Car Tuning | A Guide to Maximise Your Vehicle Performance

Ever wondered how to make your car faster, smoother, or just plain better? That’s where car tuning comes in. Whether you’re looking to squeeze out more horsepower, improve fuel efficiency, or give your ride a killer look, auto tuning is the key to unlock your vehicle’s full potential.

So, to tweak and optimise your car, Possibilities Are Endless.

From ECU remapping and engine tuning to suspension upgrades and custom exhausts. But before you get started, it’s important to understand the essentials of car tuning. Like what it involves, how it works, and which upgrades will give you the best bang for your buck.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including must-do pre-tune checks, all types of tuning, and expert tips to help you make the right modifications.

So, let’s get ready to take your car’s performance to the next level.

What is Car Tuning? Why Does It Matter?

Car tuning is all about enhancing a vehicle’s performance, handling, and aesthetics to suit a driver’s preferences. Whether you want more speed, better fuel efficiency, or a sportier look, tuning allows you to customise your car in various ways.

It can range from simple software upgrades like an ECU remap to boost power to major mechanical modifications. Such as upgrading the suspension, tweaking the exhaust system, or even installing a turbocharger. Some people tune their cars for better handling. Whereas, others focus on fuel economy or visual appeal with custom body kits and interiors.

Tuning your car isn’t just about speed. It offers several benefits. Such as:

• Increased Horsepower & Torque – Engine tuning boosts power output, giving you better acceleration and top speed.
• Better Fuel Efficiency – Optimising your engine settings can lead to better mileage and lower fuel costs.
• Enhanced Driving Experience – Suspension and brake upgrades improve handling, control, and safety.
• Custom Sound & Look – Modifying the exhaust system and bodywork can give your car a unique sound and look.
• Extended Engine Life – Regular tuning and maintenance help reduce wear and tear. Ensuring your car runs smoothly for longer.

Pre-Tune Guide | What to Do Before Tuning a Car?

A little prep goes a long way. Before car tuning, proper preparation is key to getting the best results while avoiding costly issues. Here’s what you need to check before the upgrade.

(i) Change Engine Oil & Check Fluids

Old or low-quality oil can lead to serious engine damage during tuning. Change your oil and check other essential fluids (transmission, coolant, etc.) to ensure smooth performance.

(ii) Inspect for Mechanical Issues

Tuning a faulty car can do more harm than good. A well-maintained car will handle tuning much better. So, before your session, check for:

• Leaks, overheating, or unusual noises
• Engine and transmission health
• Proper warm-up practices to avoid excessive wear

(iii) Reinforce the Chassis for Extra Power

If you’re increasing horsepower, your chassis needs reinforcement. Torque and sway bars can reduce flex and improve stability under acceleration which ensures a safer and more efficient tune.

Car Tuning Guide | All Fundamental Types of Auto Tuning Explained

Most auto tuners, workshops, and car enthusiasts don’t limit themselves to just one type of tuning. Instead, they make modifications across multiple areas to create a well-balanced and personalised driving experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the key types of car tuning you should know:

1. Engine Tuning – More Power, More Fun!

Engine tuning is all about modifying or optimising various components to extract more power, efficiency, and responsiveness. It can be as simple as adjusting fuel and air intake or as complex as upgrading to a high-performance turbocharger.

Some popular engine tuning methods are:

2. ECU Remapping | Precision in Performance

ECU remapping (Electronic Control Unit Remapping) is one of the most effective ways to fine-tune a car’s performance. Think of the ECU as your car’s brain. It controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo boost levels.

First, let’s take a look at some amazing benefits of ECU remapping:

• More Power & Speed – Faster acceleration and better overall performance.
• Increased Torque – Enhances pulling power, making overtaking and uphill driving smoother.
• Customised Driving Feel – Tailors engine response to match your preferred driving style. Whether sporty or fuel-efficient.
• Better Fuel Efficiency – Optimises fuel consumption. Reduces waste and saves money on fuel.

So, how does ECU remapping work?

A specialised computer is connected to the car’s ECU. And custom software is installed to modify performance parameters. This can be done in two ways:

1. Software Download: The existing ECU settings are altered using advanced software.
2. Physical Chip Replacement: In some older vehicles, the original ECU chip is replaced with a new one containing optimized settings.

Important Note: ECU remapping offers great benefits. But it should only be performed by experienced professionals. Incorrect modifications can lead to poor fuel economy, overheating, or even engine damage. Also, some manufacturers may void warranties if the ECU is altered.

3. Suspension Tuning – Smoother Ride, Better Handling

Suspension tuning lets you customise how your car handles, sits on the road, and even looks. Whether you’re aiming for a sportier stance, better cornering, or a smoother ride, upgrading your suspension makes a big difference.

Let’s explore the different ways you can fine-tune your car’s suspension for better performance and style.

(i) Lowering

Lowering a car means reducing its ride height. It’s a favourite among tuners. Because a lowered car looks aggressive and sporty. But there’s more to it than just aesthetics. Lowering lowers the car’s center of gravity which improves stability and cornering. However, it also reduces ground clearance, which can make speed bumps and curbs a challenge.

Here are some common ways to lower a car:

• Lowering Springs

Lowering springs replace stock springs with shorter, stiffer ones. They improve handling by reducing body roll and making the car more responsive to steering.

But they must be paired with compatible shock absorbers to avoid a bumpy ride.

• Coilovers

Coilovers (adjustable shock absorber and spring units) offer a more advanced way to lower a car.

They allow precise ride height adjustments and mostly include damping adjustments to fine-tune handling. Coilovers are perfect for performance enthusiasts who want full control over their car’s suspension setup.

• Sports Suspension

A sports suspension combines lowering springs with firmer shock absorbers to enhance both looks and performance. It’s a great option for drivers who want a sporty feel without sacrificing too much comfort.

(ii) Suspension Bearings

Suspension bearings, also known as suspension mounts, connect different suspension components and absorb shocks from the road. Factory-installed mounts prioritise comfort. But high-performance driving can wear them out quickly. This leads to imprecise steering and annoying noises.

Upgrading to reinforced mounts improves durability, enhances steering response, and provides a more connected feel.

(iii) Stabilisers

Stabilisers, or anti-roll bars, reduce body roll when cornering. They connect the left and right wheels of an axle and balance weight transfer which improves grip and stability.

• Front stabilisers: Reduce oversteer and promote understeer.
• Rear stabilisers: Reduce understeer and promote oversteer.

Thus, adjusting stabilisers helps you can fine-tune how your car behaves in corners.

(iv) Lowriders

Lowriders take suspension tuning to a whole new level. Using hydraulic or air-powered systems, they can raise and lower each wheel independently. This allows extreme tilting, bouncing, and other dramatic effects:

Hydraulic Suspension: It automatically adjusts a car’s height and damping to suit driving conditions. It offers:

• Lower center of gravity at high speeds to improve stability and aerodynamics.
• Adjustable ground clearance for different road surfaces and load conditions.
• Smooth ride as sensors detect bumps and adjust the suspension before the car even hits them.

Air Suspension: Air suspension replaces traditional springs with air bellows and adaptive shock absorbers.

It allows full control over ride height using a remote or smartphone app. Lowers the car for a sleek look and raises it to clear obstacles like speed bumps. Thus, it cancels out the disadvantages of lowered cars and maintains a sporty aesthetic.

(v) Strut Mounts & Strut Braces

Strut mounts connect the suspension struts to the car’s body, reducing vibrations and road noise. Upgraded mounts, often made from high-strength aluminum, provide a firmer and more direct driving feel.

Strut braces, on the other hand, are metal bars mounted across the engine bay or trunk to increase chassis stiffness. They improve handling by reducing body flex, making them a popular upgrade for performance cars.

4. Rims & Tyres Tuning – Because Grip Matters!

When it comes to car tuning, one of the first things enthusiasts often upgrade is the rims.

You know why? Because they don’t just enhance the car’s look. They also impact performance. Rims are like a car’s signature style. Whether you prefer a classic five-spoke style, a retro design, or modern rotor rims, there’s an option to match your taste.

But here’s the thing. Looks alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. The material of the rim plays an important role in both durability and driving dynamics. Let’s explore the types of rims:

There are regulations regarding rim and tyre sizes that must align with your car’s specifications in the registration certificate. If the tyres stick out too much from the body, they could be unsafe and illegal.

Poor tyre grip can lead to dangerous situations. Especially at high speeds or in wet conditions. That’s why there are strict legal requirements:

• Slick tyres (tyres without tread) are prohibited for road use.
• The minimum legal tread depth is 6mm. But for better grip, many experts recommend replacing tyres before they reach this limit.
• All four tyres generally need to be the same size for balance and handling.
• The correct tyre size is specified in your vehicle registration.

5. Exhaust System Tuning – Boost Sound & Power

The exhaust system is the final piece of the performance puzzle. It affects not just how your car breathes but also how it sounds.

A well-tuned exhaust can take your driving experience to another level. Whether you want a deep, throaty growl or a high-pitched racecar-style note.

Most tuners start with the tailpipe; swapping the stock version for a sportier exhaust tip instantly enhances the car’s rear-end appearance. But if you’re serious about tuning, the real benefits come from upgrading the full exhaust system:

• Sports Exhaust Systems – These reduce backpressure. Allows the engine to expel gases more efficiently. The result is better performance and a more aggressive sound.
• Performance Manifolds & Downpipes – These components improve airflow, leading to increased horsepower and torque.
• Resonator & Muffler Modifications – Want a louder or deeper exhaust note? Modifying or replacing the muffler can drastically change the sound profile.

Legal Consideration: It’s important to check local noise and emission laws before making any modifications. Some high-performance exhausts might not meet road regulations. So, look for systems that come with legal approval or a certification for road use.

6. Brakes Tuning – Stop Faster, Drive Safer

Stopping is just as important as speed. Standard factory brakes are designed for everyday driving. But performance brakes offer superior stopping power, heat resistance, and durability.

Here’s how you can upgrade your car brakes:

• Performance Brake Pads & Rotors – These provide better friction and heat dissipation. Reduces the chances of brake fade during aggressive driving.
• High-Performance Brake Calipers – Upgrading to larger, multi-piston calipers improves braking force and responsiveness.
• Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines – These replace rubber brake lines, reducing expansion under pressure. Provides a firmer, more consistent brake feel.

7. Light Tuning – Brighten Up Your Ride

Customising your car’s lights is a fun way to stand out. It gives your vehicle a unique look. With modern LED technology, the possibilities are nearly endless.

Tuners use lights not only for aesthetics but also for enhanced visibility and functionality.

One of the most popular upgrades is changing the headlights. Whether that means switching to LEDs for a sharper, brighter beam or altering the shape for a sportier look. Even turn signals can be customised with different colours or styles.

Must check what’s legally allowed in your area.

Another exciting trend is the LED light bars. Especially at the rear of the car. These lights sweep across the back of the vehicle from the inside to the outside. Make your car look modern and sleek. Not only do these custom lights improve the appearance. But they also increase safety.

LED brake lights react faster than traditional bulbs. They your car more noticeable on the road, especially in emergency situations.

Thus, whether you’re aiming for style, safety, or both, light tuning is a fantastic way to upgrade your vehicle’s look and functionality.

8. Body Tuning | Make Your Car Your Own

If you want to give your car a fresh, dynamic appearance, body tuning is where the magic happens.

This could mean everything from painting your rims to replacing standard parts with custom upgrades. When it comes to body modifications, the sky’s the limit. Especially if you’re aiming for an eye-catching, personalised look:

• Many tuners start with a process called ‘cleaning’. Here they remove any distracting logos or badges from the car’s exterior.
• This can also involve wrapping certain areas like door handles, to give them a smoother, more minimalist look.
• Popular mods include adding sports grilles or skirts for a fresh facelift that’s both simple and impactful.
• A rear apron can also make the car appear wider and give it a more aggressive presence on the road.
• For those looking for even more dramatic changes, chopping the car’s body is an option. This involves trimming certain parts of the body frame, like the A-, B-, and C-pillars. This lowers the car’s roofline and makes the windows appear smaller.
• And let’s not forget about spoilers. Whether at the front or rear, spoilers make a bold visual statement. But note that, not all spoilers improve performance. In fact, some can create extra air resistance at high speeds which negatively impacts your car’s handling.
• Some upgrades, like wider tyres or deeper skirts, may enhance looks but could negatively affect things like handling or weight. So, whether you’re tuning for style or performance, it’s important to know what you’re aiming for.

9. Interior and Audio Tuning

The interior of your car is where you spend the most time. So, why not make it as comfortable and stylish as possible?

Sports seats are a great place to start. They not only look more attractive than the standard plush seats. But they also offer better lateral support, keeping you snug and secure during high-speed maneuvers. Also, you can opt for high-end materials like leather for an extra touch of luxury.

But interior tuning doesn’t have to stop with the seats. You can also customise things like floor mats, a sports steering wheel, or even upgrade your standard seat belts to 4- or 6-point harnesses for added safety and a racier vibe.

If you’re someone who loves good music, audio tuning can be your next project.

Upgrading your car’s sound system can uplift your driving experience. Adding subwoofers and specialised car speakers can deliver deep, rich bass that shakes the car.

But be careful: if the sound is too loud, it could be considered noise pollution and attract fines from the authorities.

To get that perfect sound without breaking the law, many tuners use a crossover system. This allows bass frequencies to be heard clearly while reducing noise interference from the road.

So, this was most of your car tuning methods.

Do you want to give your car a performance boost?

Contact Schon Automotive | Your Car Tuning Experts in Perth

At Schon Automotive, we help drivers enhance their car’s performance, handling, and efficiency with professional and expert car tuning services. Our skilled mechanics use advanced diagnostic tools to fine-tune every aspect of your car.

Book a tuning session with Schon Automotive today!

Call us now for a free quote