Go Faster With a Supercharged Automobile
Nowadays, car engine technology has reached a new height. Even the slow cars go fast. What we mean by that is with today’s technology, most cars have plenty of power for the average person. For some folks however, a normal engine is not enough. They require an additional ‘get up and go’ quality. That is where a car with a supercharged engine comes into play!
If you have always had a need for speed, and considered driving a car with a supercharged engine, then keep on reading to learn all you need to know about maintaining your supercharged engine.
How is an Engine Supercharged?
A conventional engine relies on a process of combustion to transform fuel into mechanical power. An important ingredient that makes the combustion process possible is oxygen. Without it, our cars simply would not run.
An engine is supercharged, then, when it contains an additional component, called a supercharger, to force more oxygen into the engine in order to produce more power and go faster.
A supercharged engine utilizes a supercharger belt that is attached to a pulley system on the crankshaft of the car in order to put more air into the engine cycle. By forcing more air into the engine, the car is able to burn more fuel, and therefore, produce more output.
Supercharger vs TurboCharger
The words ‘supercharged’ and ‘turbocharged’ get used synonymously when talking about automobile engines. They accomplish the same thing. They make your car go faster. However, mechanically speaking, they are actually two different things.
A supercharger is driven mechanically from a supercharger belt and pulley system that is attacked to the crankshaft of the engine. With this system, it forces more air into the engine and allows it to burn more fuel and produce more power.
A turbocharger on the other hand, operates differently. A turbocharger utilizes the heat energy and exhaust gases to spin a turbine that powers an air compressor. The compressor, or impeller, in turn, forces more air into the engine itself in order to burn more fuel and produce more power.
Like most engine components under the hood, a supercharger belt may require some additional monitoring and maintenance. There may even come a time when you need to completely replace the supercharger belt in your car.
How Do I Know I Need a Supercharger Belt Replacement?
There are a few diagnosable symptoms to look out for that will indicate when you need a supercharger belt replacement. When it comes to the supercharger belt itself, keep an eye out and monitor the status of your engine belt as you perform other maintenance. Things to look for could be:
- Cracks on the surface of the belt
- Cuts or tears
- Glazing on the belt from heat
- A loose fit
Other, more serious signs that might indicate you are in need of a supercharger belt replacement could be:
- A flapping or squealing noise from a loose supercharger belt
- Sudden loss of power
- Fuel efficiency drops suddenly
- Check engine light becomes illuminated
Supercharger belts help your car go faster. However, they are not critical to the overall health of the engine. In other words, your car will still run if the supercharger belt fails and requires service.
Although supercharger belt replacements may not be considered immediate, we do recommend that you get it replaced when convenient. Speedy service well help ensure that no other damage is caused to your engine from a loose belt.
Super Charged Cars For Sale
If you are interested in a vehicle with a supercharged engine, let us know! Our sales experts will be happy to help connect you with a pre-owned vehicle that satisfies your need for speed.
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