WHAT GOES WRONG?

 A combination of high-temperature exposure from compressed air and exhaust gases means that the turbocharger gets immensely hot. Despite these extreme operating conditions, the turbo is a surprisingly reliable component. Yet, because it relies heavily on healthy lubrication and cooling systems, any deficiencies in those circuits mean that turbocharger failure tends to be the symptom of another problem that you should investigate separately.

As mentioned earlier, poor driving, unsympathetic driving techniques and neglected engine oil and filter changes remain challenges to turbocharger longevity. The addition of electric water pumps – to help carry heat away from the turbocharger core to reduce the risk of overheated oil carbonising on the soft bearings after the engine has stalled – has helped. So too have uprated turbocharger bearing materials for cars equipped with Stop-start technologies (see CM’S March 2020 issue). Yet, these developments don't mean that drivers and owners can believe that turbochargers are forever tolerant of abuse.

Research how complex turbocharger replacement is on your car and consider that extra parts are likely. Query the retailer about what exactly is supplied with a replacement turbocharger kit and budget for any addons. Remanufactured turbochargers are sold mainly on an exchange basis, so your old part must be returned and in a suitable condition to allow your surcharge fee to be refunded.