How much does it cost to replace a turbo?

What is a turbo - and how does it work?

In a nutshell, a turbo (sometimes known as a turbocharger) gives your car extra power and torque, which improves its performance - and your overall driving experience. On top of that, it makes your fuel go further. Here’s how it works:

When your engine runs, it creates waste gases that are just expelled through the exhaust. However, in a car with a turbo, those gases are used to generate energy instead.

The turbo consists of two parts, which sit near the engine: a turbine and a compressor. Their exact placement varies depending on your car’s make and model.

The gases pass through the turbine, causing it to spin, which in turn, makes the compressor spin. The turbine then sucks in outside air, compresses it, and forces it into the engine’s cylinders. Adding more air in this way allows more fuel to be burned, which increases the power to your engine whilst maintaining the air/fuel ratio.

In other words, having a turbo means you can get the same power out of a small engine as you would from a much larger one. Since turbos improve torque, your car will be faster and more responsive, whether you just need a boost to overtake - or you’re going full throttle on the motorway!

Not only that, you can make use of all that extra power without using any extra fuel. Your turbo simply makes more efficient use of the existing fuel – and, by turning what would have been waste gases into useful energy, it also helps to cut down on emissions.

Turbo replacement cost in the UK

The cost of a turbo replacement in the UK varies widely depending on factors such as:

• Your car’s make and model.
• Its engine size.
• The cost of the replacement parts.
• Local labour costs.

Smaller cars such as Minis sit at the lower end of the scale (typically costing around £500). Meanwhile, turbo replacement for higher-end luxury cars such as Porsches may cost around £4,000.

As you might expect, mid-range cars from manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen sit in the middle (usually around £1,500). Generally speaking, the larger the engine, the greater the cost.

Unlike most car repairs, labour costs for turbo replacement are typically much lower than the price of the parts (It’s usually the other way around). Labour costs for a turbo replacement typically run between £100 and £400.

However, certain performance sports cars come with not one, but two turbos. Labour costs for these models are higher, as it’s a much trickier repair job.

What are the symptoms of a faulty turbo?

• There’s blue-black or white smoke coming from your exhaust.

• You notice a whistling or whining sound when you accelerate, or a rattling coming from the turbo.

• The check engine light comes on.

• You need to top the oil up more often.

• There’s a drop in power.

• The acceleration is slow and sluggish.

• You can’t reach higher speeds.

• If you have a boost gauge, it shows a low reading.

If you notice one or more of these signs, take your car to a mechanic at the earliest opportunity.

Is replacing a turbo expensive?

Although turbo repairs in the UK can be on the pricey side, inaction could cost you even more.

If you don’t replace your faulty turbo promptly, you’ll be shelling out more at the petrol pump, as it won’t be providing the usual fuel efficiency benefits - and that’s the very least of your worries.

A properly functioning turbo will help to ensure your engine performs at its very best, but a faulty one could cause major engine damage, costing you much more than a replacement turbo would today.

For example, the cost of a new head gasket is up to £1,850 for the parts only (with up to 10 hours’ labour costs on top of that).

If you delay for too long, oil from the turbo could get into the catalytic converter - and once that happens, you’ll have to replace your entire exhaust system. So, whilst turbo replacement isn’t cheap, acting swiftly can save you a lot of money in the longer term.

Can I drive with a faulty turbo?

You can technically drive with a faulty turbo, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Your car won’t handle or perform at its best - and, as we’ve mentioned, driving with a faulty turbo will eventually cause severe engine damage.

You also run the risk of causing irreparable damage to your exhaust system if oil from the turbo leaks into the catalytic converter.

Therefore, if you notice any of the warning signs covered earlier, we strongly advise taking your car to a local garage for inspection.

How long does it take to replace a turbo?

Replacing a turbo is a complicated task with multiple steps, so it’s not one that can be rushed. On average, a skilled mechanic with all the specialist tools can complete the job in three to four hours, but in some cases, it can take up to eight.

The timeframe can vary enormously depending on the car’s make and model. For example, high-tech or luxury cars with complex engines might have turbos that are harder to reach, whilst replacement for cars with twin turbos will usually take longer than for those with just one.

On the other hand, compact or lower-end cars tend to have easier-to-access turbos that can be replaced more quickly, cutting down on labour time. The age of your car can also make a difference.

Parts for many older cars can be harder to source, which may increase the repair time. The components surrounding the turbo can also present an issue if they’ve corroded or seized up, as the mechanic will have to spend extra time removing or replacing them before even starting work on the turbo itself.

How can I reduce turbo replacement costs?

While there’s no getting away from paying out for a turbo replacement, there are certain ways you can lessen the financial hit:

• Avoiding damaging your turbo in the first place is the smartest way to save – and the best way to avoid damage is to keep up with your servicing and maintenance schedule.

• Change your oil regularly and keep it topped up, making sure you use the recommended grade. Clean and change your air filter when it becomes clogged, as this will help to prevent any dirt and debris getting into the turbo and damaging it. Check for leaks too.

• Keeping an eye (and ear) out for the warning signs we covered above will also help. The sooner you can get your car seen to when the turbo starts to fail, the less expensive it will be to fix.

• If you do have to replace your turbo, obtain a few quotes from trusted local garages, and compare them to get the best deal.

• Before investing in any significant repairs, consider the cost in relation to your car’s market value. If you’re unsure what your motor’s worth, you can get a quote in under 30 seconds with our free car valuation tool.

• If the best quote is close to or greater than the value of your vehicle, you may ask yourself, “Is it time to sell my car?”

• Although you have the option to sell privately or trade in at a dealership, it may be difficult to find a buyer if your car is significantly damaged. Here at webuyanycar, we can offer you a guaranteed sale and a hassle-free selling experience, whatever your car’s age and condition.