What is a Car Turbo?
Car turbos are most commonly associated with diesel and high performance vehicles, but they are also increasingly being used in petrol cars as a method of improving engine efficiency and performance.
The principal behind a turbocharger is simple. When your car’s engine runs, it sucks air in through the air filter, which is then mixed with fuel and ignited, creating the power that drives the engine. This ignition process creates waste gases which escape through the exhaust system.
A turbo uses these gases to spin a turbine (essentially, a propeller) and this turbine is then used to push more air into the engine than it would naturally suck in. As a result, your engine can burn more of the air/fuel mixture than it otherwise would, generating more power.
Turbocharging is increasingly popular in everyday petrol cars because it allows more power to be generated from smaller engines, without increasing fuel consumption and emissions to the level of an equivalent larger engine.
What are the Symptoms of a Faulty Car Turbo?
A faulty turbo can manifest in a number of ways.
However, the most common symptoms of issues with the component include:
· Blue/white smoke when accelerating
· Loss of power
· A high-pitched whining noise when accelerating
· Reduced boost showing on the boost gauge (if you have a boost gauge)
· A slower acceleration
· Difficulty maintaining high speeds
· Check engine dashboard light illuminated
A faulty turbo can be caused by a number of issues. Firstly, it may be the result of the wrong type or amount of engine oil. Poor quality oil or indeed the wrong oil grade can result in a build up of carbon deposits and engine contaminants which both cause direct and abrasive damage to the part.
Damaged seals that are cracked and worn may also be the source of your issues as it may let oil leak into your exhaust system. This then makes the turbo to work excessively hard to increase the air pressure levels. Turbo failure may also be the result of foreign objects in the compressor housing which can cause direct damage to the turbo. To avoid this issue, you should regularly check the area for any debris. Additionally, your car’s mileage and age may simply be the result. Turbos are designed to last as long as the car (around 150,000 miles), but they may wear prematurely if it was fitted poorly originally or if you drive particularly forcefully.
Locate Turbo Fault Repairs and Replacement
If you’re looking for affordable car turbo repairs in your local area, we have the UK’s largest network of garages and mobile mechanics who are on hand to help. Posting a job on our site, gains you access to honest quotes from local mechanics which you are then free to compare alongside customer reviews to choose a garage and get booked in!
You don’t have to pay for car repairs until the work is completed at the garage, and our comparison process is completely free to use.
To access great repair prices, simply:
· Head to the job post form at the top of this page and enter your car registration number
· Provide us with a few details about the vehicle and your repair requirements
· We’ll send you a great selection of quotes from mechanics and garages in your area
· You can then compare the price of car turbo repairs and read reviews from customers of the mechanics in question.
· Once you think you’ve found the right deal, simply book your car in online.