Turbines are currently installed in almost all cars, from the mid-price segment. However, not all drivers know how to operate a turbocharged engine properly so that it can last long. Because of this, there is a “myth” among drivers that you shouldn’t buy a car equipped with a turbo engine.
In this article, we will consider what actions owners of cars with turbocharged engines should take in order to serve more than one hundred thousand kilometers.
Starting and Stopping a Turbocharged Engine
In winter, the driver has to take care of the problem of starting the turbocharged engine to extend its service life. In order for the oil to begin to “melt” and circulate through the system, the engine must be cranked several times before being fully started. When the engine is turned on, it is necessary to give the engine time to idle – about 2-3 minutes, and only after that you can take a trip. Thus, the engine will receive the required amount of lubrication and avoid overloading which can occur with a sharp start immediately after starting.
Also, after stopping the vehicle, give the engine time to “cool down” before turning it off. This rule applies not only to turbocharged engines, but also to conventional engines, but in situations with turbo engines, it is more relevant than ever. Due to the operation of the turbocharged engine at very high temperatures, it may take some time to cool down after driving and to avoid a sudden drop in temperature.
Quality & Oil Level
The first thing a driver driving a turbocharged car should monitor is the level and quality of the oil. The fact is that even a slight shortage of oil can have irreparable consequences for the turbine and the engine as a whole.
The oil in a turbocharged engine must constantly lubricate the bearings and other components of the turbine. With a small amount of oil, they wear out almost instantly and fail.
In this case, it is important not only the oil in a sufficient amount, but also its quality. When operating a turbocharged engine, it is advisable to fill the oil exactly as recommended by the manufacturer, avoiding cheaper analogues.
You should also pay attention to the fact that the oil for turbocharged engines differs from the oil for conventional engines in its characteristics. This is due to the fact that the presence of a turbine in the engine leads to a higher temperature for heating the oil. Hence, it should not lose its properties at high temperatures.
It is not recommended to fill in different types of oil in a car with a turbocharged engine, trying to “add” lubricants to the required level.
Fuel Quality
Fuel quality is important for all engines, but in the case of a turbocharged engine, it can play an important role. It is not advisable to refuel your car at an unverified gas station, especially when it comes to diesel fuel.
The danger of poor fuel use in a turbocharged engine lies in the fact that the fuel system can clog up, which will lead to a decrease in engine power. This forces the turbine to work “for wear and tear” so the car has the same power, which will cause the turbine to break down quickly.
How to drive a car with a turbocharged engine
Now about the most important thing – about driving a car with a turbocharged engine. Experts give the following recommendations for driving a car with such a engine:
- It is best to avoid running the engine at low rpm for a long time. For example, if you are driving on a highway at about the same speed, it is better to keep the turns at medium distance rather than low.
- An engine with a turbine needs to run at full capacity from time to time. This means at least once a week you have to “accelerate” at high rpm.
- It is not recommended to drive continuously at high speed – this can cause the turbine to “spin”.
- An engine with a turbine is not recommended for long periods of idling. This can lead to the formation of soot and sediment in the turbines, as a result of which they become clogged. In the future, such problems will lead not only to failure of the turbine, but also to the engine as a whole.
Usually, manufacturers of cars with turbocharged engines tune the gearbox (automatic or robot) exactly taking into account the above recommendations.
