Turbochargers & Fuel Efficiency
By Okello Samuel
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“. . . compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged ones can increase fuel efficiency by up to 10%.”
2.0 L TFSI turbocharger
A turbocharger is an innovative device that can be fitted into the vehicle’s engine. Powered by the exhaust gases, the turbocharger compresses the intake air and produces more power for the displacement. Hence, the two main purposes of using one are turbocharger fuel efficiency and increased power.
A TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) Engine on a Volkswagen Tiguan
However, many of our clients have a lifelong dilemma: do turbochargers increase fuel economy, or do turbos use more fuel? Luckily, we are here to answer all of your most commonly asked questions so you can make an informed decision.
Turbocharger and Fuel Efficiency
First things first, are turbos fuel efficient?
Generally looking, turbochargers may contribute to fuel economy. Turbo charges give your car engine more power and better performance without the need for a size increase. What’s even better for you is that turbocharging can boost the vehicle’s value.
But how do turbos help fuel economy?
Turbochargers use a pump that pushes more air into the engine.
The secret of turbocharged engines is that they use a pump that pushes more air into the engine. Higher air levels contribute to more efficient fuel combustion. As the turbocharger compresses the intake air, the fuel injection system can add more fuel to the air-fuel mixture in the engine.
Turbocharger Vs. Naturally Aspirated Engines: Which Is More Fuel Efficient?
Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged ones can increase fuel efficiency by up to 10%. Also, turbochargers produce higher power than naturally aspirated engines.
Turbocharged engines have better efficiency when driving with higher RPMs and heavy loads.
Moreover, turbocharged engines have better efficiency when driving with higher RPMs and heavy loads. On the other hand, naturally aspirated engines might be more fuel-efficient when it comes to partial loads and driving at lower RPMs.
Factors that affect turbocharger fuel efficiency
The fuel mileage of a turbocharged car is determined by several factors, such as:
- Vehicle weight
- Aerodynamics
Engine temperature
- Vehicle maintenance
- Driving habits
The fuel efficiency of turbochargers is a complex matter that is dependent on many things. That’s why, when you are looking for a car, you might notice that the turbocharged version of the same car model has a different design and is commonly fine-tuned.
Strategies to improve turbocharger fuel efficiency
Having a turbocharger alone won’t increase the fuel efficiency by much. Your driving style can significantly determine when a turbo saves fuel.
So, does a turbo save fuel?
The first golden rule for driving a car, including one with a turbocharger, is to break moderately and accelerate evenly.
Other strategies you can utilize to improve the turbocharger fuel efficiency are:
- Drive with lower and constant speeds.
- You should shift to a higher gear earlier because of the great torque output.
- Always ensure your tire pressure is the recommended level for the load you are carrying.
- Use high-quality fuel.
- Proper maintenance
A great strategy to improve the fuel efficiency of the turbocharger is to keep it well-maintained. To ensure your turbocharged engine is properly taken care of, you can run multiple tests, such as:
Clean the turbine of a turbocharger regularly.
- Checking the U-tube manometer pressure.
- Checking the lube oil inlet pressure and outlet temperature.
- Looking for increased exhaust gas temperatures.
- Be on the lookout for turbocharger vibrations.
- Clean the turbine and compression regularly.
A TSI turbocharger due for replacement at S-Line Motors Ltd
Aside from the turbocharger itself, you must also maintain the associated systems, which include:
- Engine lubrication system
- Intake and exhaust system
- Engine oil and filters
- Charge air cooler
Challenges with turbocharger fuel efficiency
Turbocharges come with a set of challenges. First, turbocharged engines might wear out at a faster rate than naturally aspirated engines. Turbocharges impose a greater mechanical stress to the engine which might decrease its reliability.
Another disadvantage of turbochargers is the possibility of generating excessive heat in the engine. If a proper intercooler is not used in the turbocharger engine setting, the heat can damage both the engine and the turbo.
Conclusion
The turbocharger fuel efficiency is one of the many benefits of vehicles with such settings. In combination with other considerations, such as driving habits and vehicle design, turbocharging can increase fuel efficiency.
If you consider adding a turbocharger to your engine to boost its performance and potentially improve fuel economy, you can order the best turbochargers for Volkswagen and Audi engines from us at S-Line Motors Ltd.
OKELLO SAMUEL
B.Eng. Automotive and Power Engineering
Technical Director
S-Line Motors LTD
Plot 6, Ojara Close, Mbuya
https://goo.gl/maps/bEGeVEN7tUVTqHnu8
0779745722 / 0708000888
