Accessorising a car can either be functional or aesthetic. Whichever is the case, the trend towards car accessorising has been on the increase over the last few years. Part of such accessorising entails installation of turbochargers on car engines. Turbo installation can be attributed to the desire for low fuel consumption, low volumetric displacement and small thermal/frictional losses in a car engine. However, when compared to regular drives, turbocharged engines need extra maintenance for the realisation of the above benefits. This article highlights maintenance tips that will extend the service life of your turbocharged engine.
Allow the Turbocharger to Cool -- After being on the road for several hours with the turbo system on, most motorists turn off the engine immediately once they reach their destination. However, doing so shortens the service life of your turbocharger. When you shut off the engine with everything under the hood still red hot, the high temperatures will burn the oil dry. Consequently, the next time you start your engine, the turbocharger will start dry and lead to wearing of the bearings. Also, the fins in the turbocharger will begin hitting the housing, causing costly damage to your engine. As a general rule, give a turbocharged engine at least 10 seconds to cool down before you turn it off.
Warm the Engine Before Engaging the Turbocharger -- If you have just installed a turbocharger under the hood, you might be tempted to engage the turbo immediately once you turn on the engine. It is a normal feeling since every motorist wants to feel the performance of the new turbo accessory. However, it is counter-productive because the cold lubricant will not lubricate the engine or absorb the heat produced adequately. As a result, you will end up damaging engine parts before you even get a chance to enjoy the benefits of the turbo. Therefore, every time you start the engine, give it a few minutes for the oil to warm up before you engage the turbocharger.
Use Synthetic Oils Only -- Since turbochargers produce a lot of power, temperatures under the hood can easily reach very high temperatures. Turbochargers need oils that can handle such high temperatures and still function optimally for extended service life. For this reason, you must insist on synthetic oils only when purchasing lubrication for your engine. Additionally, you should change oil regularly as recommended by your car's manufacturer to prolong the life of the turbocharger.
To learn more, contact a company that offers turbo service.
Share3 August 2018
Alright, guys! My name is Keith. This is my fab new blog which will detail everything you need to know about the world of automobiles. Unfortunately, in the modern world, many people are quite happy to purchase a car without giving a second thought to the steps they need to take in order to maintain it. However, because my dad used to work in the automotive trade, I grew up receiving an old-school automotive education. My dad taught me how to look for the best deals on used cars, how to maintain them, and how to dispose of them. I hope you like my blog!