How does a turbocharger work?

HOW DOES A TURBOCHARGER WORK?

A turbocharger is a type of air pump that takes air at ambient pressures (atmospheric pressure), compresses it to a higher pressure, and passes the compressed air into the engine via the inlet valves. For cars and vans, turbos have traditionally been more common in diesel engines to boost performance, but with the tightening of emissions standards, turbocharging is now widespread in production petrol engines too.

At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we specialize in turbocharger maintenance and repairs, whether for diesel or petrol engines. Turbochargers are essential for enhancing performance while ensuring efficiency, and our experienced team can help keep your turbo running smoothly.

How Does a Turbo Work?

All engines depend on air and fuel. By increasing these two elements (within limits), you can increase engine power. However, adding more fuel requires sufficient air to burn it, otherwise, the mixture becomes too rich, leading to inefficiency and problems. Likewise, too much air (running lean) can damage the engine.

Air is always around us and is naturally under pressure. At sea level, this pressure is about 15 psi, and the engine’s induction stroke draws air into the cylinders. To further boost airflow, a turbocharger compresses the air and forces more of it into the engine. This denser air allows more fuel to burn efficiently, increasing power.

In high-altitude environments, where air is less dense, turbochargers can restore some of the power lost due to the drop in air pressure. For example, an engine’s power at 8,000 feet is only 75% of its power at sea level, and turbocharging can help compensate for this.

How Turbocharging Works:

Capture:
Instead of escaping through the exhaust pipe, the hot gases produced during combustion are redirected to the turbocharger. In a twin-scroll turbo, the exhaust gases are gathered from pairs of cylinders in alternating sequences, reducing turbo lag by minimizing interference.

Spin:
The exhaust gases strike the turbine blades, spinning them at speeds of up to 150,000 rpm. This rapid spinning powers the air compressor, which draws in cold air and compresses it to increase its density.

Compress:
The compressor pushes air at about 30% above atmospheric pressure into the engine, allowing the fuel to burn more efficiently. As a result, turbocharged engines can generate 30% more power than non-turbocharged ones of the same size.

Turbo Failure Symptoms

Turbos are generally reliable, but like any mechanical component, they can fail due to wear and tear or other issues. At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we understand how critical it is to diagnose and address turbocharger problems early. Here are some key symptoms of turbo failure:

• Power Loss:
A failing turbocharger may cause your car to lose acceleration or struggle to maintain higher speeds. If you notice reduced performance, it could be time to have your turbo inspected.

• Whining Engine:
If you hear a loud, whining sound (like a dentist’s drill), your turbo may be failing. This noise usually gets worse as the problem becomes more severe.

• Exhaust Smoke:
Blue or grey smoke coming from your exhaust could indicate oil is leaking into the system due to a cracked turbo housing or worn internal seals. If you notice this, it’s essential to have it checked out.

• Check Engine Light:
Modern cars have diagnostic systems that can pick up turbo faults, triggering the check engine light. While this light could indicate other problems, a professional diagnostic check at TGPP-Autocare can pinpoint the issue.

Common Causes of Turbocharger Failure

Turbochargers rely on a constant flow of clean oil to function properly. When the oil supply is compromised—whether due to contamination, improper grade, or a lack of lubrication—turbos can fail. Some common causes of turbo failure include:

• Oil/Lubrication Issues:
Oil contamination or oil starvation can lead to abrasive damage inside the turbocharger. Replacing the engine oil and filter at regular intervals is crucial to maintaining a healthy turbo.

• Damaged Seals:
Worn or cracked seals between the compressor and the engine can cause oil leaks, reducing the efficiency of the turbo.

• Foreign Objects:
Dust, debris, or other foreign objects entering the turbo can damage the compressor wheel or turbine blades. Regular air filter replacements are essential to prevent this.

• Wear & Tear:
While turbos are designed to last for the vehicle’s lifetime (around 150,000 miles), they can wear out over time, especially if the car is driven hard.

At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we can help you stay on top of turbo maintenance and catch any potential issues before they become costly repairs.

Can I Drive With a Blown Turbo?

Technically, you can still drive if your turbocharger fails, but we don’t recommend it. Turbo failure can quickly lead to engine failure, so it’s best to get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we offer diagnostic checks to identify and resolve turbo problems before they escalate.

TGPP-Autocare Stevenage: Your Turbocharger Experts

At TGPP-Autocare Stevenage, we specialize in turbo diagnostics and repairs. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle everything from routine turbo maintenance to more complex issues like turbo failure. With our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced team, we’ll make sure your turbocharged engine stays efficient and powerful.

If you’ve noticed any of the turbo failure symptoms mentioned above, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Book a diagnostic check with us today and keep your vehicle running at its best.

Contact Us:
Call us on 01438 232556 or visit our garage in Stevenage. We’re open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We’ll help you get back on the road with confidence!