Do you want to know the best place to mount a transmission cooler? If so, this guide discusses all things trans coolers! Make sure your vehicle has this helpful tool.
What Is a Transmission Cooler?
The purpose of transmission coolers is to cool your transmission so the system can perform correctly and efficiently. You can find the cooler in front of your car’s radiator or air conditioning condenser.
Although the cooler’s purpose is self-explanatory, it plays a major role in the health of your vehicle. The fluid (ATF) shouldn’t exceed 225 degrees Fahrenheit for automatic transmissions. The fluid begins to cook when it reaches temperatures above 240 degrees. From there, more problems happen.
At 260 degrees Fahrenheit, transmission seals begin to harden, causing internal and external leaks. At 295 degrees, clutch plates slip. At 300 degrees, the transmission dies. Thankfully, the cooler prevents the system from overheating. That’s why they’re important in vehicles, including yours.
Types of Transmission Coolers
When looking for a new trans cooler, it’s essential to select one that matches your vehicle’s year, make, and model. It’s also best to select a cooler with a large surface area because it cools your system fast. While searching for a unit, you’ll see three types of transmission coolers. Here’s a quick break down of the options:
- Plate and Fin—small and durable coolers with parallel plates that cool ATF quickly. Extremely efficient but expensive.
- Stacked Plate—a larger version of plate and fin transmission coolers. A tube carries the ATF inside the cooler. It’s an efficient cooler that’s easy to install. Like plate and fin, it’s an expensive option.
- Tube and Fin—the most common trans cooler on the market. It has aluminum and S-shaped tubes with fins. The fins absorb heat from the ATF. This works well in older vehicles, but they’re the least efficient.
Best Placement for Cooler
The best place to mount a transmission cooler is in front of the radiator. The area has good airflow, and during cold weather, the antifreeze creates the right environment for the cooler. It helps warm the transmission when it’s cold and prevents the system from getting too hot in extreme heat.
Enhance Your Vehicle
Transparts Warehouse prioritizes vehicle health and efficiency. That’s why we encourage car owners to enhance their vehicles with the right parts. We have transmission coolers for sale along with other products that you should check out! With free shipping on orders over 100 dollars, you can get everything you need right now.
