FAQ

All those terms and many more that people around the world use stand for optimization of the software installed in your car’s ECU (electronic control unit). The software in the ECU is used to control various aspects of operation of the internal combustion engine and it serves as the brain of the system.

Adjusting its parameters can significantly change the way a car drives, increase its power, improve throttle response and also add some hidden features such as pop and bang, launch control and more. It can also electronically remove DPF and EGR, optimize the engine operation upon removal of catalysts, adjust the way a gearbox operates and much, much more.

Absolutely, provided that your car is in good condition and that OEM safety limits are met. This is why buying chiptuning files from reliable tuners with direct support is essential. One of the ways to know if a tuner is familiar with the limits of OEM parts is if they offer Stage 3 upgrades. Tuners who provide Stage 3 upgrades are able to produce top quality tuning files for Stages 1 and 2.

Actually, they do. Today on the market there are many different models of the same car with the same engine, but with a slight difference in power. In most cases, the only difference is in the software. Manufacturers leave a bit of space to increase the power for special edition models sold at a higher price.

Secondly, many cars keep their engines after a facelift, but have a bit more power. This increase often comes from software optimization alone.

Lastly, most manufacturers sell their cars worldwide. This means that they have to adapt to various markets with different fuel qualities. For this reason, many globally sold cars will be detuned to ensure bad fuel does not cause damage. The same goes for varying emissions regulations. In the markets with controlled fuel quality or less strict emissions regulations, this opens a lot of space for improvements.

In most cases, our individual files service takes between 10 and 30 minutes to develop a file. Before that, you need to send us the original file whose reading usually lasts about 15 minutes and, after we send you the tuned file, you need to install it which also lasts up to about 15 minutes.

In some cases, tuning can last longer, depending on the specific requirements or special projects.

Yes, this can be done at any point.

Yes, this is correct. Even though it may sound counterintuitive, tuning can do both at the same time. The reason for this is that with more torque, the car needs less throttle and less time to reach a certain speed and it also needs less throttle to cruise at a steady speed.

However, in order to experience the biggest fuel saving benefits, it is important not to change your driving style significantly after tuning. This sounds easier than it is because most drivers will enjoy the extra power and actually drive more aggressively, especially in the first few months after tuning.

ZIP Tuning offers tuning files for almost all brands in the world and almost all of their models. We can also tune a great number of motorcycles, marine vessels, agricultural machines, trucks/lorries and more.

Search our database for the model you are looking for and in the unlikely case you don’t find what you are looking for, register or log into our portal and let us know what you need. In the vast majority of cases, we are able to provide you with the necessary service.

Yes, we offer Damos and Super Mappacks. Contact us for these.

Yes, we have a huge database of original ECU files that you can purchase from us. Simply upload your ID or readout. If you can’t provide these, give us details regarding your car on our file upload page. Please do not send us emails about original files. Always use our file upload page.

However, if you want to purchase a tuning file as well, in most cases we can send you the original file free of charge. In case you need a VAG file make sure you send us the 4-digit software update number. For example: 1K0035180AG_DE2_0008

Our direct, real-time support for our customers is the pride of our service. We offer communication with our engineers in real time via WhatsApp or Skype and we also have email support and a ticket system in our tuners portal.

Good, original, reliable tuning tools are essential for a good tuning project.

Slave tuning tools can only read the software in the ECU and install it. They cannot be used to adjust the actual file, but just to read and write. This makes them a lot more affordable.

Master tools are usually used by the people who develop and customize tuning files since the extra price is justified by the ability to open and adjust the software within the ECU file.

Read more about the different tuning tools HERE.

Log into our tuners portal and request our latest prices there.

Over the years we have developed long-term relationships with a number of well-respected tuning professionals and workshops who buy tuning files from us. For this reason, we would prefer it if individual car owners went to one of their local workshops to make sure everything is done the best way possible and using only original tools. We find safety and reliability as important as performance.

We’ll fix it. Simply contact us through one of the above-mentioned support channels and we will fix any issue you may have. In the very unlikely situation that there is no solution for your particular case, we will give you your credits back and you can use them for any future project.

Yes, almost each and every one has been tested on a dyno and every one has been tested on the road. We have a widespread network of dealers, so we have had experience with and feedback from a great number of customers. Our files have been thoroughly tested and meticulously fine tuned to provide the best and safest driving experience.

Yes, we have great experience with all kinds of special projects and requests, including Stage 3 and even racing applications. Just bear in mind that the processing time for these kinds of projects is usually longer.

We normally only work with fully original files. If you cannot find the original file, please tell us in our upload screen and we will see what we can do for you.

This depends on the tuning tool you are using. Some tools correct checksum, while others don’t. If your tool does not, let us know on the file upload page and we will calculate it for you.