What effect can the addition of a performance chip have on a vehicle's emissions?

The addition of a performance chip to a vehicle can indeed improve engine performance by optimizing fuel-air mixtures, increasing horsepower, and enhancing throttle response. However, this enhancement often comes at the cost of increased emissions.

Performance chips can alter the vehicle’s fuel injection parameters, ignition timing, and other critical aspects of engine management. While these modifications may make the vehicle perform better in terms of speed and power, they can also lean out or enrich the fuel mixture, depending on the chip's programming. Such changes can lead to an incomplete combustion process and result in higher emissions of pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC).

Overall, while performance chips promise improved driving experience and power, the trade-off often includes elevated emission levels, which is why this choice effectively captures the potential environmental impact of such modifications on a vehicle.