Because you can modify nearly anything to change your car’s performance, it’s easy to get tuning wrong if you don’t have a clear understanding of the process and what preparation is needed. To help set you on the right track, here are five tips for getting your car tuned.

Invest in a tune-up

Always ensure that your car is running smoothly before trying to improve performance. A proper tune-up is essential to achieving optimum efficiency. You should only take it for tuning when everything is working properly–not when you’re already having issues.

Make sure your car is in good condition before you take it for performance tuning. This means all the critical parts, like fuel injectors and engines, should be checked by a technician. Keep in mind that no amount of tuning can make up for a bad engine— tune-ups are only effective when done on a running vehicle.

Set a clear goal

When you take your vehicle to a tuner, they can improve speed, fuel economy and drivability by making changes like adjusting the ignition timing, air-fuel ratios and spark plug gaps. Essentially, they have control over how well your car performs.

But getting tuneups isn’t just about making small improvements here and there – it can really enhance different areas of driving if done correctly. So when you go in for a tuneup, be clear about what kind of performance boosts you’re hoping for.

Understand what you’re getting into

When you tune your car to increase power, you also put more strain on the internal parts. This means that car remapping might not be the only thing you need to do; You may also have to modify engine internals, retool your brakes, and upgrade your suspension and tires.

If you’re thinking about modifying your car, keep in mind that you’ll have to tell your insurance company. Mods usually result in a higher insurance premium.

Get a clear picture of the total cost from both your potential tuner and your insurance company before making any decisions.

Know your tuner

This is an essential rule for anyone who has already tuned their car, and if you’re planning to tune your car, it’s non-negotiable. Depending on your location, there are likely both professional auto shops that offer tuning services as well as individuals living nearby who say they can do it for a lower price. Be cautious when selecting a tuner no matter which route you decide to go.

ECUs, or electronic control units, are what tell your car how to run. They work like computers inside your vehicle. When you want to get better engine performance and fuel economy, you need a tuner who can remap the ECU chip and modify the original settings.

Know the pros and cons of tuning

It’s definitely fun to improve the performance of your car, but be sure to understand both the pros and cons before you make any major changes. Some obvious advantages are more horsepower and torque, faster acceleration, and enhanced throttle response and shifting. But some potential disadvantages might not be as apparent.

Understand that if you tune your engine, it will optimally use more fuel. That in turn means fewer miles per gallon for your car. If mileage is something you’re unwilling to compromise on, maybe reconsider getting a tune. You should also anticipate increased wear and stress on your engine–requiring extra parts or the knowledge that your engine’s lifespan might be shortened. Though not all tuning causes this damage, some will–so be sure to talk about this with whoever tunes your vehicle.

In conclusion, if your car is still covered by a warranty, tuning it will give the car company cause to refuse any claims you make during that time. Tuning won’t cancel your vehicle’s warranty immediately, but since the company can attribute problems to your tune, they won’t have to pay out on any claims.