Many people are afraid of cars with turbo engines, preferring models with naturally aspirated engines. Dispelling the main myths
We often write that the transition of any models to turbocharged engines can affect demand. This is because many buyers in the Russian market have the idea that the turbine is a capricious, unreliable device and will certainly affect the cost of maintenance and operation. If we talk about old cars, then it really was partly true. But now the situation has changed.
Myth #1: Turbos are unreliable
Anything breaks in modern engines, but … just not turbines. High-pressure fuel pumps in direct injection engines fail, ignition coils fail, timing chains stretch, oil pipes clog, pistons fall apart from detonation, and problems with the turbocharger itself usually occur less frequently and on more serious runs. And if you decide to buy a used car, then a turbine malfunction can be easily determined at any service station.
Myth #2: Turbos should only be fueled with high-octane fuel.
In the case of highly accelerated engines in “charged” cars, of course, this is true. Or after the so-called “chip tuning”, when boost pressure is increased by software and it is recommended to use higher octane fuel to avoid the risk of detonation. And some automakers even allow standard low-power turbo engines to be refueled with AI-92 gasoline – for example, Renault’s 150-horsepower 1.3-liter engine: they put it on the new Duster , the updated Kaptur and the Arkana coupe-crossover . By the way, we drove on such gasoline from Yakutsk to Magadan in extreme conditions , and there were no problems with any engine.
Myth No. 3. It is inconvenient to drive with a turbo engine
In the past, turbocharged engines suffered from extremely non-linear torque buildup. At first, at low speeds, the car did not go anywhere, and then, when the exhaust gases spun the turbine impeller enough, there was a sharp jump in thrust. From the driver, this required increased concentration – you always had to keep in the right speed. But now it’s the other way around – a very wide zone of maximum torque and its high values \u200b\u200bin low revs make the ride smoother and more comfortable.
Myth No. 4. A turbo engine cannot be immediately turned off
Previously, the bearings of the turbine shaft were cooled only by oil, so it was necessary to let the engine idle – if it was immediately turned off, the oil pump also turned off. In order not to wait a few minutes after the trip, many owners set a turbo timer. But now there is no need for this – the turbines in modern engines have channels for antifreeze , and its circulation is provided by electric pumps that can also work autonomously.
Myth No. 5. A turbo engine consumes a lot of fuel.
Yes, before powerful turbocharged engines really suffered from increased consumption, but the optimization of combustion processes, direct fuel injection and a decrease in engine volumes have led to the fact that, in normal driving modes, turbo engines consume, as a rule, even less gasoline than naturally aspirated engines with similar power. This is also confirmed by our comparative test drives .