How to Maintain a Turbocharged Car?
2 Answers
Maintaining a turbocharger requires regular replacement and cleaning of engine oil, filters, air filters, etc., to reduce impurities and prevent excessive wear of the turbocharger's blades. Therefore, it is essential to invest in replacing the oil filter, air filter, and engine oil to keep the car in good working condition and extend its service life. The following are the methods to deal with abnormal noises from the turbocharger: 1. First, check whether the turbocharger is damaged. If the turbocharger is not damaged, confirm whether there is oil leakage in the intake and exhaust pipelines or the intercooler. Check the clamps on the intake pipeline and use soapy water to inspect for cracks. 2. Check for air leakage at the joint surfaces between the turbocharger and the engine exhaust manifold, as well as between the turbocharger and the exhaust pipe. Inspect whether the bypass valve diaphragm of the turbocharger is ruptured. If it is ruptured, it may be accompanied by insufficient power. 3. If there is no air leakage in the pipeline connections, inspect the internal flow channels of the turbocharger. Check whether there are burrs or protrusions on the inner wall of the housing, whether the impeller is fouled, or whether the diffuser section is fouled. Diagnosing abnormal noises from the turbocharger is a systematic task, and it is recommended to have it checked at a repair shop.
After driving a turbocharged car for several years, I've learned that maintenance requires special attention to temperature and oil quality. The turbo operates at extremely high temperatures, and overheating can easily cause damage. When starting the car, I drive gently for a few minutes to let the engine warm up, avoiding aggressive throttle inputs. After parking, I don't turn off the engine immediately; instead, I wait three to five minutes to let the turbo cool down naturally and prevent thermal shock. I use high-quality full synthetic oil for better lubrication and cooling performance, changing it every 5,000 kilometers or so—more frequently than for a regular car. The air filter is checked or replaced regularly to ensure clean airflow for the turbo's health. During daily driving, I avoid frequent hard acceleration to reduce turbo stress. By maintaining these habits, the car's performance stays stable, and I save on repair costs.
