Turbocharger Service: How To Know if Your Turbo Needs Cleaning
A turbocharger service is vital to preserving a turbo, a clever device designed to boost engine power. Many car manufacturers now use turbos to deliver the same energy found in larger, more powerful cars while allowing motorists to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of having a smaller engine. Although turbocharged vehicles are designed to last for the car’s life, turbos can need cleaning over time.
Why Is Turbocharger Service Crucial for Your Turbocharged Engine?
Cleaning your turbocharged vehicle beyond horsepower prevents you from needing to replace it. Additionally, carbon deposits accumulate when turbocharging over time, and you may notice the engine efficiency decreases as the consumption increases.
Being an engine part located on the exhaust manifold, the turbocharger is in constant contact with the exhaust gases and the soot that sticks to it. Because of this, the elements making up the turbocharger get clogged. A little bit of turbocharging service upkeep goes a long way.
Cleaning your turbocharged vehicles will ensure the following:
- Eliminate soot and carbon deposits that seize the turbo
- Reduce the clogging of the turbo, EGR valve, DPF, exhaust, and catalytic converter
- Reduce seizure and improve overall turbo performance
- Limit fuel overconsumption and limit polluting emissions
- Improve engine efficiency thanks to better exhaust gas diffusion
- Extend the turbo lifespan
How Do You Know if Your Turbocharged Engine Needs Immediate Servicing?
Regular turbocharger service maintenance can make all the difference in fostering a healthy turbocharger. Moreover, there are some common symptoms apart from the obvious holes in the acceleration and engine jerking. Remember the symptoms below that can alert you before engine failure sets in:
- Turbo whistling
- Lack of power between some engine rpm
- Orange or red warning light
- Struggling to go over 3,000 rpm
- Degraded mode (warm or cold engine)
- Turbo works better after having started the engine again.
Following a turbo clean, you may notice decreased consumption and increased autonomy. Additionally, it decreases exhaust fumes’ opacity and thus reduces harmful emissions. Furthermore, a more flexible and dynamic driving capacity, power, and original responsiveness result in the best performance from regular turbocharger service maintenance.
Turbocharger Service: How To Check A Damaged Turbocharger
There are several factors to watch out for that may end up causing damage to your turbocharger. They include:
- Oil and lubrication—A turbo needs a constant flow of clean oil to work effectively. So, you must change the oil and oil filter regularly to keep your turbo in top condition.
- Foreign objects—Sometimes, foreign objects like broken engine components, dust particles, small stones, dirt, and leaves can enter your turbocharger. The best way to prevent this is to clean your turbo regularly.
- Overspeeding—Leaks, cracks, or poor seals between the compressor and the engine cause the turbo to work much harder to increase the pressure. This will eventually reduce the efficiency and boost delivered by the turbo.
The Bottom Line
If you want your turbocharger to last as long and work as efficiently as possible, you must inspect and maintain it often. So, if you see any of these symptoms, contact a professional mechanic or technician for an inspection and possible cleaning.
Need a Professional Opinion on Your Turbocharger?
Toowoomba Superior Turbos are your experts in turbocharger maintenance! The premier remanufacturing facility for turbochargers in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, the team offers excellent value, superior products, and outstanding service. Call (07) 46 34 6565 to book an appointment today, or choose from various online services.