Overheating is the most common culprit behind automatic transmission issues. Factors such as hot weather, long grades, stop-and-go traffic conditions, high altitudes, and heavy towing all contribute to overheating.
The radiator helps with cooling the transmission somewhat, but it also exerts a lot of energy cooling down the engine. When the radiator can’t keep up with the heat produced by the engine, or can’t keep the transmission’s temperature below 170 degrees, the transmission experiences issues with overheating. Overheating can cause catastrophic damage to your transmission.
Transmission coolers—also called transmission oil coolers—prevent this from happening. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of transmission coolers and how they can help protect your vehicle.
What Are Transmission Coolers?
Many people ask, “What is a transmission cooler?” Transmission coolers work hard to keep your transmission cool and performing effectively. They are most often found in the front of the vehicle’s radiator or air conditioning condenser. Their sole purpose is to cool transmission fluid and keep the transmission running effectively.
In order for a transmission to perform as it should, the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) shouldn’t exceed 225 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal range for ATF is between 175- and 225-degrees F.
When ATF reaches 240 degrees F, additives begin to cook. At 260 degrees F, internal transmission seals start to harden. This causes leaks both internally and externally.
At 295 degrees F, transmission clutch plates slip due to disintegrating ATF. And finally, at 300 degrees F, the transmission inevitably dies. This is due to carbon forming in the oil and seals and clutches burning out from the extreme heat, rendering the transmission useless.
While it’s true that all vehicles with an automatic transmission have built-in coolers, these components are not always enough to keep your transmission as cool as it needs to be.
How Do Transmission Coolers Work?
Another thing you might find yourself wondering is how a transmission cooler works. Transmission coolers work by sending hot ATF from the transmission to the radiator first and the cooler second. While the fluid runs through the cooler’s fins, the fluid’s temperature is lowered. After the ATF has run its course, the process starts all over again.
How To Choose the Right Transmission Cooler
When it comes time to choose a cooler, there are a few factors to consider. The first few are fairly obvious—you want a cooler that fits your vehicle year, make, and model. Once the standard factors are considered, look for the cooler with the largest surface area. This allows for more fluid to be cooled quicker.
A final factor to keep in mind is the vehicle’s GVW rating. The GVW, or gross vehicle weight, ranges from 10,000-pound to 30,000-pound-plus ratings. These ratings account for the vehicle’s weight, accessories, driver, passengers, and cargo.
Types of Transmission Coolers
So, what are the different types of transmission coolers? There are three primary types of coolers: tube and fin, plate and fin, and stacked plate. To disperse heat as effectively as possible, the majority of coolers are made from aluminum. While some coolers offer standard features, others have built-in fans for additional cooling. These are excellent for vehicles operated in big cities, hot climates, and mountainous areas.
Tube and Fin
The tube and fin is the most common transmission cooler on the market. It’s made from aluminum and features S-shaped tubes with fins. These fins help absorb the heat from the ATF and cause air to flow over them, which cools the ATF as it passes through the tubes.
While tube and fin coolers are affordable and work well in older vehicles, they are the least efficient type.
Plate and Fin
Plate and fin coolers look like little radiators. These smaller yet very durable coolers feature rows of parallel plates that cool ATF quickly and effectively. Due to their large surface area, plate and fins are far more efficient than tube and fin coolers.
While plate and fin coolers cool more ATF at one time, they aren’t as efficient as stack plate coolers. Additionally, they tend to be on the expensive side.
Stacked Plate
The first of the different types of coolers are stacked plate coolers. Stacked plate coolers look like larger versions of plate and fin coolers. They use a tube to carry the ATF inside the cooler itself, while the fins are used as a passageway for the ATF as it travels through the cooler. The stacked plate is the most efficient of coolers, the most popular, and the easiest to install and remove. They’re also the most expensive.
Transmission Coolers With Fans
Depending on the vehicle, the abovementioned coolers may not be an option. For example, some coolers cannot be installed in the front of the radiator. Others are needed in a space with very little airflow, so the air isn’t much help in cooling the ATF. Additionally, large vehicles may require cooling power even while stopped—which is something tube and fin, plate and fin, and stacked plate coolers cannot do. This is where transmission coolers with built-in fans come in handy.
Tips for Installing a Transmission Cooler
Many times, the cooler will come with everything you need to install it yourself. This includes hardware, adhesive mounting pads, directions, and more. Here are a few tips if you decide to install the cooler yourself:
- Be careful to follow the installation instructions properly.
- Ensure the cooler fits your vehicle, and that there’s still enough room for cooler hoses when installed.
- Don’t allow any hoses to come in contact with hot or moving parts.
- Install your cooler in a place that has good airflow and is free of debris.
- Ensure the fins on the cooler run parallel to the fins on the radiator.
- Do not install a cooler that features smaller fittings on a larger system.
If you’re ready to purchase one of the different types of transmission coolers for your vehicle, look to the professionals at Transparts Warehouse. You will find a variety of premium transmission coolers for sale for your specific vehicle. If you have any questions about your purchase, feel free to reach out to our experts. We’re happy to help resolve any questions or concerns you may have!
