What Are the Five Taboos for Turbocharged Cars?
4 Answers
Here are the five taboos for turbocharged cars: 1. Avoid stomping on the accelerator at startup: One of the key features of turbocharged cars is their quick acceleration, but you should not stomp on the accelerator immediately after starting. Doing so can easily damage the turbocharger's oil seal. Instead, let the engine idle for a while to allow the lubricating oil to fully coat the bearings before the turbocharger rotor reaches high speeds. This will result in more effective acceleration. 2. Do not shut off the engine immediately: Especially after prolonged high-speed operation, abruptly stopping the engine while it is still hot can cause the residual oil in the turbocharger to overheat, damaging the bearings and shaft. Therefore, let the engine idle for a minute or two before shutting it off. 3. Use high-quality oil: Since turbochargers often operate at speeds exceeding 150,000 RPM, improper oil usage can significantly affect the turbo's lifespan. Always use the manufacturer-recommended or higher-grade full synthetic oil to ensure proper lubrication for the turbocharger and engine, reducing friction and wear. 4. Avoid prolonged idling: During idling, the engine and turbocharger operate at low speeds, causing the gas pressure in the turbo and compressor to drop below the bearing housing pressure. This can lead to oil leakage into the compressor and turbo, depriving the bearings of proper lubrication and cooling. Additionally, oil leaking into the compressor may enter the cylinders, disrupting normal engine operation. Therefore, avoid excessively long idling periods. 5. Clean the oil lines promptly: Since turbochargers frequently operate at high temperatures, the oil lines can develop partial carbon deposits due to heat exposure, leading to insufficient lubrication of the turbocharger bearings and potential damage. Thus, the oil lines should be cleaned periodically after extended use.
There are five major taboos to be aware of with turbocharged cars: First, driving at high RPM immediately after a cold start, which causes the turbo bearings to operate at high temperatures before proper lubrication, leading to wear or even deformation. Second, using low-quality or incorrect specification engine oil, as improper oil viscosity can result in insufficient lubrication, potentially causing the turbo to fail after tens of thousands of kilometers. Third, neglecting the cooling system, such as insufficient coolant or fan malfunction, which can cause the turbo to overheat and deform, with high temperatures potentially igniting surrounding components. Fourth, abruptly shutting off the engine without idling, such as turning off the engine directly after high-speed driving, leaving residual high heat in the turbo and affecting the lifespan of the turbine blades. Fifth, failing to regularly replace the air filter or inspect oil lines, as excessive impurities can cause intake pressure imbalance, significantly reducing turbo efficiency or even leading to failure. Regular maintenance is key, and any issues should be addressed promptly at a professional shop to avoid costly repairs and time delays.
Driving a turbocharged car requires wisdom: avoid stomping the throttle under high load when the engine is cold, as pressurizing before the engine is fully warmed up can accelerate wear on the turbo bearings. After parking, let the engine idle for at least one or two minutes to allow the turbo to cool naturally—immediately shutting off after hard braking can leave residual heat that corrodes internal components. During long highway trips, avoid sustained high-RPM operation, as prolonged turbo overload can cause overheating and deformation, affecting response speed. Frequent rapid acceleration and deceleration cause fluctuating boost pressure, which may lead to oil leaks from seals or burst pipes. Pay close attention to oil quality—premium oil ensures proper lubrication, while cheap alternatives may seem fine in the short term but pose long-term risks. Opt for full synthetic oil and high-octane gasoline, and regularly inspect the turbo’s condition. Follow these practices, and your turbo will last a decade without issues.
Turbocharged cars are most afraid of these mistakes: driving fast immediately after a cold start, as the turbo bearings may not be properly lubricated, leading to increased wear over time; using low-quality oil or failing to change the oil, which causes insufficient lubrication and increased friction, potentially causing the turbo to seize; improper heat dissipation, such as shutting down the engine immediately after prolonged high RPMs, preventing heat from dissipating and damaging the turbine blades; a dirty air filter, which can block airflow and reduce turbo efficiency, increasing fuel consumption; frequent short trips where the turbo doesn't warm up properly before shutdown, leading to severe carbon buildup over time. Don't skimp on parts that need replacing during maintenance, and drive with smooth acceleration and deceleration. These small habits can add up to costly repairs, but simple care can protect your hardware.
