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When you decided to invest in that fancy new turbo system for your vehicle, longevity wasn’t necessarily at the forefront of your mind. Speed and aesthetics were probably at the top of your list. However, if you want to keep your tricked-out car performing at its peak potential, you need to make sure you are keeping everything clean and tuned up.
Oftentimes an inexperienced gearhead will invest in one part of the engine and forget about smaller adjustments that can and will make a big difference in the proper running of the vehicle. A good turbo means nothing if you can’t tap into its power. Check out these tips to keep your turbo ship shape:
The Right Stuff
Starting your engine build after the addition of a turbo can often lead you to look for blow off valves online. This can be a tricky search. You want to make sure you are getting the right components and are purchasing from a company with reliable customer service. If something happens during shipment, you want to be able to pick up the phone and talk with someone immediately. Also, searching online for parts can often seem like a crapshoot. Talking with a company representative can help take the guessing game out finding the right stuff and give you a personal connection to the company as well.
Maintenance Worries
Turbochargers offer users both power and fuel economy, but only when they are well maintained. If you are not an adept car mechanic, make sure you find the right people and company to work on your vehicle. Since most turbos are aftermarket additions, having someone able to work with your exact setup is ideal. Vetting your car mechanics is a great way to ensure your turbo is in the right hands.
The Warm-Up and the Cool Down
Most drivers know to allow your vehicle to warm up before doing any moderate driving. But did you know that after you have finished driving with a turbocharged or supercharged vehicle it is recommended that you don’t immediately shut it off? Idling the engine after you park your vehicle allows the oil to circulate through and cool the components.
Depending on how hard you have just driven your vehicle directly correlates to how long you should let it cool down. For example, an easy drive to the shopping center requires less cool down than a heavy drive at higher speeds for longer periods of time. Colder outdoor temperatures also contribute to the warm-up and cool downtimes of your vehicle.
Save the Boost
When you are in boost, you are in a phase where charged air is forced into the cylinders by the turbo. You can increase the longevity of your turbo by not remaining in turbo when it’s unnecessary. Boost is typically produced in more abundance in the higher RPMs, so be mindful of how hard you hit the gas. Having too much boost can lead to problems like knocking in the engine. If you want to avoid that, make sure you are using the highest-octane gasoline possible for your engine. Additionally, keep RPMs low when you can and save the boost for when you really need it.
Regardless of the type of turbo you have, you can ensure its longevity and efficiency by making sure you are buying the right products, that the people handling your vehicle are the best, and that you are actively making efforts to keep the turbo operating optimally.
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