What is Turbo Lag?
2 Answers
Turbo lag refers to the time required for the turbocharger pressure to rise to its maximum value after the throttle is fully opened. It is a common phenomenon in turbocharged engines. The following is an introduction to turbo lag: 1. Meaning: Turbocharging technology is a method to enhance engine air intake capacity. When you see "turbo" or "T" on a car's rear, it indicates the vehicle is equipped with a turbocharged engine. 2. Function: The main purpose of turbocharging is to increase engine air intake, thereby improving engine power and torque, making the vehicle more powerful. 3. Classification: Turbocharging can be divided into mechanical supercharging, pressure wave supercharging, exhaust gas turbocharging, and compound supercharging.
Driving my first turbocharged car felt like it was pretending to sleep. After pressing the accelerator, it would lazily hesitate, as if the turbo was still napping, taking a few seconds before suddenly surging forward. This delay is called turbo lag, caused by insufficient exhaust gases at low engine speeds to immediately spin the turbine. It was especially noticeable in models from the 1980s and 1990s—ferocious at high speeds but jerky in city traffic, forcing constant throttle adjustments. Fortunately, modern tech like smaller turbos or twin-turbo designs has significantly reduced the lag. I find this particularly annoying for daily driving—new drivers should be cautious not to rely too much on instant power when overtaking.
