Because of its one-two combination of fuel and power economy, turbocharging is experiencing a second boom.
Normal (naturally aspirated) engines depend on size or high RPMs to produce power, while turbocharged engines produce power at low engine speeds.
When you step on the gas, the additional load generates exhaust pressure, which turns the turbine (which spins the compressor-side of the turbo via connecting-shaft). As a result, a smaller car will suck in the same amount of air as a bigger one.
When the extra air and fuel are combined, the smaller turbo engine produces more power than it does on its own. Keep the supercharger at arm’s length, and the engine will run as efficiently as its smaller size will allow. However, this wizardry and magic comes with additional responsibilities when it comes to car ownership.
Turbocharged vehicles also increased design complexity, with additional parts that could malfunction. The turbo itself necessitates some vigilance in order to avoid costly repairs.
Here are 3 tips to help you prolong the life of your car’s turbo.
Synthetic Oil and regular Changes
Oil (and frequent oil changes) are already critical to an engine’s durability. It adds years to the life of a vs racing turbos. The first turbos were entirely oil-cooled and powered by the engine’s oil.
Today’s turbos are also cooled by liquid, but they are still harsh on gasoline.
The best bet is completely synthetic oil, which protects well from the high temperatures of turbo-life. Check your user manual for approved oils, but if it’s long gone (or the required oil isn’t available near you), look for suitable blends on online expert forums.
Warm It Up
Providing fresh oils to your turbo on a regular basis is a good start, but once it’s in your engine, you must use it properly. Oil performs best at the ideal operational temperature. It moves and lubricates best at temperatures ranging from 190 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Previously, its thicker state increased oil pressure, putting additional strain on oil seals.
A turbocharger’s seals are found in the central tank, where oil greases the shaft that links the compressor and turbine sides. When this ages enough to allow excessive oil seepage (a little oil “blow-by” is common in a turbo after some use), you can notice excessive blue-like smoke from the exhaust.
Cruise Light, Cruise Right
Turbo cars are rarely dull until warmed up.Boost gauges are frequently smile gauges, as the catapult impact of turbos spinning up and catapulting the car ahead is as contagious as the flu. However, use it sparingly.
There’s no need to be concerned because the car is made of glass. Automobile manufacturers now subject their engines to crucible-like checks to ensure that only routine irresponsibility triggers critical premature failure (for the most part). European turbo-cars (particularly those from Germany) are checked for their ability to maintain Autobahn speeds for extended periods of time. Easy warm-up and cool-down routines are all that is needed to repay the engine.