How does it work? A turbo is made up of two halves joined together by a shaft. On one side, hot exhaust gasses spin the turbine that is connected to another turbine which sucks air in and compresses it into the engine. This compression is what gives the engine the extra power and efficiency because as more air can go in the combustion chamber, more fuel can be added for more power. Common Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid When caring for turbocharged engines, there are several common mistakes to avoid that can compromise the performance and lifespan of your turbocharger. .