Do I need to add a transmission cooler for towing?
Yes, you generally need to install a transmission cooler when towing a trailer or heavy load with your vehicle. A transmission cooler helps prevent your vehicle's transmission from overheating and potentially failing during extended towing operations.
Why a Transmission Cooler is Important for Towing
Towing a trailer or heavy load places significant additional strain on your vehicle's transmission. The transmission has to work harder to move the extra weight, which generates more heat. Without a transmission cooler, this excess heat can build up and damage the transmission's internal components over time.
A transmission cooler helps dissipate this heat by circulating the transmission fluid through an external cooling unit, typically mounted in front of the vehicle's radiator. This allows the fluid to be cooled before returning to the transmission, helping to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
When a Transmission Cooler is Recommended
- Towing Trailers or RVs: Anytime you tow a trailer, camper, or RV, a transmission cooler is highly recommended to prevent overheating.
- Hauling Heavy Loads: If you frequently transport heavy cargo, equipment, or materials in your vehicle, a transmission cooler can help protect your transmission.
- Driving in Hot Climates: Vehicles operating in hot, desert-like conditions are more prone to transmission overheating, so a cooler is advised.
- Steep Terrain: Driving up and down steep hills and mountains puts extra strain on the transmission, making a cooler a wise investment.
In general, if your owner's manual recommends or requires a transmission cooler for towing, it's best to follow those guidelines to avoid potential transmission damage or failure.
Installing a Transmission Cooler
Transmission coolers can be added as an aftermarket accessory and are relatively straightforward to install. They typically connect to the transmission fluid lines and mount in front of the radiator for optimal airflow. Some vehicles may also have provisions for a factory-installed cooler. It's recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the installation to ensure it's done properly.
Investing in a quality transmission cooler is a smart precaution when towing or hauling heavy loads. It can help extend the life of your vehicle's transmission and prevent costly repairs down the road.
What transmission temperature is too hot?
The optimal temperature range for transmission fluid is 175 to 220 degrees. Above that, for every 20 degrees, bad things happen, starting with the formation of varnish at 240 degrees, followed by seals hardening, plates slipping, seals and clutches burning out, carbon being formed, and, ultimately, failure.
How do you protect your transmission when towing?
Simply put the vehicle in park and tow. If all four wheels are on the ground, your vehicle must be equipped with a proper towing device, to keep the transmission from turning without proper lubrication. Simply putting the vehicle in neutral will not prevent it from sustaining damage.
Do I need a transmission cooler for towing?
And when a transmission works harder, it creates more heat, which is not good for transmissions. An aftermarket transmission cooler is a towing accessory that prevents an automatic transmission from overheating as it tows. This allows a vehicle to perform at its strongest while towing.
Is a transmission cooler required?
Never bypass a transmission cooler if it's an automatic. They need the cooler. Transmissions use the engine heat that is dumped into the radiator to warm up when it's cold, then use the cooler to stay a consistent temperature. The main issue is transmission fluid breaks down very quickly at high temperatures.
Can I drive without a transmission cooler?
- Yes, you can technically drive a car without a transmission cooler, but it is not advisable.
- Without a transmission cooler, the transmission fluid can overheat, especially during heavy use or in hot weather.
Is adding a transmission cooler worth it?
Adding a transmission cooler is good preventative maintenance. Excessive heat shortens the life of your transmission fluid and will shorten your transmission life. And once you get into the midwest and west, those long uphill grades will build alot of heat.
How do I know if I need a transmission cooler?
Poor performance is a common sign of transmission cooler failure. Your transmission might start having trouble shifting if the transmission fluid drops below normal amounts, so be sure to pay attention to any changes in your vehicle's abilities.
Can you tow without a transmission cooler?
The Importance of Transmission Protection When Towing a Trailer. When towing a trailer, a vehicle's automatic transmission must work harder to manage the extra weight and resistance of its load. And when a transmission works harder, it creates more heat, which is not good for transmissions.
What kind of car usually needs a transmission cooler?
Towing/Heavy Loads – If you have a truck or service vehicle that is used for towing or carrying heavy loads, an auxiliary transmission cooler is worth looking into because it will help recirculate the transmission fluid and keep the transmission running cool despite the added stress being put on it from the heavier ...
Will towing damage automatic transmission?
Transmission damage from towing can occur for several reasons. If your vehicle's transmission needs service, towing might stress this component even more. Or, if you have low or contaminated transmission fluid in an automatic vehicle, slipping and overheating can become a concern.
