5 Mistakes that Destroy Turbo Engines Fast!

Learn the crucial habits that can make or break your turbocharged engine! In this video, I reveal 5 common practices that silently destroy turbo engines. As a mechanic with over 20 years of experience, I've seen firsthand how these habits can lead to costly repairs and premature engine failure.

I'll show you how to protect your turbo engine, extend its lifespan, and maintain peak performance.

Whether you're driving a turbocharged car, SUV, or truck, this information is essential for every turbo engine owner. Don't miss out on these vital tips that could save you thousands in repairs!

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and should not replace professional advice. As an experienced mechanic, I aim to provide helpful insights, but I'm not liable for any damage or issues arising from the application of this information. Always consult a qualified mechanic for specific vehicle needs. Viewer discretion and responsibility are advised.

[andgate]

Don't go hard on ANY cold engine. But don't sit for 10min warming it up. Just drive away once oil pressure up...itll heat quicker driving than sitting.

[justyourbasicdad]

I drive a BMW with a turbo diesel. I always drive slowly for about 5 minutes keeping PRMs low, and never go wide open throttle until the engine is at full operating temperature. This formula has worked well for me on numerous European turbocharged cars over the years.

[DenverDave]

Most engines cold start to a fast idle (~1500rpm).
Good rule of thumb is to wait until it idles down (~750rpm) to begin driving if you have a turbo.
As the video states, this only takes 1-2 min. A bit longer in freezing temps.

[winstonchurchill]

I brought a Sierra Cosworth 3 door brand new in 1987. I used to drive it hard at night, then pull over lift the bonnet and watch the turbo and down pipe glowing. The heat was intense. Awesome. True story!

[TheOzthewiz]

All of these recommendations apply to N/A as well as forced induction engines! Also, instead of idling a "cold" engine for 5 min, it's better to drive it EASY after about 30sec of run time. Prolonged idling of a cold engine results in a much longer warm up time. An engine under load warms up faster, getting rid of crankcase condensation more quickly, which is a GOOD thing. You are RIGHT about the "start-stop" systems causing accelerated wear of engine and related components. Not worth the 2mpg that you "save" at the pump!

[aciddiver]

To avoid turbo trouble, i bought a non turbo port injected car😊 regardless, i always turn off start/stop system and i use premium 98 octane gas with no ethanol. And change oil every 5.000 km.

[neromastic]

As a Car Mechanic I can approve that all the Facts are True
Had too many Blown Turbo's from Customers

[MarcHDJv]

All good, in fact, essential advice. I’ve followed this behaviour and my 30-year Cruiser is still running strong.

[dtma]

Excellent video, priceless advice!!! I have 2 Audis, my wife’s Q5 and mine is a modified A5. I always do exactly what is in this video and zero issues!!!

[wafflesnfalafel]

Thought this might be one of those BS youtoob vids, but it's not - every single item is solid advise, (coming from a turbo owner.) Thanks for the vid.

[danm]

I have a 2016 Subaru Forester xt, 2.0 turbo, just turned 282, 000 miles and runs like the day I bought it. I change oil every 4000 miles and have had no problems.

[nicomeier]

I never drive away immediately and I never drive off with a lot of throttle. And I always use premium gas and I always follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
Never had any engine trouble in over 30 years.

[mhk]

That’s absolutely great information. I have a Corolla GR 300HP 3 Cylinder Turbo running 26 PSI boost. I change my oil every 2500 miles. Plus I idle the car for 2 to 3 minutes before turning off, also when car is warming up I’m easy on the car until the oil is 190f. Simple small things can make a huge difference. Plus I would take it a step further with direct injection turbocharged car it’s very important to avoid short trips for fuel delusion not to occur and make sure you get your engine to operating temperature for minimum of 15 minutes.

[dappergent]

Very good advice. I have a MINI JCW R56 and was told to let it warm up for a few mins before driving off and let it cool down a min or so before you turn off your engine.

[AmericanThunder]

3:09 The result is not just oil coking. The turbine shaft is still spinning at a high speed immediately after driving, so when you quickly shut off the engine, those turbine shaft bearings/bushings have zero oil pressure to lubricate and cool them. The same goes for revving the engine at a car show to impress your friends, then shutting it off.

[kylelafleur]

I like this video! Only things I would add on for people to watch out for is some cars have auxiliary water pumps for the turbo so unless you were driving it like a race car…you don’t HAVE to wait before shutting off, but you shouldn’t immediately shut off after parking. Another thing is for a “cold engine” it’s far safer to wait for the high idle cold start programmed into your car to idle down (takes 30 seconds to a minute on most turbo cars) and then start driving immediately. Your engine won’t warm up enough in super cold weather so you have to drive it, BUT you have to try to stay out of boost and drive it easily without accelerating hard or hitting high rpms and a good synthetic oil won’t be as thick as molasses anyways. This is the safest way to warm up the oil and engine especially since once the car idles down there’s not enough oil pressure to completely lube the turbo and idling for a while wears out your piston rings which leads to problems of excessively burnt oil, lower power and worse gas mileage.

[skilland]

I used to drive a Mercedes truck, a sticker in the screen said. Do not demand full engine power until engine is fully warmed up. Good advise I think and have always remembered it.

[chappy]

I run my 2001 Crown Athlete VX, 1jz vvti on super unleaded and change oil and filter every 3k to 5k miles.

Also fitted an oil temp and pressure gauge. Also has a turbo timer that was fitted back in Japan.

Had no issues in 5 years I've owned it

[MP-pofj]

Regular oil changes.
Every 5k.
First start of the day.
I. Minute idle.
Drive on but don't rev over 3k rpm for the first 3 mins as most wear happens on start up.
Keep oil turbo feed pipe clean also.
Good to go😊

[nielkirsten]

I would add avoid lugging the engine i.e. pulling hard from low revs.