Contact
Frequently asked questions
The questions we get most often, with straight answers. If yours isn't here, send us a message — you'll get a personal reply.
About chiptuning itself
- What exactly is chiptuning?
- Adjusting the software in the engine control unit. No parts are replaced and nothing is done to the engine itself — only the settings are adjusted, within what the hardware can take.
- How much power does it add?
- That varies by engine, version and software level. A turbo diesel generally has more room than a naturally aspirated petrol engine. Anyone quoting a fixed percentage without knowing your car is guessing. Send your registration and you'll get an answer that fits your car.
- Will I notice it in everyday driving?
- Mostly at low revs. The car pulls sooner and you shift down less often. The difference is more in the torque than in the top speed.
- Will my car use more or less fuel?
- If you drive the same as before, it often uses slightly less because the engine does its work at lower revs. If you start using the extra power, it uses more. Promises of guaranteed fuel savings aren't serious.
- Is it bad for my engine?
- Not if it's done properly and stays within the limits of the hardware. But an engine that isn't in good order won't be improved by it. That's why we first check for fault codes and whether servicing is up to date.
- What's the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2?
- With Stage 1 the hardware stays unchanged; only the software is adjusted. Stage 2 goes further and usually requires changes to things like the downpipe or intake. We do Stage 2 on request, because it depends on what's already fitted.
Practical
- How long does it take?
- Reckon on one and a half to two and a half hours, including reading out, writing back, checking and a short test drive. Your car doesn't have to go away for a day.
- Do I have to come to a workshop?
- No. We come to you, across the Netherlands and Belgium. We agree a place and time that suit you — at home, at work, wherever.
- What do you need from me at the appointment?
- An accessible car and a battery with enough charge. A power socket nearby is handy but not always necessary.
- Is it possible on any car?
- On most modern cars yes, but not all. Some newer models have a secured engine control unit for which there's no reliable solution. Send your registration and we'll tell you honestly if it isn't possible.
- Do you also work on cars with Belgian registration?
- Yes. Our registration lookup only covers Dutch plates, so enter your car manually on the site. Nothing else changes. We have bases in Utrecht and Liège.
- What are the travel costs?
- Up to 30 kilometres from our nearest base there are no travel costs. Between 30 and 75 kilometres there's a €30 surcharge, beyond that €0.65 per kilometre above 30.
Reverting and warranty
- Can it be put back to standard?
- Yes. We read out your original software before changing anything and keep that file for two years. Within thirty days of the tune we restore it once free of charge; after that it's still possible at the normal rate.
- Do I get the original file myself?
- If you ask for it, yes. It's your file; we only keep it so that reverting is always possible.
- Does my manufacturer's warranty lapse?
- Not automatically, but it can lead to a discussion if damage occurs that relates to the engine. If your car is still fully under warranty and you don't want the risk, waiting is the safest choice.
- Can a dealer see that something has been changed?
- On many brands yes. Modern cars record how often the engine software has been written, and that counter stays put even if the original file has been neatly restored.
Law and insurance
- Is chiptuning legal?
- Yes, adjusting engine software isn't prohibited. The vehicle does have to keep meeting the requirements for road use, and all emission control systems must be present and working.
- Do I have to tell my insurer?
- Yes. Almost every policy states that you must report modifications to the vehicle. If you don't and you make a claim, the insurer can reduce or refuse the payout.
- Will it still pass the annual test?
- A software adjustment that stays within the limits is no problem; the contents of the engine software aren't inspected. What is inspected is emissions, the presence of the particulate filter and active fault codes.
- Can you disable the particulate filter, EGR or AdBlue?
- No. Removing or disabling emission control systems isn't permitted for vehicles used on public roads, and for the particulate filter it has been a criminal economic offence since 2018. That applies even if the car reportedly only sees track use: the offence is the act itself.
- Can the speed limiter be removed?
- On passenger cars that's allowed: the limiter isn't a legal requirement but an agreement between manufacturers. Do bear in mind that the speed rating of your tyres then becomes the new limit. On vehicles over 3.5 tonnes the limiter is required.
Curious what's possible for you?
Send a message or give us a call. You'll get a personal reply, not a standard email.