Performance chips are aftermarket products that are designed to improve a vehicle’s performance. They’re essentially programs that can be plugged into a vehicle by a mechanic to increase power output, fuel economy, and other characteristics directly related to performance.
But do performance chips actually work?
To answer this question, it’s important to know how performance chips work and what they promise to do.
How Do Performance Chips Work?
Performance chips boost performance by adjusting and optimizing various systems in a vehicle. They typically connect to the DLC (Data Link) like a scan tool to do their reprogramming.
Systems that can be optimized include fuel injection, ignition timing, suspension settings, and many more. These chips essentially change how a vehicle works on a fundamental level to make it operate beyond its factory settings.
A performance chip can adjust a vehicle’s fuel injection rate altering the air-fuel ratio to increase horsepower and torque. It can also be used to change when the transmission system shifts and holds gears.
These chips can potentially be dangerous to a vehicle if the adjustments they make are too drastic. Factory settings exist for a reason, after all. Because of this, it’s important to do your research when buying performance chips.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: Most of the programmers you can buy will only let you make limited changes.
Do Performance Chips Really Work?
Yes, they do, but don’t expect a huge difference. For example, in the photo, the programming chip is setting the vehicle up for slightly better fuel economy, but only promises a 7% increase, which, in this case, turned out to be accurate.
While there’s some debate about whether performance chips really work, many can attest to enjoying their benefits. The efficacy of a performance chip tends to vary from vehicle to vehicle, and it’s up to the vehicle owner to find the perfect chip to optimize the various systems in their car.
Most performance chip companies require you to put your make, model, year, and engine size in so the one they send will be right for your vehicle.
Installing a suitable chip to your ride can boost its power output and enhance its fuel efficiency somewhat. You can also expect greater horsepower, increased maximum speed, and faster acceleration, among other benefits.
The most noticeable difference will be what a chip does to the transmission shift feel and timing if you choose a setting that changes these.
However, like any other modification, installing a performance chip can come with some setbacks. The chip pushes different systems to operate at levels and speeds beyond what’s recommended, which can lead to increased engine wear. The strain can also reduce vehicle lifespan.
Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.
Pro Tip: Some electronic diesels have been over-fueled to the point of engine damage, and some dealers won’t repair a vehicle under warranty if it has been damaged due to ECM/PCM reprogramming. They can usually tell by the nature of the failure, the fuel spray pattern on the pistons, etc.
With this in mind, it’s important to do your research to find the right performance chip for your upgrade needs. It also pays to check the condition of your vehicle to determine if you need to make adjustments for the performance upgrade.
How Else Can You Improve Your Vehicle’s Performance?
Some of the best ways to improve your vehicle’s performance are to use tuning devices, get regular maintenance, change your engine oil, reduce the load of your vehicle, and upgrade auto parts when you get the chance.
Use Tuning Devices
Tuning devices, also known as performance modules, are electronic devices that help you adjust how a vehicle’s engine control unit runs the engine. They use programs to regulate the engine’s performance, bypassing the computer to change the control unit’s settings.
They allow you to “tune” the vehicle, optimizing performance by making it operate outside of its factory settings. Just make sure to invest in reliable tuning devices. Alternatively, you can have your vehicle tuned by a professional at an auto shop instead of doing it yourself.
Commit to Proper Maintenance
Another effective and reliable way to improve your vehicle’s performance is to bring it to an auto shop for maintenance regularly.
It’s recommended to get maintenance done at least once every six months to make sure everything is working properly. Maintenance typically means running diagnostics on your vehicle and repairing or replacing inoperative parts.
It’s worth mentioning that maintenance doesn’t just improve performance. It also prolongs the vehicle’s lifespan, lowers the risk of different auto parts failing or malfunctioning, and saves you a lot of time, money, and effort in the long run.
Change Your Engine Oil
Regularly changing your engine oil can boost your ride’s performance and power output. Typically, engine oil should be changed at least once or twice a year.
Think of oil as a lubricant to keep the moving parts in the engine mobile. It prevents friction and allows the engine to operate optimally.
Friction is bad for engines because when parts grind against one another, metal dust, particles, and debris are created. This can damage the internal components of an engine.
Similarly, friction generates heat, making it more likely for the engine to overheat and sustain permanent damage.
Travel Light
Clearing out your vehicle’s cargo space and traveling as light as possible is one surefire way to improve your vehicle’s performance.
The heavier a vehicle is, the more power you’ll need to keep it moving. By lowering the weight, you won’t have to burn as much fuel, and you can reach even higher speeds. You’ll also increase your speed and maneuverability.
Upgrade Your Auto Parts
If you’re serious about wanting to improve your vehicle’s performance, it’s not a bad idea to get newer, more powerful auto parts.
Upgrading parts typically means installing aftermarket components that improve upon the original parts. This includes upgrading your vehicle’s software, such as the engine control module.
Just be sure to do research and find auto parts that are designed to work with your vehicle to prevent hiccups and the installation of incompatible components.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
