What are the symptoms of a broken supercharger?
2 Answers
Symptoms of a broken supercharger include: blue or white smoke from the car's exhaust pipe, decreased power, increased fuel consumption, increased engine oil, and unstable turbo pressure. Blue or white smoke from the exhaust pipe during car idling is caused by poor sealing of the turbocharger impeller shaft. Due to the turbocharger malfunction, the car's power will significantly decrease, and fuel consumption will rise accordingly. If the exhaust gas recirculation pipe is blocked, it will also accelerate engine oil consumption. A supercharger is a technology that compresses air before supplying it to the cylinders to increase air density and intake volume. Engines equipped with superchargers can not only output greater takeoff power but also improve the engine's altitude characteristics.
Having driven for decades, I clearly felt the lack of power when the turbocharger failed, especially when going uphill or accelerating—the car seemed to be gasping for breath. There was also an abnormal noise, like a continuous whistle, which was particularly annoying. Fuel consumption inexplicably increased as well; originally, a full tank could cover 600 kilometers, but now it barely reaches just over 500, wasting both fuel and money. What’s even more frustrating is that the dashboard sometimes lights up with warning signs, like an engine overheating alert, which nearly caused me trouble during a long-distance trip. I must warn that if turbocharger issues aren’t fixed promptly, they can lead to engine damage, resulting in even higher repair costs. So, I strongly recommend getting a professional inspection at the first sign of symptoms—don’t delay and risk further damage to your beloved car.