Did California Really Ban ECU Tuning?
Andrew Koole
· 3 min read
In
California
, any vehicle that’s eight years old or older needs to pass a smog test
every two years in order to be registered in the state. In July, an ECU inspection was added to that test that banned engines with unauthorized ECU-tunes from California roads. The smog test already weeded out ECU modifications that worsen emissions, but now that law includes all unregistered aftermarket ECU changes. Many car enthusiasts and tuning houses are concerned about how the new rules will affect their hobbies and livelihoods.
To find out more,
Road & Track
(R&T)talked to Peter Treydte, the director of emissions compliance at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA). He says the vast majority of enthusiasts have nothing to worry about.
First off, what’s an ECU?
ECUs (electronic control units) are the central computers that control and regulate almost everything that happens in modern cars. They are programmed by manufacturers to reduce energy waste and improve emissions output.
The first electronically controlled engine components were fuel injection (which replaced carburetors) and ignition coils (replacing distributors).
Donut Media
’s Jeremiah Burton says the ECU was introduced so these electronic parts could be programmed to further reduce waste.Since then, automakers have connected more and more to your car’s ECU to sense everything from steering to the angle of the road you’re driving on. Even your power windows can be controlled by your ECU.
How does California’s new rule work?
Before July, aftermarket devices that affected emissions
were already illegal
. These devices overrode factory programming that regulated exhaust output. The new rule allows the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to effectively enforce the older law.Some tuning houses are worried about how the stronger ban will affect their businesses, but Treydte told R&T that most of them can relax. He says that of the 10,000 smog test fails every year, only 3% are expected to happen because of the new rule.
SEMA has worked tirelessly with BAR, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and aftermarket suppliers to get as many ECU-tuning devices approved as possible. It’s part of SEMA’s goal to improve the image of the tuning community, especially as EVs gain in popularity.
How to legally modify your car in California
Californian car enthusiasts still have a lot of opportunities to have fun. They just need to pay a little more attention to the device they use to ensure they follow the law. A list of certified parts can be found on the state’s government website.
As in every state,
car insurance
companies also have to be notified of any modifications to your vehicle. Failure to do so could result in a denied claim.Have a question about your coverage?
Jerry
’s friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice on the best coverage options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you.
