emissions.
If you like to learn more about what happens at an MOT test and what would happened if you accidentally drive without one, take a look at this article.
Your car is unlikely to fail an MOT test after a remap unless the fuelling affects emissions.
Engine remapping was once a preserve of car enthusiasts but has gone mainstream in the last several years. Remapping the ECU of your car is often quick, cheap, and effective, but it does come with some consequences, like pricier insurance premiums and the faster wear and tear of car components.
Ultimately, whether it’s a good option or not depends on your primary goal and whether the risk is worth it.
Insurance companies don’t check ECUs. However, if your car gets damaged, a garage will inspect it and check for remapping. If they see changes in the ECU, they will inform your insurance provider.
That depends on your primary goal and what you’re willing to let go of. Remapping can bring you more power, speed, and fuel economy, but it will also raise your insurance premium bills and may shorten the life of your engine.
Your insurance will likely be invalidated if you fail to report the changes made to the ECU to your insurance provider. You will either have to pay more or find another provider if the current one doesn’t cover remapped engines.
Modifying the ECU in the car is legal in the UK. The approach has become more mainstream in the past several years and there are significant benefits to chipping a car. However, there are some downsides and remapping is not the best choice for every car on the market.
Bojana is my name and writing is my game. I am a content writer from Bitola who is always interested in the latest research in almost all areas of life. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and a perfectionist character, both of which help me find the most accurate data and information available. Although I have my head stuck in studies and reports most of the time, I still have a bit of free time during which I enjoy knitting and watching classic 90’s Disney movies.