When Should a Turbocharger Be Serviced?
Hunting down the best turbocharger maintenance for cars is essential. A turbocharger has a design to give a car’s engine more power. So, how does a turbocharger work? It allows smaller engines to use more horsepower and torque than they ordinarily would. In addition to increased energy, car owners will experience higher efficiency and fuel economy.
Turbochargers increase horsepower significantly by utilising the engine’s hot, expelled air to spin the compressor wheel and take in outside air. Designed for many years of good use, your turbocharger’s life depends on the care and attention it receives. To ensure your turbocharger has a trouble-free future, ongoing maintenance is required.
Depending on environmental and driving conditions, your turbocharger may need to be serviced as little as every 5000 kilometres. Understanding how a turbocharger works is vital to knowing the best regular turbocharger maintenance servicing.
Turbocharger Maintenance: 5 Best Ways to Protect Your Turbocharger
If you’ve just had a turbocharger fitted to your vehicle or recently purchased a car with one, you can do a few things to protect it. More complex than other engines, your turbocharger will require special treatment to keep it performing at its best. Regular turbocharger maintenance and changes to your driving style are necessary to get the most from a turbocharger and avoid nasty repair bills.
#1. Regular turbocharger maintenance requires oil changes.
Keeping your turbo lubricated ensures its good operation. Older turbos tended to be entirely oil-cooled, and even with modern turbochargers that rely on coolants, there can still be a high demand for oil from the system.
#2. Use good quality oil for your engine.
Whether you compare supercharge vs turbocharge, a good quality oil will help prolong the lifespan of your turbocharger. Your owner’s manual will suggest the best type of oil for the job. Generally, turbos work better with synthetic oil. You could also do a little web research to get a general opinion on the best oil for your car. As a basic rule, cheap, low-grade oil will not protect your turbo adequately.
Ensure you use the right fuel for your turbocharger–octane fuels can prematurely wear on your vehicle’s system. Always check at the pump that you’re using the right fuel, and once you’re away from lower-priced alternatives,
#3. Always remember to warm up your vehicle.
Warming up your vehicle allows your oil to warm up properly before it can work at the required level to keep the turbo-lubricated. It’s highly recommended that you run your car for 5 to 10 minutes to get everything up to the proper temperature levels before you start using the turbo at higher speeds. This eliminates the possibility of damaging your turbocharger.
Don’t push your turbo engines too hard.
Pushing the turbo wears out the part, whether you compare supercharge vs turbocharge. It’s great to use the turbo to get up to speed when you can, but always remember: once you’ve achieved an excellent cruising speed, back off the accelerator. This will use the minimum amount of periodic boosts to maintain your speed. In short, use the turbo less to get more life out of the system.
The Bottom Line
Preventing the need for expensive repairs or replacements down the road is possible with regular maintenance that keeps the turbocharger running smoothly and efficiently. In addition, make sure to adhere to the regular maintenance schedules specified in the owner’s manual.
Partner With the Best in Turbocharger Maintenance
Look no further than Toowoomba Superior Turbos. Offering great value, superior products, and outstanding service, call our team at (07) 46 34 6565 to book an appointment today. You can also choose from our other services online.