As the prices on fuel continue to rise, it’s easy to see the advantage of smaller engines in terms of fuel economy. After all, small engines generally consume less fuel compared to larger engines. However, this means that you also have to sacrifice power.
By installing a car turbo in your vehicle, however, you allow your smaller engine to work like a bigger one even as it uses less fuel. The question often asked, however, is if this trade off is worth it in the long run. Let’s find out.
The Pros of Using A Car Turbo
There are a couple of benefits to using a turbocharged engine that make it worthwhile.
1. More Power With A Smaller Engine
The most obvious benefit to using a car turbo is the additional power it provides for vehicles with smaller engines. The fact that it makes use of a smaller engine also means that it’s lighter compared to a larger engine without a turbocharger.
2. Greater Fuel Efficiency
The way that engines work is that they burn a mixture of fuel and air. Car turbos inject more air than fuel into that formula, lessening the fuel consumption needed to produce the same amount of power a bigger engine without a turbocharger would require. The less fuel burned, the more saved.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Naturally, less fuel consumed results in a lower carbon footprint. Because of the way a turbo engine is designed, less carbon dioxide is produced as a result. Though it isn’t completely free of a carbon footprint, it’s still more environmentally friendly compared to your typical car engine.
The Cons of Using a Car Turbo
While there are car companies and models that manufacture models already built with a turbocharged engine, most of the time you’ll have to install them yourself. The most immediate con of a turbocharged engine is the cost of paying a mechanic to install it into your engine. However, other than that, there are a few other cons to using a turbocharged engine that you should be aware of.
1. The Turbo Lag
One of the biggest and most common problems of a car turbo is the turbo lag. Turbo lag occurs because a turbocharger often requires more time to create enough pressure in the combustion chamber to work the engine. This makes it more difficult to maintain a smoother ride, as your acceleration comes with a delay. This could also result in more difficulty in maintaining a higher speed.
2. Wear and Tear
One common concern regarding turbochargers is if they affect the lifespan of an engine at all. The short answer to that question is “Yes”. When you consider the fact that turbochargers make short engines work at the same levels as a bigger engine, this means that they’re working twice as hard to achieve the same results. Naturally, this wears out the engine a bit faster compared to one without a turbocharger.
This fact is even made more aggravating the faster you drive using a turbocharger. Increasing your speed and acceleration further increases the wearing of your engine.
To Go Turbo Or Not Go Turbo
Driving with a car turbo requires more discipline and awareness, especially if you want to make the most out of your engine. Accelerating gently, for example, is a good way to both lessen fuel consumption and the wear and tear of your engine.
Making sure that your turbocharger is a good fit for your engine is also important if you want to optimize your engine and fuel efficiency. If you’re not sure what car turbo works best for your car, give your mechanic a call to inquire.
If you don’t know anyone that can help you out, check out Turbos.com. As a company that specializes in car turbos, getting expert advice is essential. When you have the time, give them a call at 480-427-6200 and ask about which turbocharger best suits your vehicle.
