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From their initial introduction in the early 20th century, turbochargers have become essential in high-performance engines, heavy-duty transports, and marine vessels. And now, with a renewed emphasis on reduced emissions and fuel efficiency, they’re commonplace in many passenger cars, especially those European beauties we often see at Melbourne Euro.

Understanding Turbochargers

In layman’s terms, think of a turbocharger as a high-powered air pump. It compresses and forces air into the engine at a pressure significantly higher than the surrounding air. This not only ensures efficient combustion but also delivers increased power, torque, and cleaner emissions.

Proper care and regular service mean a long and efficient life for your turbocharger. But skimp on the maintenance or use subpar lubricants, and both the turbo’s performance and lifespan might suffer.

Reasons Behind Turbo Failures

1. Lubrication Issues: Oil starvation tops the list of reasons why turbos meet an untimely end, closely followed by oil contamination. Issues like blockages, leaks, or improper priming of a new system can lead to the former. Meanwhile, contaminants, such as tiny particulates in the engine oil, can severely damage the turbo bearing system. High levels of carbon particles from combustion can act abrasively, damaging the bearings and the shaft.

2. Foreign Object Damage: Some modern turbochargers operate at a staggering 220,000RPM — to visualise, a Boeing 747’s engine rotor spins at about 7,000RPM. With air moving close to the speed of sound, even a minuscule debris impact on a compressor wheel can be catastrophic. Ensure your intake and air filter remain debris-free.

Whenever replacing a compromised turbo, inspect the intake thoroughly. Residual debris from the old turbo or other sources might still be lurking there.

3. Inadequate Driving Practices: Though not immediately fatal, certain driving habits can substantially reduce a turbo’s lifespan. Here are a few pointers for German car enthusiasts:

• Avoid prolonged idling: This heats up the turbo due to reduced airflow.
• Avoid cold starts followed by immediate acceleration: Let the oil warm up.
• Be cautious about shutting down when hot: This can lead to carbon accumulation in the turbo, risking bearing damage.
• Overrevving: Especially crucial for commercial vehicles. Overdoing it may push the turbo beyond its limits.

Spotting a Malfunctioning Turbo:

• Power and torque drop, coupled with louder acceleration.
• Struggling to maintain high speeds.
• Increased exhaust smoke (blue/grey) and oil consumption.
• Illuminated “Check Engine” light or low boost indication.
• A noticeable whining sound during turbo boost.

Replacing Your Turbo: Should you conclude that your turbocharger needs replacement, it’s essential to pinpoint why the old one failed in the first place. Otherwise, the new one could succumb to the same fate. Many turbocharger manufacturers have found that recurrent issues often plague both the original and replacement units.

If you’re concerned about your turbo’s performance, especially in your prized German vehicle, consult specialists like us at Melbourne Euro in Campbellfield.

Melbourne Euro Expertise: Boasting years of hands-on experience, our mechanics at Melbourne Euro, Campbellfield, are well-versed with turbochargers, especially in German automobiles. Trust our expertise for diagnosing, repairing, or upgrading your turbo systems.

2023 marks a poignant year for us at Melbourne Euro. It’s not uncommon to see the demise of fun little sports cars because the business case no longer supports them. Now, it’s time to bid farewell to the Audi TT, which ends its glorious 25-year journey at the end of this year.

The TT was always more than a car. It was an audacious statement by Audi that broke the mold of its traditional sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks. Along with the R8, the TT has served as a testament to the diversity and versatility of Audi’s lineup, from a petite coupe to a formidable mid-engined V-10 supercar.

As we bid adieu to the TT, let’s take a trip down memory lane, recalling its 25-year evolution.

In the mid-’90s, Audi, already established as a luxury brand, sought a symbol to represent its new status. This ambition was realised under the watchful eye of Peter Schreyer, alongside the American car designer Freeman Thomas. The result was the ‘TT’ – a concept inspired by the Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man.

Launched officially in 1998, the first-generation TT—Type 8N—was a marvel of design. Its Bauhaus-inspired, rounded lines and stocky proportions were a stark contrast to the competing Mercedes-Benz and BMW models of the time.

Stepping inside the first TT was akin to stepping into the future. The cabin was sparsely but thoughtfully designed. The circle theme from the exterior design extended into the interior, and the low cowl offered excellent visibility. The first TT was armed with a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 180 hp, paired with a five-speed manual. Later, Audi released an upgraded version that produced 225 hp.

In 1999, just a year after the launch, Audi revealed the TT Roadster. In 2003, Audi introduced the option of a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, marking the TT as one of the early adopters of this technology.

The second-generation TT – Type 8J, launched in 2008, kept the iconic silhouette while enhancing the vehicle’s lighting elements. It also introduced the adaptive dampers and Audi’s magnetic ride technology. It boasted a lighter, sleeker frame and the engines were upgraded – a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 250-hp, 3.2-litre VR6 narrow-angle V-6.

By 2009, the TT received a performance upgrade with the introduction of the TTS, making 265 hp. But Audi wasn’t done yet. It introduced the TT RS with a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder that made 340 hp.

The third and final generation, the Type 8S, launched in 2014. The TT and TTS Coupe made 228 hp and 288 hp respectively from a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four. The TT RS made 394 hp from a turbocharged five-cylinder.

The Mk3 TT introduced several innovations, including OLED taillights in 2016 and Audi’s “virtual cockpit”, replacing analogue gauges with an all-digital driver information cluster.

In a world of screens tacked onto dashboards, the TT’s interior stands out for its clean, uncluttered design. The user interface may show its age, but within the context of Everything Else, the TT feels quaint, even refreshing.

But alas, by the end of this year, the Audi TT’s 25 years of compact and stylish driving will come to an end. Like the VW Bug, the TT was one of those cars that was instantly recognizable, even by those with only a passing interest in cars. The TT always brought a smile to the faces of those behind the wheel.

We are hopeful Audi has something equally exciting and fun in the pipeline to fill the void left by the TT. For now, we pay tribute to the TT – a true icon of the automotive world, a car that has given us, at Melbourne Euro, countless memories over the years. Here’s to the Audi TT – you will be remembered fondly.

When it comes to motor oil, many people stick to what they know. Brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, and Valvoline may immediately come to mind – they’re widely available, trusted, and have been used for years. But what if there is a product out there that offers even more? One that provides that extra layer of security and peace of mind? Meet LIQUI MOLY.

A Bit about LIQUI MOLY

Though it may not be a household name in Australia, LIQUI MOLY, a German company, has been delivering quality since 1957. All their products are manufactured in Germany, maintaining the highest standards of production. LIQUI MOLY’s first product, the MoS2 oil additive, contained molybdenum disulfide, a solid lubricant that allowed engines to run briefly without oil, a handy solution in emergency situations.

Understanding Molybdenum Disulfide

Molybdenum disulfide, or MoS2, shares a similar feel to graphite – slippery and smooth. When it comes to reducing friction, this compound is a game-changer, achieving a coefficient value of <0.1. In comparison, Teflon on Teflon yields a coefficient of 0.04, while steel on steel is at 0.57. In the engine context, lower friction is always beneficial.

One of LIQUI MOLY’s fascinating applications of molybdenum disulfide is in Molygen. Here, molybdate and tungstate molecules combine into a homogeneous solid, where the tungstate’s UV-reactive nature allows for easy detection of oil leaks with a UV flashlight.

Why Choose LIQUI MOLY Motor Oil?

Every engine is a complex matrix of moving parts, each interacting under extreme conditions. Heat and friction can lead to wear and tear if not managed effectively, and this is where the right engine oil plays a crucial role.

If you reside in colder climates, the importance of your engine oil increases manifold. Cold weather thickens the oil, affecting its flow and potentially leading to dry running of your engine. Over time, using incorrect oil could lead to significant engine and oil pump wear.

Whether you’re a track enthusiast pushing your engine to the limits or someone driving an older vehicle concerned about engine wear, LIQUI MOLY’s range caters to your needs. Their MoS2 oil, enriched with molybdenum disulfide, is formulated for great cold-start performance and improved wear characteristics for modern engines. It’s also recommended for older, air-cooled Porsches, given its excellent wear reduction in high-heat scenarios.

LIQUI MOLY understands that today’s engines are engineered to precise tolerances. Using the wrong oil viscosity can lead to harm, much like a pump designed for water struggling to move honey. The unique formulation of LIQUI MOLY’s MoS2 caters to the needs of modern engines, ensuring optimal lubrication and minimizing potential problems.

When you’re dealing with the demands of modern or classic engines, LIQUI MOLY proves its worth. Its thoughtful formulation and use of superior additives like molybdenum disulfide make it stand out from other motor oils. So, while you may be comfortable with the familiar brands, considering LIQUI MOLY could bring that extra peace of mind and superior engine performance, you didn’t know you were missing.

Choosing the Right LIQUI MOLY Oil: Expert Advice from Steffen Niemietz

The vast array of engine oil options offered by LIQUI MOLY can be overwhelming. From products boasting varied additives to a broad range of viscosities, understanding which oil suits your car best may seem daunting. To help us navigate through these choices, we reached out to Steffen Niemietz, Application Engineer at LIQUI MOLY’s R&D department, who shared valuable insights on picking the perfect oil for our customers’ cars at Melbourne Euro.

Choosing the Right Oil: A Balancing Act

According to Steffen, selecting the right oil is a delicate balancing act that requires attention to a car’s specific requirements and the conditions it operates under. It’s essential to consider the car’s make and model, its mileage, the climate it’s driven in, and the driver’s individual driving habits.

Make and Model

Certain car manufacturers recommend specific engine oils for their vehicles to maintain optimal performance. This recommendation is based on the design, metallurgy, and tolerances of the engine parts. Hence, always check the vehicle’s manual or consult with a professional mechanic to understand which oil best suits your car. For example, LIQUI MOLY’s MoS2 oil is specifically recommended for older Porsches with air-cooled engines.

Mileage

Engine oils designed for high-mileage vehicles usually contain specific additives that can help prolong the engine’s life and improve its performance. They can minimize oil leaks, reduce oil consumption, and enhance the lubrication of older engine components. If your car has high mileage, LIQUI MOLY’s High Mileage line could be your go-to.

Climate

The climate in which the car is driven has a substantial impact on engine oil performance. In colder climates, a lower viscosity oil that remains fluid at low temperatures is ideal. In contrast, in warmer climates, a higher viscosity oil that won’t thin out excessively under high temperatures is necessary. LIQUI MOLY provides a comprehensive range of oils catering to varying weather conditions.

Driving Habits

The way you drive also influences the type of oil that would be best for your engine. If you frequently drive on highways at high speeds, or if you use your car for track racing, you’ll need oil that can withstand higher temperatures and provide consistent lubrication. In contrast, if your driving involves frequent short trips, you’ll need oil that can protect your engine from cold starts and condensation issues.

The LIQUI MOLY Advantage

LIQUI MOLY’s range of oils is formulated with an understanding of the diverse needs of different engines. They ensure high-quality performance, optimal protection, and prolonged engine life. Steffen emphasizes that LIQUI MOLY’s team of experts is committed to developing innovative solutions to cater to every engine’s needs.

Here at Melbourne Euro, we understand that your car deserves the best. With expert advice from LIQUI MOLY’s R&D department, we can guide you in choosing the right engine oil to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and effectively, no matter what the conditions. Trust us with your vehicle, and we’ll ensure it receives the care it needs with the unparalleled quality of LIQUI MOLY engine oils.

Melbourne Euro – where quality meets efficiency

In the automotive service industry, having access to a broad range of quality spare parts is a crucial aspect of delivering top-notch service. This is particularly true when it comes to servicing high-standard German vehicles, where every component plays a part in the vehicle’s overall performance and reliability. Melbourne Euro, a leading service provider for German cars, takes this notion to heart through its strategic partnership with HSY Autoparts, the official distributors of most German OEM automotive components.

Boasting access to approximately 10,000 line items of OEM, genuine, and aftermarket spare parts via HSY, Melbourne Euro ensures that they can meet the diverse needs of their clientele swiftly and efficiently. Whether it’s a routine maintenance part or a hard-to-find component, Melbourne Euro is equipped to handle it, ensuring the vehicle’s integrity and performance are maintained.

The proximity of HSY’s head office and main distribution center to Melbourne Euro in Campbellfield further enhances this efficiency. Being less than five minutes away, HSY Autoparts can offer parts delivery to Melbourne Euro several times a day. This minimises downtime and allows Melbourne Euro to complete services and repairs in a timely manner, ensuring customers are back on the road as quickly as possible.

The availability of parts is one side of the coin, but understanding what to do with them is equally, if not more, important. Melbourne Euro’s team is steeped in a deep knowledge of the German auto industry and the intricacies of their engineering. This expertise ensures they can accurately determine and source the correct parts for any given job, further reinforcing their promise of delivering quality parts and quality customer service.

In a sector where the need for speed, efficiency, and accuracy is paramount, Melbourne Euro sets itself apart through its strategic partnership with HSY Autoparts. By leveraging HSY’s extensive range of parts and their close proximity, Melbourne Euro can fulfil their service commitments swiftly without compromising on quality or customer service.

When it comes to servicing your German vehicle, Melbourne Euro’s partnership with HSY Autoparts is a testament to their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. It’s not just about doing the job right; it’s about doing it in a way that respects the customer’s time, the vehicle’s value, and the standards set by German engineering.