3 Practical Maintenance Tips for Your Turbocharged Vehicle

Turbocharged vehicles are favourable over the standard alternatives because of their exceptional performance. In general, when a turbocharger is incorporated into a car, it will force extra air into the combustion chamber. As a result, there will be a significant increase in the efficiency and power of the engine. Under ideal circumstances, you will enjoy the prolonged life of the turbocharger. However, if you are negligent, the system will fail prematurely. Here are some crucial care and maintenance practices to help you preserve the life of your turbocharged vehicle.

Choose the Right Oil

The turbocharger in your vehicle requires lubrication from the engine oil for optimal performance. If the component does not receive high-quality oil, it will experience high friction, and the rate of wear will be accelerated. Therefore, you should be cautious when choosing your oil for optimal protection. It is advisable to check the recommendations made by the manufacturer on the engine for ideal results. The manufacturer will provide guidance on the correct viscosity and other specifications. You should also remember to change the oil in time as recommended for routine maintenance. Old and dirty oil will not protect the turbocharger.

Warm Up the Engine

You should not be quick to operate your engine at full power just after starting your vehicle. Typically, when the automobile is cold, the oil will be thick. It will not be effective for lubricating the engine and the turbocharger. Moreover, you should note that the thick oil will require more internal pressure for flow. This pressure can accelerate the damage of oil seals, leading to the premature failure of the vehicle. You can avoid these problems by allowing the engine and subsequently, the oil to warm up before commencing your drive. The warming up process will lighten up or thin the oil, promoting ideal lubrication and turbocharger protection. Moreover, the thinner oil will flow with more ease.

Plan for Cool-Off

You should never shut down your turbo suddenly at the end of the trip. Normally, the turbocharger is required to work hard during drives that involve sustained high speed. As a result, this critical component becomes hot. If you shut down the turbocharger directly, it will sustain shock and begin to deteriorate. The degradation will occur because the internal turbine will be forced to a harsh stop. Ideally, you should allow time for the heat to dissipate and the turbine to slow down before shutting down the vehicle. A short idling period prior to turning off the ignition will protect your automobile's turbocharger. 

Share