Since the invention of the automobile, engineers and enthusiasts have been working to get more power from engines through advanced designs and powerful aftermarket add-ons. Options like turbochargers and superchargers are car modifications that can actually make your car faster. Both turbochargers and superchargers take air and compress it, making it denser. This provides more oxygen to the engine, resulting in higher performance output. However, they work very differently and each has advantages and disadvantages. But which one typically requires less maintenance?
There are many different types of superchargers and turbochargers, and making a clear judgment across the board can be a challenging proposition. Overall, however, superchargers are considered easier to maintain for several key reasons. Superchargers typically use fewer parts than turbochargers and are simpler in construction, which can reduce the number of problems and the complexity of repairs. While the supercharger must be integrated into the intake system, the turbocharger must also be integrated into the exhaust system and may require cooling components.
Turbochargers also utilize engine oil for cooling and lubrication, requiring a strict oil change regimen (and high-quality oil) to prevent problems such as failure – in contrast, a supercharger can have its own separate oil tank. While both systems generate heat, turbochargers tend to run hotter, which may require the use of an intercooler. Still, that doesn’t mean superchargers are better or don’t face their own set of challenges, and many superchargers do use intercoolers.
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What should you pay attention to after installing the supercharger?
Image of a supercharger installed in an engine – Andrii Baidak/Getty Images
The biggest difference between a supercharger and a turbocharger is how they create boost. A turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine. But the supercharger is belt-driven directly from the engine crankshaft. This belt will degrade over time and will need to be replaced. According to Automotive Training Center, this is approximately every 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers) to 68,000 miles (110,000 kilometers). If the belt breaks, not only will your engine suddenly feel very lethargic under the throttle, but (depending on your setup) your engine may also be trying to run on a super-rich mixture, causing a noticeable drop in fuel economy.
Another problem with superchargers is that, because they are connected to the crankshaft, they are always running. On the one hand, this provides boost throughout the rev range, whereas a turbocharger must accelerate when sufficient exhaust gases and pressure are present. The downside, however, is that since the supercharger belt is always driven by the engine, it’s constantly forcing things under the hood to work harder.
While any form of forced induction causes the engine’s internals to struggle with increased pressure, a turbocharger only boosts pressure at specific times rather than operating continuously. This extra pressure can cause damage to a supercharged engine, especially if maintenance is neglected. Still, it’s hard not to marvel at the possibilities that come with adding a feature under the hood. Just look at some of the most powerful family cars, such as the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, which has a supercharged output of up to 710 horsepower.
Superchargers and turbochargers are both expensive to replace
A mechanic repairs an engine in a repair shop – Lightfieldstudios/Getty Images
While both turbochargers and superchargers have their benefits, neither is cheap to repair or replace if something goes wrong. Speaking of things going wrong, pay attention to these warning signs that mean your turbocharger is about to fail. According to RepairPal, replacing a turbocharger assembly can cost up to $3,004, while the average cost for a supercharger is as high as $3,966.
In both cases, labor represents a large portion of the cost, as diagnosing the problem may require extensive disassembly and testing. In fact, in some cases, while superchargers are less complex than most turbochargers, a mechanic may need to remove the entire engine to disconnect them, although this may not be necessary in all cases.
Because the turbocharger can leach the engine’s oil, replacing the turbocharger may require the system to be completely drained before disassembly. In particularly difficult situations, to be able to physically remove the turbocharger, the mechanic may loosen the engine mounts to create a space large enough for the parts to slide out.
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