6. Hot Stopping

A turbo spinning at up to 100,000rpm creates a excess heat in the shaft and bearings, much of which is dissipated by the flow of oil. When the turbocharger is allowed to slow down and cool over a reasonable period of time (don’t go switching the engine off immediately after a blast along your favourite quarter-mile), this isn’t a problem. By shutting off an engine immediately after it has been operating at full chat, however, the flow of oil is immediately halted and heat is trapped inside the turbo. These unchecked toasty temperatures can cause severe damage, including a warped shaft (due to turbine droop), carbonising oil and compromised bearings. At this stage, the failure of your car’s turbocharger is imminent.

How to prevent it

It’s recommended you end your journey at a more sedate pace or, once at your destination, simply leave the engine ticking over for a few minutes to allow the turbo to cool down. A turbo timer is a device that can be used to do just that and will allow the engine to run on for a set period of time after the ignition has been turned off and the key removed, but check to make sure your insurer will continue to provide cover if you’re planning to fit one.