The engine needs oxygen from the air in order for combustion to work. It is imperative that the car's engine is supplied with the correct amount of clean, filtered air. Air needs to be as clean as possible, and of the right density/pressure, before it mixes with the fuel and burns in the cylinders of the engine. The overall result of this ensures the engine is working to its optimum, providing more power and fuel efficiency.  A car's air intake system consists of several vital components that work together to ensure the air entering the engine is a steady and uninterrupted flow of the right amount of clean, filtered air.  The super charger is a device which compresses air in order to increase the density of air flowing into the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. 

The super charger is usually located in front of the radiator, in prime position to maximise the air flow. 

The engine needs the correct amount of air and fuel flowing through it in order for the fuel to burn in the cylinders and for the engine to ignite or spark at the right time.  If the ignition sparks at the wrong time, there will be less power in the engine and it will try to make up for this by using more fuel, significantly  reducing fuel efficiency, which in turn increases the car's CO2 emissions. By compressing the air this gives each intake cycle more oxygen, which produces a better combustion process, so the super charger has an important part to play in the performance, power and efficiency of the car's engine.  

Signs of a worn super charger are; a rattling noise when the engine is idling, or a grinding or excessive whining noise coming from the super charger. The Check Engine light will illuminate on the dashboard if the super charger is malfunctioning. It's wise to seek advice from your mechanic to make sure the correct fault has been found before purchasing replacement parts. When replacing this part, buying a super charger will ensure you get a component that is compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.