Turbocharged engines: don't neglect the oil!
Turbocharged engines are becoming increasingly common in the automotive industry. Manufacturers are looking to lower fuel consumption and pollutant emission ratings by reducing displacement, but adding a turbocharger to ensure performance.
If your vehicle is equipped with such an engine, or if you are considering the purchase of a vehicle fitted with one, you must check the manufacturer's recommendation regarding the type of fuel to be used. It may be that premium gasoline is required, merely recommended or not necessary.
At Mazda and Ford, for example, premium gasoline is not mandatory, but the power and torque gains are clearly stated by the manufacturer. It's important to understand that richer fuel contributes to better running and healthier turbocharged engines in the long term. That said, engineers at other brands may have calibrated their turbos differently, so that ordinary petrol will suffice without a hitch.
What about oil?
Then there's motor oil! Here again, it's essential to heed the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. The oil must have the right viscosity to meet the engine's working requirements.
If your driving habits boil down to daily city and freeway travel - in short, business as usual - a mineral oil will provide good lubrication in most cases, especially if the engine is not turbocharged. However, for performance enthusiasts, synthetic oil should be seriously considered. Manufacturers of sports and luxury cars generally have specific recommendations.
Synthetic motor oil offers several advantages. Not only does it provide maximum lubrication in all temperature conditions, even the most extreme, but it also lasts longer. You'll be able to space out your oil changes. Some companies are so confident in their products that they go so far as to prescribe intervals of 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers between servicing.
A very important point to make about synthetic oil - and one that many people ignore - is that it requires a suitable filter. So, to make sure you're not wasting your money, make sure the filter you use isn't a cheap one, which would directly affect the efficiency and life of the oil you put in your vehicle. When you go to the garage, make sure the replacement filter is suitable for the oil you've chosen.
Other advice
When a turbocharged engine is cold, it's important to avoid revving it up too high for a few seconds after starting, as this could damage the turbocharger in the long term.
You should also bear in mind that the turbocharger spins faster and faster as engine speed increases. So if you're gentle on the throttle, especially for a short trip, the engine and turbo won't suffer.
On the other hand, you should know that some manufacturers recommend letting the turbo engine idle for a few seconds before switching it off (sometimes up to 30 seconds) if you've used it hard (high speed on freeways, mountain roads, etc.). This allows the engine to cool down and the turbocharger to slow down.
