When aira gas is compressed, its temperature rises. Using an '[[intercooler]]' or a ''charge air cooler'', basically an air/air heat exchanger, the compressed air from thea turbo ismay be cooled before it is fed into the [[cylinder]]s.
To prevent detonation (also known as [[engine knock]] or "pre-ignition") the [[ECU]] will 'listen' for [[pinking]] and reduce the boost pressure by opening a waste gate, so the exhaust gasses will bypass the turbo charger, reducing the boost pressure to a safe level.
As theA turbo spins very fast (- 10,000 to 100,000 [[rpm]] depending on size, weight and design), care must be taken in maintaining it. A turbo 'letting go' and shedding its blades requires an expensive replacement. The high speed also causes problems for standard [[ball bearing]]s, which would explode in a turbo. All but the most expensive turbo-chargers use a [[fluid bearing]]. The fluid bearing of a turboThis is a flowing layer of oil, which suspends and cools the moving parts. More expensive turbochargers use incredibly precise ball bearings because theythat offer less friction than a fluid bearing. This lowerLower friction in turn allowsmeans the turbo shaft tocan be builtmade withof lighter materials, which reducesreducing ''turbo lag'' or ''boost lag''. Some car makers use water cooled turbochargers.
==Reliability==
As long as the oil supply is clean and the exhaust gas does not get too hot, a turbocharger iscan be very reliable, but careful maintenance is important. Replacing a turbo that 'lets go' and sheds its blades may be expensive. Regular cleaning of both the turbine and the compressor sides of the turbo is recommended to remove any build-up of soot and dust, to which a turbo may be sensitive because of its high rotational speed.
