Why Does a Turbocharged Car Lack Power?
1 Answers
Turbocharger power deficiency occurs because turbocharged engines using low-quality oil do not necessarily require full synthetic oil, but it is recommended to use full synthetic oil. Full synthetic oil can achieve relatively high shear resistance with relatively low viscosity. As is well known, low oil viscosity means less resistance and faster flow, which is crucial for efficient heat dissipation required by the high temperatures of turbochargers. The low viscosity of full synthetic oil enhances the oil's heat dissipation efficiency, which is significant for turbochargers. When the engine is cold, aggressive throttle use with poor-quality air filters can cause issues. Many people prefer to clean air filters with high-pressure air and continue using them. This is highly incorrect. After being blown by high-pressure air, the pores in the air filter expand, potentially allowing large dust or sand particles to pass through. This is akin to a bird striking a high-speed rotating turbine in an aircraft, leading to turbine blade damage, imbalance, eccentric wear, and further deterioration. When using low-quality oil filters for prolonged aggressive driving, it is necessary to delay shutting off the engine. Note that "aggressive driving" here refers not to long-distance driving but to extreme speeds, excessive acceleration, or mountain road driving, which can cause turbocharger temperatures to rise excessively. Although modern engines have independent electronic delayed cooling programs that continue heat dissipation after the engine is turned off, if the battery dies, the cooling cycle terminates. This can prevent the turbocharger from reducing its high temperatures, leading to oil carbonization due to extreme heat and causing turbocharger burn-out. Many low-quality filters have small filtration areas. Over time, accumulated impurities severely reduce circulation. In such cases, the oil filter's bypass valve opens, rendering the filter ineffective and allowing large amounts of impurities to enter the engine's circulation. These impurities can clog the turbocharger's oil passages, impairing circulation and causing wear to the floating bearings. During prolonged aggressive driving, delaying engine shutdown is necessary. Again, "aggressive driving" refers to extreme speeds, excessive acceleration, or mountain road driving, not long-distance highway cruising at 120 km/h, which does not overheat the turbocharger.
