If you drive a large truck or a high-performance vehicle, then your cooling system should consist of more than a radiator. Chances are, your vehicle has an oil cooler. If it doesn't, then you may need to install one. Oil coolers keep your engine oil within an optimum temperature to ensure it can handle extreme conditions like when you tow or race.
Discover more information about what oil coolers are, what vehicles need them, if they need maintenance, and when they need repair.
What Are Oil Coolers?
An oil cooler is a radiator-like component specifically designed to keep your oil cool. It consists of tubes and fins that allow for good airflow to pass through. Usually, they are placed where they can receive maximum airflow such as in front of or behind the radiator or fans.
Oil coolers attach to an adapter near the oil filter to ensure adequate pressure through the system. Oil is air cooled as it circulates through the cooler before it returns to the engine.
Which Vehicles Need Oil Coolers?
While any vehicle can have an oil cooler, vehicles frequently involved in heavy-duty or high-performance situations usually require one. Coolers are most often in semi-trucks, heavy-duty pickup trucks that haul trailers, and sports vehicles. However, if you tow a great deal with your regular passenger car, then you would also benefit from an oil cooler.
Oil coolers extend the life of your vehicle's engine and reduce the chance of overheating under extreme conditions. For example, if you haul a trailer uphill for long distances, then chances are that your engine works at maximum capacity for a long time. This creates a lot of heat that needs a way to dissipate. If the heat cannot be released, then it builds up and raises the engine's temperature. An oil cooler provides an extra surface for that heat to dissipate.
Do Oil Coolers Need Special Attention?
If installed correctly, your engine oil cooler should not need much maintenance. Like radiators, make sure to keep your cooler clean of debris, and check for leaks. On top of that, make sure you keep your engine oil in good condition. Change your oil at the recommended intervals. This helps to reduce the chance that your cooler will plug internally.
When Should Oil Coolers Be Repaired?
An engine oil cooler should last for years with minimal problems. Some of the most common problems are cracks and leaks in the cooler. Rust often causes leaks, but road vibrations can also contribute to this problem, especially if you drive off-road. Generally, this problem is more likely to occur in an older vehicle.
Another common problem is either the coolant leaks into the oil or vice versa. This could result in oil inside the combustion chamber or a swollen radiator. If you don’t catch this problem early, then you could have serious engine problems. Coolant in the oil is especially bad because it lessens the oil's lubrication ability.
Oil coolers are very beneficial for certain types of trucks and performance vehicles. If you put your vehicle under a lot of load or run your car's engine at top speed for long periods, then you could benefit from an oil cooler. However, make sure you maintain your cooler and promptly repair it to avoid serious problems.