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Turbocharger Problems and How to Identify Them

Having a turbocharger not working correctly can quickly result in a frustrating issue. Here are a few turbocharger problems and how to identify them.

When you drive your car, you want to feel like you can take on the open road with no resistance. You love feeling the wind against your skin as your engine roars, picking up to thrilling speeds. When you want an increase in power and torque, a fantastic upgrade to add to your car is a turbocharger.

However, it’s essential to know the different turbocharger problems and how to identify them when you notice a change in your turbo performance. So let’s look at the various troubleshooting issues and figure out what might cause them so your turbo can run optimally.

Foreign Objects

When learning how to identify turbocharger problems, keep in mind that they can come from the most common places. When you’re out on the road, there’s a chance that foreign objects can end up in your turbocharger. Broken engine components, small stones, dirt, leaves, and dust particles can enter your turbo.

Debris can enter either through the turbine inlet or the compressor inlet, causing impact damage and abrasion to the turbine blades and compressor wheels, thus reducing turbo efficiency. To prevent it, replace your air filter regularly and check your turbo for loose connections.

Lack of Oil and Lubrication

Engine oil is what keeps your vehicle up and running. It helps numerous moving parts, keeps your vehicle cool while in use, and protects it from corrosion. Letting the oil in your engine go ignored can result in improper turbocharger maintenance and care.

Your vehicle can experience a buildup of carbon deposits and contaminants, causing abrasive damage inside the turbocharger. Changing your oil and oil filter regularly will prevent this problem. Check your oil regularly and follow your owner’s manual to provide the correct fluids that your vehicle and turbocharger need.

Damaged Seals

Turbochargers rely on air pressure to provide power and torque to a vehicle. However, when the seals between the compressor and the engine become cracked or worn, oil can leak into the exhaust system, making the turbo work harder to increase air pressure.

The issue is also known as over-speeding and reduces the efficiency and boost delivered by the turbocharger. So keep an eye on your turbo seals and keep them maintained; replace them when they begin to break down.

While having a turbocharger can bring many benefits to your vehicle, neglecting it can lead to irreversible damage. A functional, well-maintained turbocharger can last the lifetime of your car and provide satisfying power for years to come.


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Hassan Soukar

Hassan Soukar is a veteran automotive, and tech journalist, as well as a professional photographer. A man with a keen sense for innovation and a great sense of humour. He is the pro that reviews the latest gadgets from smartphones and VR headsets to fitness bands. Hassan has a generous number of lists, reviews and latest industry leaks.

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