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The turbocharger, or turbo for short, is a crucial part of your vehicle. It has been designed to create an efficient and powerful fuel system, used to keep your car up and running. It also minimizes the harmful emissions that harm the environment, further making its role crucial.

For an engine to be powered, air needs to be mixed with fuel. The fuel then gets ignited and burned to create power. Following the formula, we can then state that the more air added, the more fuel can be burned. This is where the role of your turbo comes into play—it supports by adding additional air into the system, thereby helping fuel to more for additional power. As a result, you get a faster car, all the while reducing exhaust emissions that add to air pollution. 

Regardless of your current engine of choice, diesel engine or not, it’s undeniable that turbochargers are good investments. They’re not immune to breakdowns, however. They need proper care and maintenance, but it also pays to know the most common signs of turbo damage before your vehicle gets affected. Here are some of them:

Sign #1: Increased consumption of gas

Your turbocharger has been added for better fuel efficiency and economy. If you find yourself making frequent trips to the gas station, something may be wrong. You may also see a noticeable decrease in your vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg), which is a telltale sign of a malfunctioning turbo. 

If you see these signs, get your turbo checked right away. Raw fuel may be leaking from the turbo into the exhaust, which can be dangerous—raw fuel, especially from a diesel engine, can easily be ignited.

Sign #2: Poor acceleration quality 

Apart from better fuel economy, your turbo is also responsible for increasing engine power. If you find that your car is suffering from a decreased acceleration quality, it means that it’s running on reduced power. The culprit could be your turbo, so have it checked by an expert right away.

A delayed response from your car after stepping on the gas pedal or failure to match the speed you’re looking for are just some of the most common occurrences. But as soon as you feel that something may be off, get your turbo checked—don’t use your vehicle until it gets sorted. 

Sign #3: Too much exhaust smoke

One of the reasons why people invest in turbos is because they reduce the smoke emission from the exhaust pipe. If you find your vehicle emitting excessive smoke, your turbo may be defective. It may be suffering from a crack in the housing, which causes oil to leak into the exhaust system. As soon as you notice the exhaust being too much, consult an expert immediately. Exposed oil can further damage not only your turbo but the rest of your vehicle. 

The Bottom Line

Turbochargers are innovative products that changed the name of the game forever—people can now drive smaller cars with the same power, and people can now enjoy diesel engines without the fear of contributing to air pollution. 

While turbochargers have been built to last, it is not immune to maintenance and breakdowns. As such, it’s important to keep in mind these symptoms in mind. If your turbo shows any of the signs discussed above, make sure to visit your mechanic right away. Doing so will save you from further complications. 

For special parts, such as a 1993 Dodge Cummins automatic transmission, and full-service facilities and shop, US Diesel Parts is the place to go. We are more than just parts resellers—our facility has grown into an all-around car lover’s oasis, feature product showrooms, a diesel fuel injection shop, a turbocharger rebuild facility, cleaning, and so much more. 

As experts, we’ll provide you with the best service possible. Reach out to us today for more information.