Chip tuning can deliver more power, torque and driving pleasure, but it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and risks as well. Not every tuning job is safe, and not every engine is suitable for it. This is particularly true when the tuning is carried out poorly or fails to take into account the engineering behind the engine.
At JT-Products, we do not carry out tuning ourselves, but we do provide daily advice on the parts required to support tuning safely and reliably.
1. Overloading of engine components
If tuning is carried out without due consideration, components such as pistons, connecting rods, the clutch and the turbocharger may be subjected to greater stress than they were designed to withstand. This can lead to:
- Faster wear and tear
- Increased temperature build-up
- Risk of engine damage under prolonged stress
2. Lean mixture or knocking
A poorly adjusted tune can result in an air-fuel mixture that is too lean, leading to knocking or detonation. This causes internal engine damage and can result in costly repairs.
3. Gearbox or clutch problems
Extra torque sounds appealing, but many standard clutches and automatic gearboxes (such as DSG) cannot cope with it properly without reinforcement or software modification.
4. Loss of warranty and insurance cover
With many makes, the manufacturer’s warranty is voided following chip tuning. Insurers may also be reluctant to pay out if the tuning has not been declared. In some cases, you may even miss out on a payout in the event of damage.
5. MOT and emissions issues
Some forms of tuning, such as deactivating particulate filters or EGR systems, are illegal and will result in failure of the MOT or fines during inspections. Furthermore, emissions may increase, which contravenes environmental legislation.
6. Software issues or fault codes
Poor tuning can lead to fault codes, malfunctions or an engine that runs poorly — particularly with cheap, generic tuning files that aren’t specifically tailored to your car.
Advice from JT-Products
At JT-Products, we believe in responsible tuning. We do not carry out tuning ourselves, but supply essential performance parts needed to keep your car running reliably at higher power outputs. These include:
- Reinforced clutches
- Intercoolers
- Fuel pumps
- Racing spark plugs
- Intake and exhaust systems
Always seek expert advice from a reliable tuner and choose your parts accordingly. We’re happy to help you work through the technical aspects and select the right hardware for your setup.
