Here’s How to Accurately Monitor Your Vehicle’s Boost

If you have a supercharged or turbocharged vehicle, having a boost gauge is necessary to keep your engine safe. Fortunately, aftermarket gauges are easily available, together with other car basics like headers and exhaust. 

A quick search of aftermarket gauges will yield different types to monitor different aspects of your vehicle’s performance. But for boost gauges specifically, it is best to look up reputable brands like prosport to get the best performance for a reasonable price. 

Speaking of performance, you may wonder what exactly boost gauges do. This article will briefly explain why they are so important for turbo and supercharged engines.

What Do Boost Gauges Actually Do?

A boost gauge is a type of pressure gauge that monitors the engine’s pressure, or boost, in a supercharger or turbocharger. These gadgets are found in the driver’s side pillar, mounted on the dashboard, or at the radio slot of a car. 

Boost gauges measure pressure in psi or bar. For instance, boost pressure in most vehicles is typically around 25 psi, equivalent to a 1.7 bar. 

Why Boost Gauges are Extremely Important

Every vehicle is built to withstand a particular range in pressure, as indicated in their power bands. When your engine is pushed beyond this safe range, it can damage your engine and lead to potential piston failure. 

Having a boost gauge installed in your car allows you to see when you are approaching a dangerous range. It has a warning function to alert you when you need to let off the gas and make adjustments.

These pressure gauges are a good preventive measure, too. Fluctuating needles or digits, unusual readings (too high or too low than usual), sudden spikes – these signs usually indicate faulty turbochargers, blocked air filters, hose leaks, and many other engine problems. 

Two Types of Boost Gauges

Boost gauges are essential additions to your vehicle. While their main purpose is for accurate monitoring of engine boost, they usually come in two types:

• Analog Boost Gauge. The analogue boost gauge type uses a vacuum hose routed to the boost source, which is then connected to the gauge display. It clearly displays turbo PSI; however, the routing of the vacuum hose can sometimes be complicated. It may create issues when it develops a leak, as well. 

Nonetheless, many car enthusiasts find it easier to read analogue boost gauges, especially when they go fast. The angle of the needle allows them to monitor their boost level with only a glance, unlike the reading and processing of numbers required in digital gauges. 

• Digital Boost Gauge. Another type of boost gauge is the digital gauge, which uses a sending unit near or attached to the boost source to accurately read the boost pressure. It is displayed on the gauge’s face as numbers or digits, providing an exact measurement.

Digital boost gauges are easier to install than analogue types, though some enthusiasts find it takes up more space in the engine bay. 

The right type of boost gauge depends on your vehicle activity, driving style, or vehicle type. Nonetheless, trusted brands like prosport manufacture these two types in a way that’s universally compatible with any car brand.

As the adage goes, everything should be done in moderation. Low pressure in vehicles is inefficient, while high pressure leads to engine problems. A boost gauge will assist you in finding the optimum pressure for enhanced vehicle performance. 

Kenneth

Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].