Maintaining Tips of Turbo Engine for Longevity and Performance

Published 7/26/2024

Hello, fuelpro enthusiasts! Today we’re going to discuss the secrets of maintaining turbo engine for longevity and peak performance. Turbo engines are indeed cool, capable of providing extra power to our cars. But because of that, maintaining them also requires special attention.

For those of you who’ve just got a car with a turbo engine or are curious about how to properly maintain it, keep reading this article. We’ll thoroughly explore everything from the basics of how turbos work to maintenance tips.

Understanding How Turbo Engine Work

Before we get into maintenance tips, let’s first understand how a turbo engine works. Simply put, a turbo will maximize exhaust gases to be reintroduced into the combustion chamber and converted into additional power.

Process of turbo engine works

The higher the engine revs, the more power is generated. Now, when the turbo is working, the temperature inside can get very high. That’s why it needs special heat-resistant lubricants.

Tips for Maintaining Turbo Engine

You know from above that the temperature engine will goes up when the turbo working. If the engine does get a proper maintenance, the longevity of it will get shorter. Hence, we need to maintain the turbo engine. Below are tips that you can follow to do it.

1. Choose the Right Oil

This is the main key. Turbo engines need special oil that’s heat and high-pressure resistant. Don’t just choose any oil; make sure it’s in line with your car manufacturer’s recommendations.

Oil for turbo engines usually has a special code on its packaging. If you’re unsure, just ask at an official service center or read your car’s manual.

2. Change Oil Regularly

It’s not enough to just use the right oil; you also need to change it regularly. Turbo engines typically need more frequent oil changes compared to regular engines. Ideally, change the oil every 5,000 km or 3 months, whichever comes first. So, check your engine level regularly to avoid serious damage in the future.

3. Pay Attention to Fuel

Turbo engines are sensitive to fuel quality. Always try to fill up with high-octane fuel from trusted gas stations. Avoid cheap or mixed fuels that can cause the engine to deteriorate quickly.

4. Don’t Immediately Turn Off the Engine

After speeding on the highway, don’t immediately turn off the engine once you reach your destination. Let the engine idle for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to allow the turbo to “cool down” first. This is crucial and needs to be done so that the turbo bearings won’t damaged due to excessive heat.

5. Warm Up the Engine Before Driving

Before going full throttle, let the engine warm up for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. This helps the oil distribute evenly to all engine components, including the turbo. Don’t immediately step on the gas as soon as you start; the turbo isn’t ready for hard work yet.

6. Regular Servicing

Even if you’re diligent about changing the oil, it’s still important to have regular servicing at an official workshop. Mechanics can check the condition of the turbo and its supporting components.

Follow the service schedule according to the manual. It’s usually every 10,000 km or 6 months.

7. Pay Attention to Engine Sounds

Listen to your engine. If there are strange noises like hissing or whistling from the engine area, there might be a problem with the turbo. If you happened to here it, take your car to workshop as soon as possible.

8. Don’t Modify Carelessly

The temptation to increase turbo engine power is indeed great. But be careful, careless modifications can cause the turbo to break down quickly. If you want to modify, consult with an expert first.

Benefits of Properly Maintaining Turbo Engine

Now, why should we bother maintaining a turbo engine? Of course, there are benefits. Here are some advantages of properly maintaining a turbo engine:

Engine performance remains optimal
Longer engine and turbo lifespan
Fuel efficiency
Avoid sudden breakdowns
Car resale value remains high

With proper maintenance, a turbo engine can last for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. So don’t be lazy in maintaining it.

Common Mistakes in Maintaining Turbo Engine

Besides knowing the right way to maintain, it’s also important to avoid these common mistakes:

Using regular engine oil (not turbo-specific)
Delaying oil changes
Using low-quality fuel
Immediately turning off the engine after heavy use
Relying on servicing only when there’s a problem
Ignoring strange noises from the engine

Avoid the above mistakes to keep your turbo engine healthy and long-lasting.

Conclusion

Maintaining turbo engine required a more effort than a standard engine. But believe me, the results are worth the extra power you get if you do it regularly. The key is to choose the right oil, change oil regularly, pay attention to fuel, and don’t forget regular servicing.

With proper maintenance and service, you car turbo engine will be reliable for years. So, start applying these tips now and your car will thanked you!

FAQ About Maintaining Turbo Engine

If you still wonder and want to know more about maintaining turbo engine, below are some questions as your guidance so that you can take care of it more than before!

Are turbo engines more fuel-hungry?

Not always. In fact, modern turbo engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient. But they do need high-quality fuel for optimal performance.

How long does a turbo last?

With proper maintenance, a turbo can last 150,000 – 200,000 km. Some even more than that.

Do turbo engines need longer warm-up times?

Not too long, just 30 seconds to 1 minute before starting to drive is enough.

Can I use regular engine oil for a turbo engine?

It’s highly discouraged. Always use turbo-specific oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

What are the signs of turbo problems?

Some common signs: decreased performance, white/blue smoke from the exhaust, strange hissing/whistling sounds, and increased oil consumption.