CARING FOR YOUR TURBO CHARGER

Until relatively recently, the fitment of turbochargers used to be limited to highperformance applications, many intended for race or rally cars. However, the introduction of legislation to reduce vehicle emissions has led to the widespread use of smaller capacity turbocharged engines in road cars. These smaller engines reduce fuel consumption and emissions while turbocharging maintains output levels.

In South Africa, the adoption of downsized turbocharged engines has been further embraced thanks to their minimal power loss when operating at higher altitudes compared to their normally aspirated equivalents. With more than 70% of vehicles in SA operating at above 1 300 m altitude – where normally aspirated engines experience power losses of more than 13% – turbocharged engines enjoy a significant performance benefit in these conditions.

A quick check of manufacturers’