Factors Leading to Turbocharger Damage in High-End European Cars
Of late, a large number of European cars are coming equipped with turbocharger that help boost the performance of these European vehicles. In fact, high-end automotive brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and Maserati are heavily reliant on turbochargers to generate power-packed performance in their cars.
However, there are instances of turbocharger suffering damage in European cars due to varied factors. There is no doubt that turbocharger operate under extreme pressure. In this article, we will discuss the factors that lead to turbocharger damage in high-end European cars.
Factors Leading to Damaged Turbocharger
Inadequate Oil Supply
The turbocharger is completely dependent on the engine oil for its optimal functioning, and any kind of interruption in the flow of engine oil to the turbocharger can result in malfunctioning of the turbocharger in your vehicle. In fact, one of the major reasons behind issues with the functioning of the turbocharger is high-end European cars is linked to inadequate oil supply in the vehicle.
Often, the inadequate supply of engine oil is primarily linked to blocked oil feed lines, clogged oil filters, low engine oil levels, failing oil pumps, or sludge buildup in the lubrication system, which makes it impossible for the oil to flow into the turbocharger of your European car.
As the turbocharger bearings rotate at a very high speed, even a slight loss of lubrication can lead to the build up of intense heat and friction. Now, without a supply of adequate engine oil, the bearings can seize, shafts can get warped, and the turbine wheels can become damaged.
That is why maintaining your high-end European car as per the manufacturer’s recommendation is very important, as it is going to take care of the engine oil in your vehicle.
Malfunctioning PCV System
Another major reason behind issues with the functioning of the turbocharger in high-end European cars is linked to the functioning of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve in your vehicle. In fact, the PCV system is responsible for regulating the crankcase pressure and then recirculating the toxic vapors back into the intake system for combustion.
Now, over the years, as your vehicle gains miles, the PCV system starts to get clogged, damaged, or malfunction entirely, leading to the development of excessive crankcase pressure inside the engine of your car. This is when the engine oil goes past the turbocharger seals and moves into the intake or exhaust system of your car.
As the engine oil gets into the intake or exhaust system, European car drivers are going to experience blue smoke from the exhaust, an increase in oil consumption, a drop in the turbocharger efficiency, and contamination of the intercooler and intake piping.
Moreover, if the problem isn’t addressed immediately, then the excessive oil leakage can completely damage the turbo bearings and reduce the lifespan of your turbocharger.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Most drivers aren’t aware of the fact that the air filters in their European vehicles play a stellar role in preventing the entry of harmful contaminants into the turbocharger of the car. However, the nature of working of the air filter in your high-end car is such that it tends to get clogged over the years, which severely affects the flow of air into the turbocharger of your car.
Now, as the airflow into the turbocharger isn’t adequate enough, it works under tremendous pressure to draw in more air, which increases the stress on the compressor wheel and shaft assembly lead to damage to the turbocharger of your vehicle.
Cooling System Problems
There are many European cars that rely on the cooling system to help keep the turbocharger cool under optimum operating temperature conditions. In fact, the efficient functioning of the cooling system goes a long way in preventing heat-related damages to the turbocharger.
However, if the cooling system components in your European car starts to malfunction, then you are going to face issues with the functioning of the turbocharger in your vehicle. At times, the radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostats, and coolant lines can malfunction, thus building additional stress on the turbocharger leading to severe damages if the problems aren’t addressed quickly.
Finally
These are some of the underlying factors that lead to turbocharger damage in high-end European cars. Now, while driving if you come across anything unusual in the performance of your luxury car, then you must immediately seek the assistance of a certified auto repair shop to get your vehicle inspected and fixed accordingly without delay.
