Turbo Engine in Cars

by Ronel Forbes

March 30, 2023

Turbocharged vehicles are typically associated with performance, and for good reason. Turbo engines are largely responsible for the improvement in the performance of automobiles over time.

Read on to find out!

What is Turbo Engine?

To comprehend the turbo engine in cars, you must first grasp the operating mechanism of the car’s engine. The following points explain the same.

Internal combustion is the basis for how a car engine functions. When the fuel is lit in a small enclosed space, it releases an amazing quantity of energy in the form of gas.
The goal is to establish a cycle in which the cylinder experiences hundreds of these minute-long explosions.
A new intake of heat, fuel, and the air is needed for every cycle of an explosion. And by raising any of the three elements, you may raise the explosion size, resulting in increased energy generation.
If you have a larger tanker, you can raise the quantity of fuel and produce more power. Yet, the increased gasoline use will also increase your costs.
A turbo engine, on the other hand, forces more air into the engine cylinders, so boosting the strength of combustion and providing more power. The forced induction of air into the combustion chamber is the technical term for the occurrence.

How Does a Turbo Engine Work?

A shaft connects the turbine wheel and compressor wheel, which make up a turbo engine. These parts are contained in a snail-shaped housing with an exhaust port and an inlet port.

The inlet allows high-pressure exhaust gases from the engine to enter the turbo and turn the turbine. It then turns the compressor wheel, compressing and pushing out a significant amount of air through the exhaust port. The cylinders are then fed with compressed air via a conduit.

The great part about turbo is that it does not require additional engine power to run. Instead, the turbo is propelled by the fast-moving exhaust gases of the engine.

Therefore this innovative device makes good use of the exhaust gas that would otherwise go to waste. Since the turbo works at tremendously high pressure and generates massive heat, they are often accompanied by an intercooler. Before being given to the cylinders, the air is cooled in the intercooler. In most cases, an oil cooler is also present to protect the lubricant in the turbo from overheating.

The turbo systems of current cars are pretty sophisticated. They precisely manage how the gases are distributed throughout the system, increasing power production and efficiency.

How do Turbo Chargers and Superchargers Differ?

Superchargers also employ forced compressed air to recharge fuel power and efficiency, just like a turbo engine does. The supercharger turbines, on the other hand, are powered by the engine, which is a distinction.

Superchargers are therefore less efficient than turbochargers, even though they create more power due to their reliance on the engine rather than exhaust gases.

Advantages of Turbo Engine For Cars

Now that you’ve understood what a turbo system is and how it works, let’s look at some advantages of using turbo engines in cars.

Turbo Engines Produce More Power

A small turbocharged engine can provide more power than a larger engine without turbocharging. Thus, turbo automobiles have smaller engines that provide more power.

Effective Turbo Engines

A feature of the turbocharger is that they’re not always on full blast but get engaged just over a particular engine speed. The more the engine rev, the harder they work.

It also means that the turbo will start slowly during light driving.

When compared to large-capacity engines, which constantly consume a lot of fuel, this characteristic helps you to achieve good economy and efficiency.

Turbo Engines Generate More Torque

A turbo engine in a car increases torque in addition to power, particularly at low revs. The practical feature gives little petrol engines which often do not create greater torque without a turbo excellent beginning acceleration.

You may also install a turbo to normally aspirated(NA) diesel engines, albeit they already produce high torque at low rev. It will compound the impact and provide a large amount of horsepower.

Turbocharged vehicles are compact.

Since they can generate significant power even with a small engine capacity, turbo engines are lighter than normally aspirated (NA) engines.

The earlier, heavier iron or steel turbo engine blocks have been replaced with modern light alloy petrol engine blocks. That makes the whole automobile feel more lightweight and efficient.

Turbo Vehicles are Less Loud

Automobiles with turbochargers emit less gas from the exhaust system. Therefore they’re comparatively quieter than a non-turbo automobiles.

Please read: CAR’S CHASSIS, VIN, AND ENGINE NUMBER

Disadvantages of Turbo Engine For Cars

You must be familiar with the term “turbo lag,” which describes a small lag in the power delivery after you hit the throttle. The lag arises because it takes some time for the exhaust gas to reach the turbo and spin its wheels. Larger turbos have a more pronounced effect since it takes longer for their blades to accelerate. Yet, modern cars have evolved techniques to tackle the issue.

To combat the latency, some manufacturers install two turbochargers that run at various revs. Others spin the turbine before the exhaust gas gets to it using a supercharger. With these modifications, the turbo lag becomes so minimal that you won’t even notice it.

Another disadvantage of a turbo engine in cars could be the turbo’s proneness to fault or break down. Driving carelessly or excessively aggressively may cause it. But, it should not be a problem if you take proper care of the car.

Philippines car manufacturers with turbo engines

Here are some of the top turbo-engine vehicles you can find in the Philippines.

Turbo-Petrol Engine Cars

Hyundai i20
Nissan Magnite
Kia Sonet
Hyundai Venue

Turbo-Diesel Engine Cars

Mahindra XUV700
Mahindra Thar
Hyundai Creta
Kia Seltos

Get Coverage for Your Turbocharged Vehicle

Don’t forget to get the right insurance while adding a turbocharger to your car to increase efficiency. And since turbo engines are pricey to fix, it becomes all the more vital to cover them.

You can purchase hassle-free motor car insurance from MGS Insurance Agency which offers a wide range of coverage online. The application process is convenient and easy, and the payment happens quickly and without any hassles.

Additionally, you can choose from many various plans as per your demand and budget.

To submit your insurance application right immediately, just follow these three steps.

Visit the MGS website or main office and provide your car details.
Pick an insurance plan for your vehicle. We can also get you tailor-made quotations to match your needs.
Put money toward the claim.

Conclusion

Automobile turbo engines offer a number of benefits in terms of increased power, efficiency, and speed. To safeguard your safety and prevent engine damage, you must avoid driving too aggressively.

The turbocharger’s benefits can be enjoyed for the duration of the vehicle’s life with careful maintenance.