Chip tuning is best known for delivering more power and torque, but many car owners also wonder: will it actually make my car more fuel-efficient? The answer isn’t straightforward. In some cases it does, but it depends heavily on your driving style and the type of tuning.
What happens during chip tuning?
Chip tuning involves adjusting the engine management software so that the engine uses air and fuel more efficiently. This increases torque at low revs, meaning that in many situations you need to press the accelerator less to achieve the same performance.
When can chip tuning improve fuel economy?
In theory, chip tuning can reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 10 per cent – provided you continue to drive smoothly and make the most of the extra torque. Diesel engines in particular often benefit from this improvement in efficiency.
You’ll save fuel when:
- You can change up a gear sooner thanks to greater pulling power
- The engine has to work less at the same speed
- You maintain a smooth driving style
When does your car actually use more fuel?
If you make full use of the extra power – for example, by driving more sportily, accelerating more quickly or driving at high revs more often – your fuel consumption will actually increase. More power simply requires more fuel, especially with petrol engines.
Advice from JT-Products
JT-Products does not carry out chip tuning itself, but we provide daily advice on supporting performance upgrades such as air intakes, intercoolers, fuel systems and cooling. This way, you can be sure that your engine will continue to perform reliably after tuning.
