Learn two quick ways to check your car’s power output — by registration lookup or live OBD test — and find out what your results really mean.
Why Check Your Car’s BHP?
BHP (brake horsepower) shows how much usable power your engine can deliver. If your car feels slower, uses more fuel, or you’ve just bought it, a simple BHP check helps you spot performance loss early and plan upgrades with confidence.
Two Quick Ways to Check BHP
- By registration (reg) lookup: fast and simple — gives you the factory BHP your car had when new.
- With an OBD-II tool: reads live ECU data and estimates real-world power during a safe pull.
Method 1: Check BHP by Reg
A reg lookup is the quickest way to get your car’s baseline BHP. It shows the manufacturer’s quoted power for your exact model, engine, and year — useful when buying, selling, or comparing trims.
- Ideal for insurance quotes or quick checks
- Matches manufacturer figures for stock vehicles
- Great reference point before tuning or diagnostics
Limitations: Factory numbers don’t account for age, carbon build-up, or previous remaps. Modified cars may differ from spec.
Want a step-by-step example? Read our full BHP testing guide.
Method 2: Check BHP with an OBD-II Tool
OBD-II adapters connect to your car’s diagnostic port and link with a phone app to estimate horsepower. It’s not as precise as a dyno, but accurate enough to highlight losses or gains after a service or performance remap.
- What you need: a quality ELM327 Bluetooth adapter and a trusted app (like Torque Pro or Car Scanner).
- Warm up the car: engine at full temp, tyres set, no warning lights.
- Find a safe, straight road: private or dyno road only, obey speed limits.
- Set up the app: enter vehicle weight, gear ratios, and start logging.
- Do a clean pull: third gear, full throttle to redline, then stop the log.
Tip: Repeat a few runs in both directions to average results — road slope and wind affect readings.
When a Dyno Power Run Makes Sense
A rolling-road dyno remains the gold standard for power accuracy. Book one if you’ve fitted performance mods, suspect a major power drop, or want before-and-after proof of tuning gains. Our team can recommend local dynos and prepare your car for testing.
Common Mistakes That Skew Results
- Using a low-quality adapter that drops data
- Testing with cold oil or a slipping clutch
- Running uphill or against strong wind
- Incorrect vehicle weight in the app
- Dirty air filter, blocked DPF, or leaking boost hoses
For accurate readings, start with a full engine diagnostic check to rule out hidden issues.
What to Do If Your BHP Is Low
- Scan for and fix any ECU fault codes
- Clean or replace the air filter and MAF sensor
- Inspect boost and vacuum lines for leaks
- If diesel, check AdBlue and EGR systems for restrictions
- Book a DPF clean if regeneration keeps failing
We can run a full data log to confirm if your car is down on power — just get in touch.
Ready to Improve Your Numbers?
Once your car is healthy, a remap can safely unlock more power and torque. Use our remap calculator to see expected BHP gains for your vehicle.
For daily drivers, our Stage 1 remap service offers sharper throttle response and smoother delivery without hardware changes. Got supporting mods? Ask about Stage 2 options for even more punch.
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Book Your BHP Check or Remap
Unit 2, 2 Cutts Street, Hanley, ST1 4LX
Serving Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, the Moorlands & Cheshire East.
FAQs
Can I check my car’s BHP using the registration number?
Yes. A reg lookup shows the manufacturer’s quoted power for your specific car — quick and reliable for stock vehicles.
What’s the most accurate way to test real BHP?
A dyno (rolling road) is the most accurate, but a quality OBD-II run gives a good real-world estimate.
Does remapping increase BHP?
Yes, safely tuning your ECU improves power, torque, and throttle response while staying within safe limits.
Where can I book a BHP or remap test near Stoke?
At Pro Remapping in Hanley, we offer dyno prep, diagnostics, and remaps across Stoke-on-Trent and nearby areas.
