Performance Chips Can Adapt to Most Vehicles
In order for a performance chip to work in your car or truck, it needs to be compatible. Automakers have been building cars with computers in them for decades. Those computers have had their digital hands on several under-the-hood components ever since. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that performance chips were put into play. These days, performance chips are meant to give a major boost to the execution, as well as other aspects of the engine.
Matching a Vehicle to the Right Performance Chip
If your ride is older than 1996, it’s unlikely that a performance chip will be part of its mechanics. If the vehicle in question is newer, it’s highly likely that a performance chip will work. In fact, the U.S. has required all cars and light trucks since then to be OBD2 compliant. Of course, the OBD2 port is where the performance chip connects to the vehicle itself. Car tuner devices are universal while others are made to go with particular models or engines. If you’re interested in finding the best match for your auto needs, the best place to start is simply knowing your own vehicle’s make and model. From there, you can get a full description of what a performance chip will do for your ride. This is also an opportunity to learn more about other benefits and upgrades available for your specific vehicle.
What to Expect from A Performance Chip
After going through the process of finding the chip that works best in your vehicle, you might be wondering what installing one will mean. Essentially, a performance chip is part of the computer system that gives a boost to what the vehicle can do. It’s sort of like hacking what a vehicle comes with and adding programming that bypasses factory settings to make the performance better.
The way it works is the chip uses intelligent design to extend the parameters of various preset modes, such as fuel, ignition, and so on. Once installed, it takes about 150 miles of regular driving to wrap up the calibration. Remember, if you don’t install the tuning chip correctly it’ll be difficult to notice any differences, and if installed incorrectly it could cause wear and tear on your engine in the long run.
Benefits of a Performance Chip
There are a few major factors that make drivers interested in this sort of thing. Many who take the jump are just looking to improve the mundane, everyday driving experience by getting more out of their car or truck. One of the most popular reasons for installing a chip of this nature is to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by expanding what the ECU/ECM is capable of. This works for both gas and diesel engines.
Performance chips will also improve the horsepower, as much as an additional 60 hp. If your vehicle is a bit sluggish on takeoff, a chip is going to improve acceleration. Potentially, the vehicle could end up with a faster top speed. Perhaps the best bonus of all is that there is no need to take a vehicle in to install a performance chip. It’s quite simple and can be done from home.
Drive Experience May Differ Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Even though almost all modern vehicles can benefit from performance chip use, some benefit more than others. Select models by Mitsubishi, Jeep, and Subaru from the late 2000s don’t see enough of a boost to consider a chip worthwhile. Before purchasing a performance chip for an older car, be sure to do a little research. The last thing you want is to set yourself up for disappointment, especially after going out on a limb to try something new.
Vehicle Makes & Models to Consider Before Install
While all of the latest vehicles have an OBD2 port, a few do not reap the rewards of a chip at all. There are makes that even go a step further. Some brands have decided that they are not big on any enhancement technology. Here’s a list of makes/models without an installed microchip option:
- Jeep Wrangler Sport
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- Ram 1500 Classic
- Nissan 370Z
- Nissan Frontier
- Tesla Model 3
- Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
Where to Get My Performance Chip
If you’re ready to see what a car tuner chip can do for your ride, first remember to do your research. Read up on feedback from drivers who’ve already tried a performance chip for reassurance. Remember after you order, it’s just as easy to remove as it is to install if you change your mind. Give it a shot! If you’re ready to level up as a driver and experience a new ride, it’s definitely worth a test drive.
Chip Your Car offers preprogrammed performance chips for all makes/models to create a custom driving experience for you!
