What Causes Turbo Failure and What Symptoms to Watch For

A turbocharger, commonly known as a turbo, is a power-boosting mechanism utilised by automotive manufacturers. Turbochargers are frequently employed in smaller cars to produce the same degree of power as bigger vehicles.

Almost every manufacturer now offers a turbocharged variant. It implies they'll be able to make smaller engines with the same power output while improving fuel economy. Ford, for example, has replaced its old 1.6-liter petrol engine with a new 1.0-litre turbo Eco Boost unit.

Emissions are one of the most typical reasons for a MOT test failure. This might be the result of a malfunctioning turbo that is not performing to the appropriate levels. Review your vehicle's MOT history to see if this was the case and what steps were taken to correct the fault.

What exactly is a turbocharger and how does it work?

An engine produces power by combining fuel and air to propel a vehicle forward. Waste heat is used to fuel an air pump or compressor, which adds more air to the mix.

The air pump allows the engine to burn more fuel per second and create more power than a fuel-injected engine by forcing more air into the cylinders.

Turbos spin at up to 250,000 rpm and are subjected to extremely high pressures and temperatures. A turbocharger is frequently used in conjunction with cooling devices to keep the oil and hot air cold.

Symptoms of Turbo Failure

You can detect whether your turbocharger has blown by looking for the following signs:

1. Power Loss - If you find that your vehicle isn't accelerating as quickly as it used to or is slow to respond to your input, your turbo may be failing. Similarly, turbo failure might be the cause of a turbocharged car's inability to maintain high speeds or attain the speeds it formerly did.

2. Whining Engine - A turbocharger has the unexpected benefit of muffling the sound of air intake, making the engine quieter. It might be a symptom of turbo failure if you hear a loud, whining noise that sounds like a drill or siren. As the fault grows worse, the noise will become louder. If your engine makes a whining noise, you should have it checked out by a professional.

3. Exhaust Smoke - Oil seeps into the exhaust system and burns off, producing a characteristic blue/grey smoke. A break in the turbo housing or broken internal seals might be to blame. If the turbocharger is to blame, the discoloured gases are more likely to appear as the engine rpm rise quickly after idle. Check MOT history to check whether high smoke was a reason for a failed MOT emission test. If this is the case, the turbo might be to blame.

4. Check Engine Light - Most current vehicles' computer diagnostics may detect turbo issues, prompting the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard. The check engine light, on the other hand, does not always indicate turbo failure; a skilled technician will need to do additional tests to determine the specific nature of the engine problem. If the engine management indicator appeared during an online MOT history check, the turbo might be to blame.

What Factors Contribute to Turbo Failure?

Turbochargers have a high level of dependability. In fact, only around 1% of warranty checks uncover a problem with the turbo. Alternatively, blown turbos are typically the consequence of engine lubrication issues or the entrance of foreign objects:

1. Engine oil, often known as lubrication, is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates important moving components, protects them from corrosion, and keeps them cool when in operation. A continual flow of clean, high-quality oil is required for the turbocharger. Contaminants will build up in the engine due to a shortage of oil (oil starvation), the improper grade of oil, or poor-quality oil (oil contamination). The interior of the turbo might be abraded as a result of this. It's critical to replace the engine oil and oil filter at the suggested intervals by the manufacturer.

2. Damaged Seals - If the seals between the compressor and the engine degrade or tear, oil will leak into the exhaust system. As a result, in order to boost air pressure, the turbo is forced to work harder. Another word for this problem is over-speeding. As a result, the turbo's efficiency and boost will be reduced.

3. Foreign Objects/Deposits - A turbo is made up of two primary parts: the compressor in front and the turbine in rear. Through the compressor or turbine input, dust, dirt, leaves, and tiny stones can all enter the turbo. The foreign object usually gets into the compressor housing through the air filter. When a foreign object enters the turbine, however, the problem is almost often caused by the engine. If foreign items begin to harm the compressor wheels or turbine blades, the turbo's efficiency will suffer. Ensure your air filter is clean and replaced on a regular basis to avoid this.

4. Normal Wear and Tear - Turbochargers are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, or around 100,000 miles. They may, however, wear out over time depending on how hard you drive the car and the quality of the turbo's initial manufacture.

Is Driving with A Blown Turbocharger Safe?

Yes, you'll be able to drive your vehicle if your turbocharger fails but, engine failure isn't long behind, so only drive if absolutely necessary. If you see any of the symptoms listed above, you should get your turbo examined by a trained technician as soon as possible.