Top Tips to Prevent Turbocharger Failure

Posted on June 09, 2014

A turbo can fail for a number of reasons, and if the cause goes undiagnosed, it’s likely that your turbo will suffer the same and similar fate once repaired. We deal with turbos of all shapes and sizes, and after 7 years in the business we have identified some key factors in what causes turbos to fail, and how drivers can go about avoiding this.

Oil

As one of the usual suspects when it comes to turbo failure, it’s important to keep your oil in good condition to protect your turbo. To do this, you should:

  • Change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This will depend on specific manufacturer specifications, so make sure you’re clued on the make and model, as well as the vehicle handbook.

  • When you do change your oil, use the specific oil that has been recommended by your manufacturer. Although this may be more expensive, it contains the specific requirements to allow your vehicle to run at its best.
  • When changing your oil, don’t forget to prime the engine. If you forget to do this, you run the risk of air being caught in your oil pump and pipe work, causing it to not produce the proper oil flow and pressure required. Priming your engine is easy. Simply crank the engine over until full pressure is achieved.

  • Don’t use cleaning additives or an engine flush – this will only loosen particles and debris.

Start-Up and Stopping

  • When starting the ignition, don’t rev your engine during start up. Your turbo may not yet have enough oil supply and you may be causing damage.

  • Once started, give your engine at least 30 seconds to warm up before beginning your journey.

  • After stopping, leave your engine idle for at least 15 seconds. This is because even though your vehicle may have stopped, the turbo is still free spinning, and will no longer receive the required oil when the engine is off completely.

Following these simple steps is an easy way to ensure you get the longest life possible out of your existing turbo, whilst also providing it with the necessary care and maintenance for optimum performance.

For more information, get in touch with our friendly team of turbo experts. We’d be more than happy to help get the most out of your turbo, assist with repairs or even provide replacements.

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