Are you new to the world of German engineering? If you're new to Audis, then you may also be new to high-performance turbos. Since many Audi engines use forced induction, it's crucial to understand their service requirements.
Fortunately, your Audi's turbo is likely to be relatively reliable if treated with proper care. This guide will help you understand how to care for your turbocharged autobahn cruiser and a few of the problems you may face along the way.
The Essentials of Turbocharger Maintenance
You may be happy to know that your turbocharged engine doesn't require any unique maintenance routines. Manufacturers design the turbocharging systems to last for the vehicle's life, and Audis are no different in this regard. Instead, caring for your turbocharged engine will require you to be slightly more meticulous with your regular maintenance routine.
Your car's turbocharger uses the same oil as your motor for both cooling and lubrication. While your engine may turn at a few thousand rotations per minute, turbocharger charges often spin at several hundred thousand rotations per minute! This faster rotational rate ultimately means more heat and more wear on your motor oil.
Because of their incredibly high rotational speed, using old oil or running your engine low on oil can quickly chew up the internal parts of your turbocharger. Using oils recommended by Audi and following the manufacturer's oil change schedule is the best way to avoid premature damage to your engine's turbocharger.
Recognizing the Signs of Trouble
Even with careful maintenance, turbochargers can still sometimes fail. Recognizing the signs of failure may allow you to avoid replacing the entire turbocharger. Common symptoms of an impending failure include a loss of power and burning oil. Although you should never ignore these symptoms, they should be of particular concern with a turbocharged engine.
It's also a good idea to treat your check engine light with a little more respect when dealing with a turbocharged engine. If the above symptoms accompany this warning light, it may be warning you of an underboost condition. This error code doesn't necessarily mean that your turbocharger is on its death bed, but you should still investigate the underlying cause as soon as possible.
In most cases, the best way to avoid an expensive repair is through preventative maintenance and proactive action. If you notice any problems that may indicate an underlying issue with the turbocharger, bringing your vehicle to an Audi service shop may allow you to correct the problem before it leads to an eye-watering repair bill. Look for one in your neighborhood like Hillside Imports.
Share28 May 2021
After my car died and I was stranded on the freeway a few years back, I knew that I had to do what I could to avoid similar issues in the future. I began working hard to identify different issues with my car, so that I could prevent problems. I began working with a mechanic to get help, and he taught me a lot about going through my car and being able to evaluate different things that were problems. It was really interesting to explore the possibilities of different car failures, and before I knew it, I could tell when my car was struggling. Read more about the early signs of car trouble on my blog.