A common misconception about turbocharged cars is that they are only beneficial if you want to go faster. However, this isn’t the case. While it is a fact that a turbocharged engine will help you gain faster speeds, there are other benefits to installing a turbocharger in vehicles. As fuel economy and emission regulations are becoming more strict in Australia and other countries, turbocharged engines are becoming a popular addition for many vehicle owners. With the addition of a turbocharged engine, a vehicle can have a small engine and less fuel consumption when idling, coasting, or in the midst of stop-and-go traffic.
A turbocharged engine isn’t all about speed. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of having a turbocharged engine.
- Better Fuel Consumption
A turbocharged engine is proven to consume less power compared to a standard engine with the same amount of power. The inherently smaller size of the turbocharged engine means it consumes less fuel.
- Less Noise Pollution
A naturally aspirated engine that produces the same amount of power as a turbocharged engine produces more noise as they are bigger in size. A turbocharger also functions as a silence, covering up some of the noise produced by your vehicle.
- Less Emissions
Governments are enforcing stricter regulations that require vehicle manufacturers to produce cars with better gas mileage. These regulations are created to reduce emissions produced by vehicles. Engines with turbocharger features are comparatively smaller compared to standard engines as they burn less fuel and emit less carbon dioxide.
- Size and Weight
A turbocharged engine needs fewer cylinders to generate the same amount of power of a normal engine. The size and weight of a turbocharged engine are much smaller resulting in greater overall efficiency.
How to Take Care of Turbocharged Vehicles
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure, thus taking care of your vehicle is the best way to avoid costly repairs over time. As turbocharged engines feature more components and a complicated design, they are more likely to require additional care and attention to ensure optimal performance for years to come.
Read your Car Manual
As a result of the brutal abuse a turbocharged engine experiences on a daily basis, its motor oil deteriorates at a faster rate compared to those found in naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharged engines should be supplied with the proper kind of oil to keep your engine performing at its peak. Read the service manual of your cat to ensure you are using the right type of motor oil and follow the right frequency and intervals at which you should change the motor oil.
Use Synthetic Motor Oil
Full synthetic motor oil is ideal for turbocharged engines. Oil change should be implemented every 5,000 miles and is a great way to ensure that your engine won’t develop any type of oil-related problems over time. If not motor oil, it’s best to use the specific type of oil on your service manual.
Warm Up the Engine
Make sure for your turbocharged engine to warm up the oil until it reaches its optimum temperature at 200 °F to ensure it functions well.
Let the Turbocharged Engine Cool Down Before Turning Off your Vehicle
Turning off the turbocharged engine immediately upon arriving at your destination is a big NO-NO! This practice can cook the oil inside if you turn it off while it’s still hot. This practice will require you to change the oil more frequently resulting in more car maintenance costs. Thicker oil caused by heating of the engine contributes to the accelerated deterioration of your engine. The best practice is to leave your turbocharged engine running for a few minutes before turning it off.
Use Gear to Climb Hills and Overtake
A turbocharger engine gives small engines added torque and power. This doesn’t mean that you should let your engine do all the work. If you drive a manual car, downshift when climbing up steep portions or when overtaking. Keep in mind that taking a gear lower will reduce your need to use the boost maximum pressure a few times. When you use the turbocharged engine more frequently can result in accelerated wear and tear.
Never Use Low-Research Octane Number Fuel
The quality of fuel is important when you have a turbocharged vehicle. If you want to reduce the chances of engine knocking, avoid filling your tank with cheap fuel. Using cheap fuel not only reduces the performance of your turbocharged engine but also increases the chances of engine knocking. Always use the best type of fuel available as per recommended by the service manufacturer.
If you need a reliable car mechanic to take good care of your turbocharged engine, you can always rely on HP Automotive. With years of experience in car servicing and maintenance in Sydney, you can rest assured that your car is in good and caring hands. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, contact us today.