Texas
Have you ever stepped into your Maserati and realized that the car is no longer as responsive as it once was? If you feel that your car is less powerful than before then it is high time you started checking your turbocharger for signs of failure. A turbocharger is a device that boosts the amount of air that enters the engine to allow more fuel to be burnt. This results in more power output with no extra bulk which gives your Maserati that wonderful speed and acceleration it is associated with.
But like any other part of the car, the turbocharger is also susceptible to wearing out after some time, especially if it is not well maintained. It is important to understand some of the signs that may indicate that your turbocharger is failing so that you can get it fixed before it causes more problems.
Symptoms of a Failing Turbocharger
Decrease in Power
The first sign that might make you realize that your turbocharger is failing is the loss of power. Your Maserati may be slower than it used to be, it may take longer to get up to speed or even fail to reach the maximum speed it used to. This loss in power is a result of the inability of the turbocharger to force enough air into the engine leading to a decline in the performance of the engine.
Excessive Exhaust Smoke
Another way you can identify a failing turbocharger is when there is an increased amount of smoke from the exhaust pipe. If you see blue or gray smoke then it may be due to a leak in the seals of the turbocharger. Black smoke, on the other hand, could mean that the engine is running rich, meaning there is a lot of fuel and little air — a sign that the turbocharger is not working as it should.
Unusual Noises
Any unusual sound coming from the engine bay is always a cause for concern and when it comes to the turbocharger, then it is even worse. If you hear a whining or high-pitched whistling sound whenever you step on the accelerator, then the turbocharger is probably having problems. This noise is usually associated with a worn-out bearing or a damaged turbine.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
A failing turbocharger can cause poor fuel efficiency, which is not good for the vehicle. Since the turbocharger assists in enhancing the operation of the engine by providing more air for combustion, a faulty turbo will make your engine struggle and consume more fuel. If you find out that you are frequently refueling your vehicle, then there is a high chance that your turbocharger is failing.
Boost Pressure Issues
One of the duties of the turbocharger is to generate boost pressure that enhances the power of the engine. If you find that your Maserati is not creating boost pressure like it should or that the boost pressure is low or dropping then you might have to check if there is a problem with the turbocharger.
What to Do If You Suspect Turbocharger Issues
Schedule a Diagnostic Test
The first step is to take the car to be checked by a Maserati-certified technician who understands the model of your vehicle. They can then use some brand-specific tools to diagnose the situation and find out whether the turbocharger is causing the issue.
Repair or Replacement
If the turbocharger is found to be faulty your mechanic will help you decide if it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. Sometimes there might be small problems such as worn seals or gaskets, and in such cases, the turbocharger does not have to be changed. However, if the damage is a bit severe, then you might require a replacement to bring back the performance of your Maserati.
When It Comes To Maserati Care, Turn To European Service Center
At European Service Center, we know that your Maserati is a luxury car and it deserves special attention regardless of the fault it has. Our professional mechanics can help you identify any problem with the turbocharger and fix it to restore the performance of your car. We have garages in multiple locations across Georgia and Texas, including Norcross, Duluth, Alpharetta, Chamblee, Cumming, Roswell, Atlanta, Dunwoody, and Buckhead in Georgia; as well as Houston and Dallas in Texas. Give us a call today to set up a consultation and see the difference that proper care can do to your Maserati.