Ruqayyah Snyder
Turbo timers are devices that allow a vehicle's engine to continue running and cool down after the ignition has been turned off. While turbo timers are legal to buy, there is some ambiguity about whether they are legal to use in Western Australia. Some sources suggest that turbo timers are illegal and cannot be fitted to light vehicles. However, other sources indicate that turbo timers are legal as long as the vehicle is not left unattended while running, and the driver remains within a certain distance of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of turbo timers in Western Australia | Not illegal to have, but illegal to leave the car unattended while running |
| Legality of turbo timers in New South Wales | Legal as long as no-one under 16 is in the car without supervision |
| Legality of turbo timers in South Australia | Legal as long as the vehicle fully shuts down before the driver is more than three meters away |
| Legality of boost controllers | Illegal |
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What You'll Learn
- Turbo timers are not illegal in Western Australia, but leaving a car unattended while running is
- Turbo timers are fitted to allow engines to idle and cool down
- Insurers may have an issue with turbo timers as they can bypass ignition security
- Turbo timers are linked to alarms and immobilisers, making it harder to access ignition wiring
- Turbo timers can be wired to the handbrake, so if the handbrake is released, the car turns off
Turbo timers are not illegal in Western Australia, but leaving a car unattended while running is
Turbo timers are not illegal in Western Australia (WA). However, it is illegal to leave a car unattended while it is running. This means that, if you have a turbo timer, you must remain seated in your vehicle until the engine idle period is complete.
A turbo timer allows the engine to run at idle, flowing cool oil over the turbo to cool it, before turning off and allowing for a cool-down period. In the past, turbochargers would get extremely hot, and a turbo timer was necessary to prevent overheating. However, today's turbochargers have far less friction, and the use of coolant means that overheating is less of a concern.
While turbo timers are not illegal in WA, there are some important considerations. Firstly, it may be difficult to lock your car while the engine is running, unless you alter the security system. Secondly, insurers may have an issue with a device that bypasses ignition security. Finally, if someone were to break into your car while the timer is running, they could drive away. Newer turbo timers address this issue by including a handbrake wire, which turns off the car if the handbrake is released.
It is worth noting that the laws regarding turbo timers can vary between states in Australia. While they are legal in WA, there is some debate about their legality in other states, such as New South Wales (NSW). It is always important to check the specific regulations in your state before installing a turbo timer.
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Turbo timers are fitted to allow engines to idle and cool down
Turbo timers are devices that allow a car's engine to idle and cool down after the ignition has been turned off. They are typically used to prevent turbochargers from overheating and sustaining damage. By allowing the engine to continue running, turbo timers keep coolant or oil flowing through the turbocharger, preventing the buildup of heat and reducing the risk of coking (the formation of solid deposits). This is particularly important for older vehicles with oil-cooled turbochargers, as newer models often feature more effective coolant-based cooling systems.
In Western Australia, while turbo timers themselves are not illegal, it is illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is running. This means that if a driver wishes to use a turbo timer, they must remain with the vehicle until the engine has completely shut down. This requirement is in place to prevent potential safety hazards, such as the vehicle being driven away without keys or unintended gear changes.
Some sources suggest that turbo timers with a handbrake wire are a good investment. These timers are designed so that if someone attempts to steal the car while the timer is active, the engine will shut off as soon as the handbrake is released, preventing theft or unauthorised use. However, it is worth noting that altering the car's security system to allow locking while the engine is running may be illegal or impact insurance coverage.
While turbo timers may have benefits for engine cooling and protection, it is essential to follow local regulations and use them responsibly to ensure safety and compliance with the law. It is always recommended to refer to the specific rules and guidelines of the relevant authorities in Western Australia to stay informed about the legal use of turbo timers and any updates or changes to the legislation.
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Insurers may have an issue with turbo timers as they can bypass ignition security
In Western Australia, turbo timers are not illegal. However, it is illegal to leave a car unattended while the engine is running. This means that the driver must switch off the engine, remove the ignition key, and apply the brake before leaving the vehicle.
Turbo timers allow the engine to run at idle, cooling the turbocharger with oil or coolant before shutting down. This can be particularly useful for older vehicles with brush-bearing and oil-cooled turbochargers, which can reach extremely high temperatures.
However, insurers may have an issue with turbo timers as they can bypass ignition security, allowing the vehicle to be locked and left unattended while the engine is still running. This could increase the risk of theft, as someone could break into the car and drive it away without the keys. Additionally, there may be safety concerns if the car accidentally moves into gear or the handbrake fails.
To address these issues, some modern turbo timers include a handbrake wire, which turns off the engine if the handbrake is released. This prevents the car from being driven away without the handbrake being engaged, even if the engine is still running.
It is important to note that while turbo timers themselves may not be illegal in Western Australia, other modifications, such as boost controllers that modify exhaust emissions, may be prohibited by the EPA and police. It is the responsibility of vehicle owners to stay informed about the legality of any modifications they make to their cars.
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Turbo timers are linked to alarms and immobilisers, making it harder to access ignition wiring
In Western Australia, turbo timers are not illegal to install in your vehicle. However, it is illegal to leave a vehicle unattended while the engine is still running. This means that if you have a turbo timer, you must remain seated in your vehicle until the engine idle period is complete.
Turbo timers are often linked to alarms and immobilisers, which makes it harder for thieves to access the ignition wiring and drive away with the keys. This added security feature may be a reason why some car owners choose to install turbo timers.
While turbo timers themselves might be legal in Western Australia, it is important to note that boost controllers are illegal. This is because they modify the exhaust emissions, which is an EPA and police issue. Additionally, insurers may have an issue with a "device fitted that bypasses ignition security".
To comply with the law, some turbo timers are designed to turn off the engine when the handbrake is released, ensuring the car cannot be driven away without the keys. This feature provides peace of mind for owners who want to leave their vehicle unattended with the engine running to cool down the turbocharger.
It is worth noting that modern turbochargers may not require a turbo timer as they have lower friction and are cooled by coolant, reducing the risk of oil coking or combustion.
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Turbo timers can be wired to the handbrake, so if the handbrake is released, the car turns off
In Western Australia, turbo timers are not illegal. However, it is illegal to leave a car unattended while it is running. This means that the driver must remain seated in the vehicle until the engine has completely shut down.
Some people choose to install a turbo timer to protect the turbocharger from heat damage. After driving, the turbocharger can remain very hot, and a turbo timer allows the engine to run at idle, flowing cool oil over the turbocharger to cool it down gradually.
While turbo timers themselves may be legal in Western Australia, it is worth noting that boost controllers, which are sometimes included in higher-end turbo timer units, are illegal. This is because they modify the exhaust emissions, which is an EPA and police issue. Additionally, insurance companies may have an issue with any device that bypasses ignition security.
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Frequently asked questions
Turbo timers are not illegal in Western Australia, but it is illegal to leave a car unattended while running.
A turbo timer allows the engine to run at idle, flowing cool oil over the turbo to cool it, then turns off gracefully, allowing for a cool-down period.
If someone breaks into the car, the car can be driven away without the keys. If the handbrake fails, this could cause damage or harm to others.
Some turbo timers have a handbrake wire, so if someone breaks into the car while the timer is on, the car will turn off as soon as the handbrake is released.
The laws vary by state. In New South Wales, turbo timers are legal as long as no one under 16 is in the car without supervision.
