My dad drives a 2022 Volkswagen Golf, 1.5 TSI, 6-speed manual.
Is it necessary to let the engine idle for e.g. two minutes after driving on the motorway for several hours, going 80 mph?
Do these new cars need to idle like that after the turbocharger has worked hard or will it cool itself?
Thanks.
Yes, it is a requirement in turbocharged engines to idle for a few minutes after hard driving. It’s usually mentioned in the owner’s manual of most turbocharged vehicles.
This is to extend the life of the turbo by letting it gradually cool down before shutting down the engine, as opposed to shock cooling (if you turn off the engine soon after a hard drive).
Keep in mind, near idle RPM for a minute or two while you roll down your street and into your garage/driveway can also count towards that requirement. It doesn’t necessarily mean after you’re parked at your destination.
All the best!
