Hello, I'm finally about to close on a '00 V70R. Once more day, can't wait!

In talking with drivers of other (older) turbo vehicles, they mention having to allow the turbo to cool down every time before they turn off their cars. This can be a matter of 2 to 5 minutes of idling time. After hearing of the costs to rebuild a turbo, I suppose this is time well spent towards turbo longevity.

Is this really necessary or has the technology gotten better such that the Volvo turbos no longer need to cool down?

Thanks,
Fred

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novovo yet

Well thanks for the comforting words.

Now, when a younger guy asks "Dood, when are you gonna install a turbo-timer?" I could tell him I don't need one, and instead question why HE needs one. I've always thought those things were gimicky overpriced devices created by the aftermarket vendors.

-Fred
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novovo yet

If you're coming back from a few hot laps on track day, sure!

Otherwise, probably not. This practice stems from the early days of turbos (the Saab 99 Turbo, Volvo 240GLT and Porsche 930 era) when turbos were just oil cooled, not water cooled. It there was no cool down period the oil would "coke" onto the turbo bearing, causing the turbocharger to fail. Turbochargers have mostly been water cooled for almost 20 years now.

I've NEVER bothered to do this, but I do use synthetic oil, and do drive slowly - around the speed limit - down the street to my house for a few minutes before shutting down.

-Punxsutawney Phil

If you were on a track and went from several hot laps to the pits
then you should cool it down.

For any driving you are going to do on the streets I don't
see why you should. The last bit of driving in a parking lot,
up your driveway, etc. is going to allow enough cool down time.

The older turbos were not liquid cooled like newer designs so
they could use a cool down period.

Also, use synthetic oil since it can take the added heat and
won't coke up on the turbo bearings like conventional oils (one
reason to do the cool down).

Overall, the turbo design in Volvo engines is very reliable (certainly
not the "weak spot" or anything to worry about).

Having said all that I do let my engine idle 15 to 20 seconds
before turning off (whil I gather up my cell phone, put a shade up
in the windshield, etc.). But 2 minutes, nope.

My 97 850-R has 75,000 miles on it and I have never used a "cool down" period, even after hard driving. It stills run very nice.

On the older turbos, 1970's (700 series models), I heard that they needed a cool down period, because they didn't have oil or water running through the turbo to cool it down. The newer turbos have that cooling capability.