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In the American diesel truck industry (or motoring industry), no component or upgrade has been as relevant or impactful in recent years as the turbocharger.

While it may have gained popularity in the past two decades because of tuner cars, street racing movies, and imports, turbos (as they’re also called) have played a crucial role in diesel performance for many years. If you were to take a look at a line of different trucks today, you’d most likely notice that one of the few features they share is a little “snail” under the hood. 

As pivotal as this component may be in helping a truck clear all paths and haul all types of loads, there’s one crucial fact about turbochargers that many drivers overlook: It’s easy to break or even kill them if you aren’t careful.

Why are turbochargers so brittle?

Although they’re responsible for carrying an entire industry on their backs and further elevating the standard of modern diesel truck performance, turbochargers are still relatively fragile.

Sure, they may be made of top-grade materials, but what makes them so delicate is that they’re packed with an intricate series of nooks and crannies that are sensitive to misuse. Despite the levels of forced induction that they put out regularly, making even the smallest mistake can put this part’s health in jeopardy, risking thousands of dollars in damage in the process.

When it comes to understanding why these breakages happen, the truth is that forced induction fumbles and teardowns are rooted in avoidable and simple mistakes. Fortunately, preventing your sub-hood snail from becoming another casualty can be avoided by being aware of the common errors and avoiding them.

Turbo-killing mistakes that should be avoided

If you’ve recently become even more attached to the turbo you have under the hood of your diesel truck and want to ensure its longevity, here are two mistakes you should avoid:

Mistake #1: Failing to lubricate

Among all the aspects of turbocharger care that you should be well-aware of, a crucial aspect you can never overlook is that regular lubrication goes a long way. 

It may not seem like much at first, but having a lack of proper lubrication can ultimately kill the bearings that let your turbo spool and the air it takes in and forces into the engine. This costly mistake then leads to something called shaft play after experiencing extended periods of use without oil, causing the turbocharger to implode and fall apart.

Fortunately, this problem can be avoided by lubing up your turbocharger regularly (depending on your manufacturer’s recommended mile range) with the right type of oil!

Mistake #2: Letting foreign object damage take place

At US Diesel Parts, we have received a significant amount of inquiries on what customers should do when a small object ends up getting chewed up by their turbo. When a turbo eats anything like a shop rag, clumps of dust, or a leftover bolt, it’s bound to fail and will require immediate servicing or replacement. 

The best way to prevent this mistake from plaguing your diesel truck turbo is to swap your turbo’s air filter every few thousand miles to prevent costly repair bills!

Conclusion

In today’s era of diesel truck ownership, a turbocharger is one of the most vital components in the performance of any vehicle, making it essential to keep it in great shape at all times. By taking note of the two mistakes mentioned above and avoiding them, you can save yourself from costly repairs and make sure that your turbo lasts for many decades!

We’re the leading diesel engine parts supplier in America that carries OEM and aftermarket parts for Ford Powerstroke, Chevy Duramax, and Dodge Cummins trucks. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you improve your truck’s performance!