Turbochargers have become significantly more common in mainstream automobiles over the last decade. Many manufacturers now equip their vehicles with these components to squeeze a more generous amount of power out of increasingly smaller engines. Turbochargers have become so sophisticated that small, 4-cylinder engines can now rival the V8s found in many older cars.

Every technology has its downsides, however. Turbochargers are a time-tested and reliable technology, but they can still fail from time-to-time, leaving you in need of automotive repair. Your motor oil can have a surprisingly large impact on the performance and longevity of your turbocharger, and many problems are oil-related. Below you will find three ways that oil and your turbocharger aren't always a match made in heaven.

1. Old, Dirty Oil

The lubrication of your turbocharger is just as crucial as the lubrication of your engine's internal components. In a typical design, oil enters your turbocharger and lubricates the axial and radial shaft bearings, along with the shaft itself. Motor oil that doesn't sufficiently lubricate these components can cause additional wear or even catastrophic failure.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple: follow your manufacturer's recommended oil service interval. Leaving oil that is too old or dirty will almost inevitably lead to costly repairs, and your turbocharger is likely to be one of the first components to fail.

2. Oil Pressure Problems

Turbochargers can sometimes be a source of oil leaks, making them both the cause of the problem and a potential victim if the leak is left unaddressed. Turbochargers rely on a proper amount of oil pressure within the center bearing housing to contain lubricating motor oil. Both excessively high and low oil pressure can create problems.

When oil pressure in the housing is too high, it can lead to a condition known as "blowby." Like engine blowby, increased pressure in a turbocharger results in oil blowing by the piston seal. Low oil pressure can result in insufficient lubrication, ultimately causing a catastrophic failure of internal mechanical components.

3. Return Line Issues

Your turbocharger is part of your car's closed oil system. Oil enters the turbocharger through a supply line and ultimately returns to the engine through a return line. A problem with the return line can increase pressure in the compressor housing, ultimately creating blowby or leaks. Return lines do not fail often, but they can sometimes become clogged with contaminants.

While turbochargers offer many advantages, they are also highly sophisticated mechanical components that rely on your motor oil for lubrication and cooling. Promptly repairing oil issues that impact your turbocharger will help to ensure that it lasts for years.