The turbocharged engines that we can find in many of today’s cars have evolved a lot from the turbo engines of yesteryear. However, even today it is necessary to handle them with a certain performance and technique to keep them in perfect condition and thus avoid breakdowns resulting from improper use.
Despite the undoubted technological evolution, they have, we must be aware that it is not possible to treat all engines in the same way; and it is that a naturally aspirated engine is not the same as a forced induction engine. Lack of car maintenance or improper driving can cause problems in turbocharged engines. For this reason, we are going to give you a series of tips so that you know how to take care of your car’s turbo
In this way, if you take into account all the advice that you will be able to find throughout this article, you will be able to extend the useful life of your turbo engine. This is very important, especially considering that these engines can lead to very expensive breakdowns in the turbo.
Tips to take care of the car turbo
If you want to keep your car’s turbo in perfect condition, it is important to check your vehicle periodically, but also to follow a series of key tips to increase its maintenance. The tips you should keep in mind are the following:
Start the car smoothly and without stepping on the accelerator
When starting a car with a turbocharged engine, it is advisable to wait for the engine to warm up a little so that the turbo can be lubricated correctly. You must allow time for the oil to pass through the different components, especially if the car is cold.
It does not mean that you have to start your car ten minutes before using it, but it does mean that you have to let it idle while you settle in the car. In this way you can let it warm up while you put on your belt, adjust the radio or put the mobile in its place. This lubrication is important to prevent damage due to friction in certain areas such as the turbine shaft.
Likewise, it is not recommended that you press the accelerator to start. With this you will only make some parts of the engine, which are not lubricated, at a higher effort. For this reason, it is advisable to always start with the clutch depressed to make the starter motor suffer less, and without accelerating.
Let the engine rest at destination
When you arrive at the final destination, when you own a turbocharged car, it is recommended that you keep the engine idling for a few seconds before turning it off, especially after heavy acceleration or aggressive driving. The turbo gets hotter when driving at high revs. Leaving it to rest at destination will cause the turbine to slow down, so that it cools and lubricates properly.
If the engine is suddenly shut down with the turbo hot, it will continue to coast but without lubricant. This can become a problem that ends up leading to wear and possible breakdowns.
The engine and the optimum rpm
A common custom is to always drive in the highest gear to save fuel, but this can make it necessary to accelerate at certain times. This type of driving especially affects turbocharged engines. This is because the engine creates deposits inside the propeller, which can lead to breakdowns because the turbos cannot reach the boost pressure that allows them to function properly.
If the motor is demanded a lot from a very low regime of revolutions, the loads suffer more load and will be affected by the overexertion.
The same thing happens if you take the car too far over the laps. This will only increase wear, without this implying the ability to obtain greater benefits. If you manage to get the optimum rpm in your vehicle, you will be able to take full advantage of the potential of your turbocharged engine, but you will also increase its durability.
maintenance, key
The oil is essential for the turbo and the rest of the mechanics to work properly. It is necessary to use a high quality oil, which is usually synthetic. Also, make sure to check the oil level so that it always stays in the necessary amount; and check the filters to make sure they are in good condition.
Do not squeeze the engine cold
If you want to ask for maximum performance from your vehicle with a turbo engine, do not do it when it is cold. Before being able to give the maximum of your car, let the engine reach a temperature of between 80 and 90 degrees Celsius, depending on the model and the engine, which is the service temperature. Thus, in addition, you will make sure that everything is perfectly lubricated.
