Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about turbochargers.

DPF Cleaning, fitting, warranty, surcharge refunds and our workshop services.

Turbochargers FAQ

1. How does surcharge work?

A surcharge is a refundable deposit added when you buy a turbocharger on an exchange basis.

When you place your order, you pay for the turbo plus the surcharge. Once your old turbo is returned and accepted, the surcharge is refunded.

How it works:

  • You receive your replacement turbocharger
  • You send your old unit back within 21 days
  • We inspect it to confirm it’s complete and suitable for remanufacturing
  • The surcharge is refunded using your original payment method

Make sure the turbo is complete and properly packaged to avoid delays.

For full details, see our returns and exchange policy.

2. How do you refund the surcharge?

The surcharge is refunded using the same payment method used for the original purchase.

If you paid by card, the refund goes back to the same card. For bank transfers, you’ll need to include your bank details with the returned turbo so we can process the refund. Other payment methods, such as PayPal, are refunded accordingly.

Once your old turbocharger is received and inspected, the refund is processed promptly.

To avoid delays, make sure the turbo is complete, properly packaged, and returned within the allowed timeframe, with your invoice or order details included.

For full details, see our returns and exchange policy.

3. Can I buy a turbo without a surcharge?

In some cases, yes. However, the price will usually be higher than the listed exchange price.

If you want to buy a turbocharger without returning an old unit, contact us and we’ll provide a price based on your specific requirements and availability.

The surcharge is there to ensure old turbochargers are returned for remanufacturing, which helps keep costs down. Without an exchange unit, that cost is reflected in the price.

4. Is the surcharge refundable?

Yes, the surcharge is refundable as long as your old turbocharger is returned within 21 days of receiving the replacement.

If you need more time, this can be arranged, but it must be agreed in advance by email before the original return period expires.

To avoid delays or issues with the refund, make sure the turbo is returned on time, is complete, and includes your invoice or order details.

For full details, see our returns and exchange policy.

5. What is covered by warranty?

The warranty covers faults caused by defective parts or workmanship. If a fault is confirmed after inspection, the turbo will be repaired or replaced.

The standard warranty is 24 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). Full terms are available in our warranty policy.

6. What is not covered by warranty?

The warranty does not cover damage caused by lack of oil supply, contaminated oil, overspeeding, or foreign object damage.

These are usually the result of installation issues or underlying engine faults rather than a fault with the turbo itself.

7. How do I claim warranty?

Contact us first to arrange the return.

Once authorised, send the turbocharger back with your invoice and a brief description of the issue.

After inspection, we’ll assess the claim and proceed accordingly.

8. When will my turbo be shipped?

If the turbocharger is in stock, it’s usually dispatched the same day or the next working day.

Orders placed later in the day (after 2 pm) or over the weekend are sent on the next working day.

If the item is not in stock, we’ll contact you with an estimated dispatch time.

Tracking is not automatically sent, but can be provided if needed.

9. What if I bought the wrong turbocharger?

If you’ve ordered the wrong turbo, you can return it within 14 days of receiving it.

The unit must be unused, in its original packaging, and in resalable condition.

Contact us with your order details before returning the item so we can guide you through the process.

For full details, see our refund policy.

10. How can I make sure I’m buying the right turbo?

The safest way is to match the part number from your existing turbocharger, as there can be multiple variants fitted to the same engine.

If the part number isn’t visible or you’re unsure, contact us with your vehicle registration or VIN number and any details you have, and we’ll confirm the correct unit.

Getting this right avoids compatibility issues and unnecessary returns.

11. What are the signs of a turbo failing?

Common signs of a failing turbocharger include loss of power, increased smoke from the exhaust, unusual noises such as whining or grinding, and higher oil consumption.

These symptoms are not always caused by the turbo itself, so proper diagnosis is important before replacing any parts.

For a full breakdown, see our guide on signs of turbo failure.

12. Can I drive with a failed turbo?

In some cases the car will still drive, but it’s not recommended. Continuing to drive can cause further damage to the engine or exhaust system.

If there is heavy smoke, unusual noise, or a major loss of power, the vehicle should not be driven.

For more detail, see our guide on signs of turbo failure.

DPF FAQ

1. Can I clean a DPF myself?

Sometimes, if the blockage is only light. Additives or a motorway drive may help the car complete a regeneration, but they won’t properly clean a blocked DPF or remove ash buildup.

If the filter is heavily blocked, it needs professional cleaning.

2. What is the cost of DPF cleaning?

DPF cleaning usually costs between £200 and £300, depending on how blocked the filter is and the type of unit.

Heavily clogged or larger filters can cost more, but it’s still much cheaper than replacing the DPF, which can run into the thousands.

3. Does DPF cleaning really work?

Yes, if it’s done properly. It removes the soot and ash buildup that causes the blockage and restores normal airflow through the filter.

In most cases, it brings the DPF back to proper working condition and extends its lifespan.

For more details, see our DPF cleaning service.

4. What are the signs of a blocked DPF?

Loss of power, higher fuel consumption, and a warning light on the dash are the most common signs. In some cases, you may also notice smoke or the car going into limp mode.

If you’re seeing any of these, the DPF is likely starting to block.

5. How do I know if my DPF needs cleaning?

If the DPF warning light is on, the car feels underpowered, or fuel economy has dropped, the filter is likely starting to clog.

This is more common on cars used for short trips or stop-start driving, where the DPF doesn’t get the chance to regenerate properly.

6. Is it OK to drive with a blocked DPF?

No, it’s not recommended. Driving like that can make the blockage worse and lead to bigger issues. Blocked dpf can lead to a turbo failure.

In many cases, the car will go into limp mode and limit power to protect the engine.

7. My car is in limp mode due to the DPF. What should I do?

If the car has gone into limp mode, the DPF is usually too blocked for a normal, on-car regeneration to clear it.

You can try a forced regeneration, but in most cases it won’t solve the problem at that stage. The filter will need to be removed and properly cleaned to restore it.

Continuing to drive like this can make the blockage worse, so it’s best to deal with it sooner rather than later.

8. Is DPF cleaning worth it?

In most cases, yes. If the filter is structurally sound, cleaning is usually enough to fix the issue without needing a replacement.

It’s significantly cheaper than fitting a new DPF and is often the first step before considering replacement.

9. How often should I clean my DPF?

There’s no fixed interval. Most DPFs need attention somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, but it depends on how the car is used.

Cars doing short trips or stop-start driving tend to block up sooner than those used regularly on longer runs.

10. What happens if I don’t clean my DPF?

The blockage will keep building up and start affecting how the engine runs. You’ll lose power, fuel consumption will go up, and the car may go into limp mode.

If left too long, it can cause further issues, including turbocharger failure due to increased backpressure. In some cases, the DPF ends up needing replacement.

Mechanical Services FAQ

1. Do you fit turbochargers?

Yes, we offer turbocharger fitting at our workshop.

We can supply and fit the correct unit, or install a turbo you’ve already purchased. Before fitting, we check the system to make sure there are no underlying issues that could cause the replacement to fail.

Once fitted, we check everything over to make sure it’s working as it should.

2. Do you offer other mechanical services?

Yes, we carry out a range of mechanical work alongside turbocharger fitting and repairs.

This includes servicing, diagnostics, engine repairs, brakes, clutches, suspension, and exhaust work.

If you’re unsure, just get in touch and we’ll advise.

3. Can you carry out diagnostics?

Yes, we carry out diagnostics to identify faults before any parts are replaced.

Whether it’s a warning light, loss of power, unusual noise, or general performance issues, we’ll check the system and pinpoint the cause rather than guessing.

5. Can I get a quote before the service?

Yes, we can provide a quote before any work is carried out.

In most cases, we can give an estimate based on the issue, and if needed, confirm it after inspection once the exact fault is identified.

Can't find what you’re looking for?
If your question isn't covered here, get in touch and our
team will be happy to help.
Contact Us

Can't find what you're looking for?

If your question isn't covered here, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.

Product added to wishlist
Product added to compare.

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience, analyse traffic and measure website performance. With your consent, we and our partners including Google may use cookies and mobile advertising identifiers for analytics, conversion tracking and personalised or non-personalised advertising (ads personalisation). Learn more about how Google uses information from sites that use its services here: https://business.safety.google/privacy/