Does turbocharger need extra care?

Q: My first turbocharged vehicle was a 2003 Volvo XC90 with a 5-cylinder engine.

The owner’s manual stated that the engine should be warmed up to allow the turbocharger to come to temperature before driving and let the turbo cool down for a couple minutes before shutting the engine off.

I now have a 2015 Audi A5 with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

The “nanny” reminder system tells me to “Avoid warming up engine while stationary,” basically suggesting that I drive away. I’ve been following the Volvo tactic when driving my Audi.

So, the bottom line is that, depending on outside temperature, I’m only wasting a little over a minute of gas when starting a cold engine.

What do you recommend? Does a car’s turbocharger need to warm up/cool down or not? — T.F., Virginia Beach, Virginia

A: “There goes another guy with a blown turbo.” We used to hear that when turbochargers debuted as a quick answer for more power from dinky engines.

Blue smoke enshrouded cars as they burned oil. To help the turbo survive, motorists were cautioned to start and idle for about 30 seconds and to also allow the engine to idle for a minute or so before shutdown.

The cooling off period helped prevent oil from coking in the hot turbo. Turbos have come a long way.

Drive gently for the first five minutes and kill the engine normally unless you just pulled off the Autobahn.

Q: I’ve got a 2011 Ford F150 that frequently sits in our driveway without running. It has a 12-volt power outlet on the dash (not the cigarette lighter). It appears from testing that it is power-on capable all the time.

Do you think a solar charger plugged in here would provide a trickle charge to the battery? I am concerned about over charging the battery.

My Ford service writer does not have the answer to my question.

I’m hoping your vast experience and resources can help! — M.L., Center Valley, Pennsylvania

A: Solar chargers with overcharge protection (smart chargers) are the way to go. Check out your favorite auto parts store, big box store or shop online.

(Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an Ase-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber’s work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest.

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