What is the function of a wastegate in turbocharged engines?

A wastegate is a bypass valve that limits boost pressure by diverting exhaust gases around the turbine when maximum boost is reached. Without it, boost would increase indefinitely with engine speed, potentially causing engine damage. The wastegate can be mechanically actuated by boost pressure or electronically controlled by the ECU for precise boost regulation. Internal wastegates are integrated into the turbo housing, while external wastegates offer better performance in high-boost applications. Proper wastegate sizing ensures responsive boost control.