Turbochargers are one of the most popular features amongst car enthusiasts, whether it comes with the car or added on. Turbos add a whole lot of power to the car’s engine and need to be maintained well to get the most out of it.
Keeping a turbo running properly is one of the most important things to ensure as the turbo accounts for producing the majority of the power of the engine. Additionally, turbochargers follow a complex mechanical process and can result in major issues if overlooked. So, follow the below steps to make sure you have a proper-functioning turbocharger.
In a car, when we see an empty road, our first instinct is to step on it. But, in a turbocharged car, don’t. When you floor it with a turbo, there is a certain buffer time before the turbo kicks in, called turbo lag. The moment this fraction of a second has passed, the turbo will start spooling really fast and cause the car to accelerate faster than intended. This may result in losing control of the vehicle.
Travelling at low speeds on a high gear can do more damage than it can good. The turbo will be spooling at a much slower rate which can lead to the formation of chemical deposits, resulting in the turbo clogging. Also, travelling at very low revs result in the car guzzling more fuel.
Turbocharged engines have a more complex functioning than a regular, naturally aspirated engine. Missing out on services may not do any immediate harm to the turbo, but problems will persist later on. Oil replacement is done more often in a turbo car due to the extra power produced and the mechanical parts present.
Now that we’ve spoken about how to maintain a turbo, what exactly is this snail-like-looking mechanism with a fan? A turbocharger sucks in air and compresses it before releasing it into the engine’s combustion chamber for the combustion process. The extra air in the chamber results in a stronger combustion, which then produces more power.
Maintaining a turbocharged car is key to ensuring the smooth functioning and long lifespan of the engine. Turbocharged cars have an advanced powertrain setup so requires extra care to take care of it. Also, keeping the turbo running efficiently will help fuel efficiency and engine efficacy.
