The service information for oil coolers emphasises the importance of regular oil changes, as well as the importance of monitoring the oil temperature and the temperature of the entire cooling system. A modern cooler that allows effective heat exchange through a targeted air flow prevents potential problems such as oil loss. Precise assembly, for example using correctly tightened screws, ensures the function of the engine block and transmission, while a special transmission oil cooler helps to provide optimum cooling.
Water and air are mixed in the application to prevent overheating, while the use of an engine oil cooler in combination with the oil pump and an intact hose prevents foam and air bubbles from forming and makes defects visible at an early stage.
Further maintenance instructions as well as information on malfunctions and their causes can be found in the following article.
Oil coolers are usually made of aluminium or stainless steel. Several plates positioned on top of one another create separated channels, with channels containing oil alternating with channels containing coolant agent. For improved heat transfer, the channels usually include fins to increase their surface area. The coolant agent used is typically either a coolant or airflow.
For engine parts subjected to high levels of stress, such as pistons, the engine oil is not only used for lubrication and ultrafine sealing around the piston rings, but also as a cooling agent. The oil cooler, which is integrated into the closed oil circuit, provides additional cooling for the engine.
Oil coolers are robust components. Any damage is almost always caused by external influences or incorrect handling.