How to Make Sure That Your New Turbocharger Lasts Longer Than the Old One
Posted on: 28 November 2017
If you have recently had problems with your car and your mechanic has told you that he needed to replace your turbocharger, you may be wondering what this is and how you can look after it more effectively in the future. What should you be aware of?
Advantages of a Turbo
In decades gone by, a turbocharger was a relatively rare addition to a standard production car, but now they are becoming more and more prevalent. This is because the component can provide a significant increase in engine performance, without the need to increase the size (and therefore weight) of the motor itself.
The turbocharger works by "squeezing" the air that is being directed to the engine's combustion chamber, to allow more air into the cylinders and as a consequence, an increased ignition force. This provides additional energy to propel the car in normal driving conditions.
When the turbocharger is fully operational, it will make the engine's operation far more efficient and in some cases, can even increase the power (in comparison to a non-turbocharged motor) by up to 100%. This will allow you to overtake vehicles more quickly when you are out on the open road.
What's Inside?
Inside the turbocharger is a very precisely engineered component called a turbine, which spins at incredibly high speeds. As it does so, it generates a lot of heat and this can sometimes lead to failure, as may have happened in your case.
How to Protect a Turbo
In order to protect your new purchase as much as possible, think of the turbocharger when you jump into the car early in the morning. When you start the engine, leave it idling for several minutes without "revving" it up and before you move away. This will help the turbine come up to normal operating speed without creating excessive wear and tear from cold. Likewise, let the engine idle for a couple of minutes when you finish your drive and before you turn the ignition off. This will allow the turbine to decelerate and come to a complete stop, without it being forced to do so instead. Many engineers think that these measures alone could significantly extend the life of a turbocharger.
Can a Turbo Be Fixed?
It is certainly possible for an expert to replace internal parts and to diagnose issues, but it's normally more cost-effective to buy a new turbocharger in the event of a fault.
For more information, contact a business such as Denco Diesel & Turbo.
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