A turbo engine is generally synonymous with poor gas mileage. The reasoning behind adding a turbo option is to make a car go faster, and more fuel is used in the process. However, just because your car is a turbo doesn't mean you have to be resigned to bad fuel economy. With a few easy tweaks and some changes in your driving style, you can increase your overall miles per gallon.
Obey the speed limit. It is tempting to go over the posted speed limit, especially when you have a turbo engine, but doing so will dramatically reduce your gas mileage. A turbo engine does function better at higher speeds, but the trade-off is paying more to keep it running. When possible, drive within the posted limits, or even a few miles below to increase your gas mileage.
Use cruise control. If your vehicle has this option, it will help your turbo engine get better gas mileage. Maintaining a set speed without variations in acceleration or deceleration improves engine efficiency and uses less gas. This may be difficult in city driving situations, but whenever possible, utilize the cruise control.
Reduce the number of starts and stops. Try to plan a route to your destination that will have the least amount of stoplights and heavy traffic. This will help your turbo engine function more efficiently.
Maintain your turbo vehicle properly. Any car, if not maintained properly, will not function as well. Schedule regular oil changes and keep your car serviced according the manufacturer's recommendations. A turbo engine may require more attention, particularly if you are putting your vehicle through its paces on a regular basis.
Reduce idling time. This is a major issue for drivers stuck in congested city traffic. If you anticipate that your car will be idling for a long time and it does not appear that traffic is moving, turn off your car. This can save a significant amount of gas and help increase the overall life of your turbo engine.
