Turbo Self-Diagnosis

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SYMPTOMS OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE

POWER LOSS If you notice a decrease in your vehicle's acceleration or responsiveness, or if it struggles to achieve previous levels of speed, it could be a sign of turbocharger failure.

ENGINE NOISE Typically, a turbocharger helps reduce engine noise by muffling the sound of air intake. However, if you start hearing a loud whining noise resembling a dentist's drill or police siren, it could be indicative of turbocharger failure. The noise may worsen as the issue progresses, and it's recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle if you notice such sounds.

EXHAUST SMOKE Leaking oil into the exhaust system can result in blue/grey smoke as it burns off. This could be caused by a crack in the turbo housing or damaged internal seals. If you observe discoloured exhaust fumes, particularly when the engine revs increase after idling, it could be a symptom of turbocharger failure.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT Modern car diagnostics systems can often detect turbocharger faults, and the check engine light may illuminate on the dashboard. However, it's important to note that the check engine light can also indicate other engine issues, and further inspection by a professional mechanic is necessary to pinpoint the exact problem.

COMMON CAUSES OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE

OIL/LUBRICATION Engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating moving parts, preventing corrosion, and regulating temperature. Proper oil flow is essential for the turbocharger, as it requires a continuous supply of clean, high-quality oil. Insufficient oil (oil starvation), use of the incorrect grade of oil, or low-quality oil can result in the accumulation of contaminants in the engine (oil contamination), leading to abrasive damage to the turbocharger.

Regularly replacing the engine oil and oil filter as per the manufacturer's recommendations is crucial to ensure proper turbocharger operation.

DAMAGED SEALS Worn or cracked seals between the compressor and the engine can cause oil to leak into the exhaust system, causing the turbocharger to work harder to achieve desired air pressure. This is known as over-speeding, which can reduce the efficiency and performance of the turbocharger.

FOREIGN OBJECTS/DEPOSITS Turbochargers consist of a compressor and a turbine. Foreign objects like dust particles, dirt, leaves, or small stones can enter the turbocharger through the compressor inlet or turbine inlet, causing damage to the compressor wheels or turbine blades.

Regular servicing and replacement of the air filter, as well as checking the turbocharger for debris, can help prevent foreign object damage.

WEAR & TEAR While turbochargers are designed to last the lifetime of a vehicle (around 150,000 miles), wear and tear can occur over time depending on driving habits and the original build quality of the turbocharger.

CAN I DRIVE WITH A FAILED TURBOCHARGER? Yes, you may still be able to drive your car with a failed turbocharger, but it's important to note that engine failure may not be far behind. It is strongly recommended to have your turbocharger inspected by a qualified technician as soon as you notice any symptoms of turbocharger failure mentioned above. Delaying repairs can lead to further damage and increased costs.

SYMPTOMS OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE

COMMON CAUSES OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE

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