The turbocharger is an engine component that requires specific maintenance to prevent premature wear. While many of these maintenance practices are well-known, not everyone knows when and to what extent to apply them.
It's not uncommon to see drivers waiting for the turbo to cool down after any kind of journey. And there are also those who are content with 30 seconds of idling after a mountain pass. Everything should be done in moderation . Something that isn't difficult if you have a basic understanding of turbochargers.
start
In turbocharged engines, proper lubrication is even more important than in naturally aspirated ones. That's why it's often said that you should wait for the car to warm up a bit without pressing the accelerator before driving. In reality, this isn't entirely true. If you want to warm up the engine by idling, in most modern cars you'll have to wait a long time to gain even a few degrees. It's more about waiting for the oil to drain from the sump and redistribute itself to all the parts , including the turbocharger. Furthermore, modern engine oils maintain excellent properties even when not at operating temperature, especially synthetic oils.
Therefore, it is not necessary to wait more than 1 or 2 minutes before moving the car. Just change your habits. Rather than get in, buckle up, check your mirrors, and drive away, it's best to start the engine first.
exceptions:
- If you must look for a start the engine at low temperature, remember that the oil will be more viscous than normal and it will take longer to lubricate the turbo and other components. In these cases, stretch the idle time more so that it becomes more fluid.
- If you are going to start a car that has long time without use, it is also convenient stretch more heating time standing still In this case, the oil will have fallen into the sump practically in its entirety. That's why it will take a little longer to re-lubricate everything.
Engine shutdown
This is the most well-known and widespread advice for turbocharger maintenance: wait a few minutes before turning off the ignition. The problem is that it's not entirely clear how long to wait , since most people don't have a device to indicate the turbocharger's temperature.
You don't need to wait to turn off the engine in urban areas with reasonable driving, nor on typical short trips. It's also unnecessary to wait for it to cool down when driving on roads with speed limits of 90 km/h , as long as you're not constantly overtaking. Here's a list of conditions where it 's advisable to wait and the approximate recommended waiting time for standard cars:
- Long highway trip at 120 km/h: 1 minute. Current cars are designed to run at these speeds without overheating. Although if you drive in summer at very high temperatures you can stretch the time to 2 minutes.
- Travel up a mountain pass: 3 minutes. Climbing twisty roads and/or big slopes make the engine work more intensely. But more important than this, is that the turbo has to blow more. In order to do so, it must turn faster by receiving a greater flow of exhaust gases. Which are precisely the ones that heat it to such high temperatures.
- Race or sections with sports driving: 5 minutes. When driving in these circumstances it is common to hold the throttle all the way down a large percentage of the time. A use for which most conventional cars are not prepared to endure by system. In these cases it is advisable to be patient. This will ensure that all key parts are cooled, not just the turbo.
way of driving
When driving with a turbocharged engine, it is advisable to follow three basic tips to avoid unnecessary damage:
- Before squeezing the turbo to the maximum Wait for the engine to reach optimum operating temperature. Normally 90º. Until then, avoid going over 2.000 rpm if circumstances allow. Don't push the throttle all the way down either, so the exhaust gases don't spin the turbo at full speed.
- Try to circulate within optimal rev range for turbo operation. A good reference that you are not going to get confused with is the interval in which the engine gives its maximum torque. For example, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI with 122 hp from 2009 gives its 200 Nm of maximum torque between 1.500 rpm and 4.000 rpm. As long as you move within those values, you will be doing it perfectly.
- Do not abuse the revolutions. Although the car maintains its maximum torque at high revolutions, it is not recommended to reach that extreme by system. Actually this is advice applicable to any engine, even if it does not have a turbo. At least if you want it to last as long as possible. However, on turbo cars this advice is even more important.
Maintenance
In turbocharged engines, maintaining the oil's condition is especially important . That's why it's a good idea to change the oil and filter along with the manufacturer's recommendations, even if you're doing it yourself. It's also advisable not to skimp on the quality of either. The difference is only a few euros between a well-known brand and a less reputable one.
In addition to this, it's advisable to monitor the oil level even if the change isn't due yet. Engines tend to consume oil gradually, especially those that are several years old. Small leaks can also cause the level to drop below the recommended level.
What happens if the turbo is not taken care of?
A turbocharger failure can be very expensive, as this part can cost around €1.000 , depending on the model. This is even more true for premium brands. Furthermore, replacing this component can be somewhat complicated in some cars, adding more labor time to the garage bill.