What is a Turbo?
A turbocharger, also known as a turbo, is an additional system used by car manufacturers to boost engine power. Turbos are commonly used to deliver the same level of power in smaller cars that is usually found in larger cars.
Almost all manufacturers now offer a turbocharged model in their line-up. It means they can provide smaller engines that produce the same power output while also increasing fuel efficiency. For example, Ford have replaced their old 1.6-litre petrol engine with the new 1.0-litre turbo EcoBoost unit.
How does a Turbo work?
For a car engine to produce power that drives the wheels, it combines fuel and air. Turbos add more air into the mixture by using the exhaust to spin an air pump (or compressor).
The air pump then pushes extra air into the engine's cylinders, allowing them to burn more fuel per second, and produce more power than a normally aspirated unit.
Turbos run at incredibly high speeds (up to 250,000rpm) which means they operate under huge pressures and temperatures. Typically, a turbocharger will be paired with cooling systems to cool the oil and hot air.
Turbo Failure Symptoms
There are several signs you can look out for to tell if your turbocharger has blown:
Power Loss
If you notice that your car is not accelerating as powerfully as it used to, or is slow to react to your input, this might be a sign that your turbo is failing.
Similarly, a turbocharged car that struggles to maintain high speeds or is not able to reach speeds it once could be experiencing turbo failure.
Whining Engine
One of the unexpected advantages of a turbocharger is that it makes the engine quieter because it muffles the sound of air intake.
However, if you start to hear a loud, whining noise - a bit like a dentist's drill or police siren - it is a potential symptom of turbo failure.
As the fault gets more serious, the noise will get worse. If you notice a whining from your engine, you should get a professional mechanic to have a look at your car.
Exhaust Smoke
When oil leaks into the exhaust system, it produces a distinctive blue/grey smoke as it burns off. This could be caused by a crack in the turbo housing or damaged internal seals.
If this symptom is caused by the turbocharger, you are more likely to see these discoloured fumes as the engine revs increase shortly after idling.
Check Engine Light
The computer diagnostics on most modern cars can pick up turbo faults and the check engine light will appear on the dashboard to notify the driver.
In terms of the turbocharger, it needs a constant flow of clean, quality oil. A lack of oil (oil starvation), incorrect grade of oil or poor-quality oil will lead to a build-up of contaminants in the engine (oil contamination). This can cause abrasive damage to the inside of the turbo.
It is important that the engine oil and oil filter are both replaced at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
What causes Turbo failure?
Turbochargers are extremely reliable. In fact, less than 1% of warranty inspections find a fault with the turbo itself; instead, blown turbos are normally the result of problems with engine lubrication or the introduction of foreign objects.
Oil/LubricationEngine oil is essentially the life blood of your car. It works to lubricate key moving parts, protect them from corrosion and keep them cool while in use.
In terms of the turbocharger, it needs a constant flow of clean, quality oil. A lack of oil (oil starvation), incorrect grade of oil or poor-quality oil will lead to a build-up of contaminants in the engine (oil contamination). This can cause abrasive damage to the inside of the turbo.
It is important that the engine oil and oil filter are both replaced at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Damaged SealsIf the seals between the compressor and the engine become worn or cracked, oil will leak into the exhaust system. As a result, the turbo must work harder to increase air pressure.
This problem is also known as over-speeding. Ultimately, it will reduce the efficiency and the boost delivered by the turbo.
Foreign Objects/DepositsA turbocharger is essentially made of two fundamental components: the compressor at the front and the turbine at the back. Sometimes, foreign objects such as dust particles, dirt, leaves and small stones can enter the turbo, either via the compressor inlet or turbine inlet.
If the foreign object enters the compressor housing, it often comes from the air filter. In contrast, if the foreign object causes damage to the turbine, the problem usually originates from the engine itself.
The efficiency of the turbo will be reduced if foreign objects start to damage the compressor wheels or turbine blades. To prevent this happening, your air filter should be serviced and replaced regularly. You should also check your turbo for debris.
Wear & TearTurbos are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle (or around 150,000 miles); however, it's possible for them to wear out over time depending on how hard you drive the car and the original build quality of the turbo.
Can I drive with a blown Turbo?Yes, you will still be able to drive your car if your turbocharger fails; however, engine failure won't be far behind, so only drive on if you have to.
As soon as you spot any of the turbo failure symptoms outlined above, you should get your turbo checked as soon as possible by a qualified technician. The longer you leave it, the worse (and more expensive) the problem will get.
