How do I keep my turbo healthy?

What kind of maintenance does a turbo need?

It depends on the type of maintenance. Turbocharged engines will require more frequent oil changes and fresh spark plugs, though turbo engines typically don't require additional service compared to naturally aspirated engines.

Do turbos require maintenance?

A turbocharger is essentially an additional component that forces more air into the combustion chamber. It makes the car produce more power as the result yet maintain fuel economy. Maintenance-wise, unlike the concerns that some car owners may have, a turbo car requires the same care as a regular car.

What is the most important maintenance item on turbocharged engines?

“One of the most common causes of turbocharger damage is the lack of adequate lubrication of the turbo's rotor assembly and … bearings. Therefore, the vehicle owner must follow the engine manufacturer's recommended oil and filter change intervals.”

How often should you clean your turbo?

If you drive in town or only run short distances, use Bardahl Turbo cleaner every 5,000 km or once a year. If you often drive on highways, use Bardahl Turbo cleaner every 10,000 km or once a year.

5 Tips To Keep Your Turbo Engine Healthy

What should you not do with a turbo engine?

How do you lubricate a turbo?

PRE-LUBE TURBOCHARGER

Pre-lube the turbocharger prior to first start up. With engine NOT running; add clean engine oil to the oil inlet of the turbo while turning the shaft by hand until oil comes out of the drain. Use of a squeeze bottle or pump can is recommended to expedite this process.

How long should a turbo last?

Turbos are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle (or around 150,000 miles); however, it's possible for them to wear out over time depending on how hard you drive the car and the original build quality of the turbo.

How long will a turbo engine last?

That said, there are many turbo engines that can last long. Take, for example, the turbodiesel in the Mark IV Volkswagen Golf / Jetta (from early 2000's). Many of them are going well past 200K miles with good maintenance.

Should I let my turbo cool down?

Is it necessary to let the engine idle for several minutes before switching the ignition off? Turbocharged engines do need to cool down before they are turned off. But in nearly all driving conditions, the engine does not reach temperatures that require a deliberate cooling down period.

How often do Turbos need to be replaced?

Most turbochargers need to be replaced between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. If you are good at maintaining your car and get timely oil changes your turbocharger may last even longer than that.

How do you know if your turbo is good?

Can I spray WD40 in my turbo?

The turbo is just raw iron. It will rust, period. Don't spray any WD40 or anything else on it. That stuff is very flammable.

Is there a turbo cleaner?

JLM Turbo Cleaner has been developed to restore engine performance, reduce soot emissions and is suitable for all diesel engines. JLM Turbo Cleaner is very easy to use, the liquid can easily be added to the diesel in the fuel tank. And there you go: fast and affordable turbo cleaning is now a fact.

Do turbo cleaners work?

These cleaner exhaust gases, combined with heat, can naturally scavenge and clean the carbon from all post-combustion areas, including the turbo. This is somewhat effective but you achieve the same results from a high quality fuel system cleaner.

How do I prolong my turbo life?

How often should you change oil in a turbo engine?

Throw Conventional Oil Change Wisdom Out the Window

As both engines and lubrication have evolved, that number has crept up into the 5,000, 7,500 and even 10,000+ miles range for many manufacturers.

Why is my turbo whistling?

What causes turbo whistle? Turbo whistle is the sound of the compressor inside the turbocharger speeding up (also known as 'spooling up', which is why it kicks in at the boost threshold (when the turbo starts to kick in) as you accelerate up the rev range.

Can you daily a turbo car?

Yes, it is totally fine to daily drive a turbo car. In fact, turbocharging – at least from the perspective of many manufacturers – is more about making daily driving easier for the driver by making cars more powerful, more fuel efficient and easier to drive.

Is synthetic oil better for turbocharged engines?

"With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA's findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial to newer vehicles with turbocharged engines and for vehicles that frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads or operate in extreme hot or cold conditions."

Do turbos work better in cold weather?

As air temperature increases the density of the air, and the amount of oxygen it holds, decreases. This means that the turbocharger has to work harder, spin faster and compress more air to produce the same amount of boost it would at lower temperatures.

Do Turbos need air filter?

Without a functional air filter, dirt and debris can easily enter the turbocharger, causing extreme damage. To make things worse, metal from the failed turbocharger can find its way into the engine, circulating throughout the system. This can result in complete engine failure.