Turbocharged cars can be great fun and can be astonishingly fast, but they require proper care to remain running. Before driving your turbocharged vehicle for any length of time, allow it to warm up for several minutes before driving it; afterward allow it to cool off before shutting it down completely.
Modern turbo cars have been carefully stress tested to withstand Autobahn speeds, yet irresponsibility can shorten their lifespan significantly. One way to do that is with routine warming-up and cooling-down routines.
Change the Oil
Turbocharged engines need engine oil that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures they generate, such as full synthetic motor oil – it is recommended that you follow manufacturer specifications for changing it regularly.
As is often the case, waiting a few minutes prior to driving your car can help ensure that its motor oil can properly warm and lubricate all components, including its turbo. Driving before this process has completed can cause overheating which causes undue wear on turbo bearings.
Before turning off the engine, allow it to completely cool before shutting it off. Otherwise, abrupt engine shutdown could cause its turbo to keep spinning, sabotaging it further by cooking its oil into thick and useless sludge that can damage its turbine. Allow your engine to idle at idle speed at the end of each trip for several minutes on idle to safely bring down its temperature before switching it off.
Change the Filters
Turbo engines are more complex than naturally aspirated motors and thus require additional care in order to deliver maximum performance. This includes not overworking the engine or placing too much strain on its components.
Aggressive driving can damage internal components, including the turbo, and decrease fuel economy, as well as strain the engine to work harder and lead to overheating.
As you cruise, try not to press down too hard on the throttle. A turbo’s primary role is providing periodic boost when needed to maintain speed; so its use should be limited as much as possible for optimal longevity. When the car stops, let it idle idle for at least one or two minutes prior to turning off ignition (you can use a simple turbo timer or buy one of many available kits to do this). Doing this will prolong its life while decreasing risk of overheating.
Change the Spark Plugs
Your turbo requires high-quality fuel to operate at its optimal levels. Always follow the recommendations from its manufacturer, and never over rev or push beyond its capacity.
Oil supply to the turbo should be monitored frequently to ensure it remains within acceptable parameters; specifically ensuring its level is within the marks on its dipstick and oil pressure within its optimal range. Excessive consumption will reduce serviceable life of your turbo, potentially damaging other engine components as well.
Your turbo works at its optimal best when warm, so give it ample time to reach operating temperature before driving aggressively. After hard runs, allow your car to idle for one minute after each one to give the turbo oil time to circulate and cool off; this will prevent your turbo from overheating and potentially leading to costly damage.
Change the Fuel Filter
Car turbos require extra care when it comes to their maintenance, due to having more components than their naturally aspirated counterparts. Following these simple tips will extend their lifespan and help avoid costly repairs in the future.
One of the key steps you can take to maintain the health of your turbo is giving it time to cool off after driving before turning off your engine. Cutting power immediately can reduce or stop oil flowing to your turbo’s bearings and cause premature wear on its bearings, potentially shortening their lifespan and decreasing performance.
Before turning off the car, be sure to park it on level ground and place a drip pan below its fuel filter. Next, disconnect its fuel lines by loosening their black retaining rings using wrench or pliers and taking them off; be prepared for some fuel to leak from these connections!