Sometimes, all your intercooler needs is a good cleanout. Your heat exchanger works like a radiator but can sometimes become clogged or blocked. Depending on the type of intercooler, this blockage might only occur externally, on the surface of the fins. But if it's a liquid-to-air intercooler, the clogging can also happen internally, which can restrict coolant flow. If the blockage is minor, a simple way to fix this is to remove the build-up.

A turbocharged engine is called a forced induction engine since the air is pushed into the engine under pressure. Being compressed by the turbo, more air enters the combustion chamber. More air means more fuel can be burnt more efficiently to release more energy. More energy=more power.

1. overheating.

2. Noticeable

3. Increase fuel consumption.

4. Unnatural smoke coming from the exhaust system. A blocked or damaged intercooler can result in an incorrect air-fuel ratio. Sometimes this can lead to leftover fuel being burnt and black smoke escaping.

5. Leakage. Sometimes, hoses and lines can collapse, or the coolant (in liquid-to-air intercoolers) can contaminate or leak into the intake airway. You can often tell that this has happened by the above symptoms. If oil builds up inside your intercooler, it may be your turbo leaking. An EGR cooler leak can also contribute to a build-up of deposits inside the intercooler.

1. To clean the intercooler, it first needs to be removed from the car. Sometimes this may include removing the front bumper and/or engine cover (depending on where it is mounted).

2. While removing, be mindful of disconnecting any hoses and piping. Once removed, take off any rubber seals or grommets that may be damaged by cleaning chemicals.

3. Spray the outside and inlets of the intercooler with a degreaser to prepare any oil and/or debris for removal.

4. After that, you can rinse the intercooler with acetone, kerosene or even brake cleaner. Place the intercooler in a bucket or plastic container and pour the cleaning liquid through the inlet. Shimmy it slightly and then let it sit for about 15 minutes. Pour it out after this time has passed. You should repeat this step a few times until the cleaning agent comes out clear.

5. Rinse out and let the intercooler dry for a few hours before refitting. Take care to dispose of waste chemicals responsibly per your local government's standards, as they can be toxic (cleaning chemicals may kill grass or other plants).

If a clean-out has not helped your vehicle issues, something more damaging might have occurred. We recommend you take your vehicle to a professional to diagnose underlying issues. Other engine components might also need fixing, so an intercooler clean may not completely solve your problem. If you need a replacement, having a professional install it is good practice.