General Turbo Engine - cool down period

[tigershoot]

I am still getting used to my 2019 Cross Plus 1 litre. Reading through the manual it states..
ENGINE COOLING ON TURBO VERSIONS (Page 135)
Before switching the engine off, keep it idling for a few minutes so that the turbocharger can be suitably lubricated.
This procedure is particularly recommended after a demanding drive.
After a full load operation, or anyway after heavy power demands, keep the engine idling for 3 to 5 minutes before switching it off.
This time allows the lubricating oil and the engine coolant to eliminate the excessive heat from combustion chamber, bearings, inner components and turbocharger.

How many drivers do you see doing this? Presumably it applies to all turbo cars. I can understand it after a really long run, but it seems a bit much to expect that after every journey you sit "for a few minutes" before switching the car off. I am assuming that this only really applies after a demanding drive.

 

[Bonefish Blues]

That seems excessively cautious. Driving normally for the last mile or two before switching off should mean it's perfectly safe to do so.

 

[The Panda Nut]

I always let the turbo cool if I have been blasting along, theses days that is not so often. Better practice is slow down for the last 3 to 5 miles and dont work the turbo Then it should be less relevant. If you tow or have a full load and passengers its more vital. Failing to allow the turbo to slow, cool and indeed stop will lead to heavier wear and early turbo seal failures. The oil round the bearings will cook and this is bad and not good all round. Easing off for the last few miles is best practice. Turbos will glow red hot if worked hard which shows what extremes they are subject to.

 

[RichardH13]

I agree with Bonefish, seems excessively cautious.

I've been driving turbo'd cars for 20 years, Alfa 147 JTD 16v, a 500 Twin Air, several Abarth 595s, a Tipo JTD and now a 500x 1.3T, this has never been an issue.

If you've been driving hard, just do the last few miles at a steadier pace, this naturally happens when approaching home and other places because you normally drive through a 30 limit near the end.

Turbo, oil and baring technology has vastly improved, its rare to have a turbo go if the engine has been looked after (there will be a point whre natural wear will mean a change of turbo, long way to go with a 2019 car

Its far more important to let it warm up and keep to the oil change schedule with the correct oil