What vehicles have oil coolers?

Oil coolers are heat exchangers that keep lubrication oil at safe temperatures, protecting engines, transmissions, and hydraulics from overheating. They are common in turbocharged and diesel engines, high‑performance cars, many motorcycles, and in automatic transmissions, though the exact setup varies by make and model.

In this article, we detail where oil coolers are typically found, the types of vehicles that use them, how to identify them, and what maintenance considerations apply. The goal is to help readers understand which vehicles are likely to have oil cooling and how to verify it on a given model.

Where oil coolers are commonly used

The following categories most often include dedicated oil cooling systems. Not every vehicle in these groups will have one, but the design is common in these segments.

• Turbocharged gasoline engines in passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks


• Diesel engines in pickup trucks, SUVs, and commercial/heavy-duty vehicles


• High-performance or racing-oriented engines (including some high-horsepower naturally aspirated engines)


• Automatic transmissions (ATF coolers) in many cars and trucks, either integrated into the radiator or as a separate cooler


• Motorcycles with liquid‑cooled engines or dedicated oil coolers, particularly sport bikes


• Marine engines in boats and yachts


• Industrial, agricultural, and construction equipment with hydraulic oil cooling

In practice, oil cooling is most common where engine/gearbox stress is high or where reliability demands sustained lubrication under heavy load. Some models use integrated oil-to-water cooling, while others employ a separate oil cooler that sits in front of the radiator or as part of the transmission cooling loop.

How to tell if your vehicle has an oil cooler

Use these steps to determine whether your vehicle includes an oil cooler and what type it uses. This helps with maintenance decisions and understanding potential failure modes.

• Look for dedicated oil lines running from the engine to a separate cooler or a small radiator located in front of or near the main cooling radiator. This is the clearest sign of an engine oil cooler.


• Check for transmission cooling lines or an auxiliary cooler that runs for the automatic transmission (ATF). If you see a separate cooler or extra lines in the radiator, your vehicle likely has an ATF cooler.


• Inspect the engine bay or the service manual for mentions of an "engine oil cooler," "oil cooler," or an "oil-to-water cooler" system. The owner’s or shop manual is often the most definitive source.


• Ask a dealer or mechanic if you’re unsure. They can verify the presence of an oil cooler from the VIN or by inspecting cooling system schematics for your specific model.

Understanding where to look and what to expect can help you diagnose leaks, monitor temperatures, and plan maintenance intervals more accurately.

Summary

Oil coolers are a common feature in many modern vehicles, especially those with turbocharged or diesel engines, high performance requirements, or automatic transmissions. While not every model includes one, you will frequently encounter engine oil coolers, ATF coolers, or both in the categories listed above. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle has an oil cooler, consult the owner’s manual, service documentation, or a qualified technician.

Do all cars have an oil cooler?

No, not all cars have an oil cooler; most standard passenger cars do not have a separate oil cooler from the factory. Oil coolers are typically found on high-performance vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, or vehicles that are expected to operate under sustained heavy loads, such as when towing, as this is when additional cooling is needed to prevent overheating.
 

• Standard cars: The engine's oil is usually cooled by transferring heat to the engine's coolant and by radiating heat to the air, which is sufficient for normal driving conditions. 
• Performance and heavy-duty vehicles: These vehicles require a separate oil cooler because their engines generate more heat due to high RPMs or heavy loads. This is often an aftermarket addition for cars that frequently tow or are driven in hot climates. 
• Transmission coolers: It's important to note that a separate cooler is often standard on the transmission for heavy-duty use, which is different from the engine oil cooler. 

Do all diesel engines have oil coolers?

Engine Mounted
This type of cooler can be found on most modern engines including diesel, gasoline, and even flex-fuel. They are mounted directly to the engine block and work by using the engine's existing coolant system.

Are engine oil coolers worth it?

Oil coolers are worth it for vehicles with turbocharged engines, those used for towing or racing, and for drivers in hot climates, as they help maintain oil at an optimal temperature, which prevents overheating, reduces wear, and improves performance. For daily driving in moderate climates, an external oil cooler is generally not necessary and can add complexity, weight, and potential points of failure.
 
This video explains the benefits of using an oil cooler, especially for cars used in hot climates or for high-performance driving: 1mFlatironsTuningYouTube · Jan 24, 2022
When an oil cooler is worth it

• Performance and racing: An oil cooler is beneficial for cars on the track or under hard use, where engine oil temperatures can get dangerously high. 
• Towing and heavy loads: Vehicles frequently used for towing benefit from an oil cooler to handle the extra strain. 
• Hot climates: In hot weather, an external oil cooler helps keep oil temperatures down, preventing it from thinning out and losing its protective properties. 
• Turbocharged engines: The turbocharger puts extra heat load on the engine oil, making an oil cooler a good upgrade. 
• Preventative measure: Installing an oil cooler proactively is wise because waiting until the engine is already overheating may be too late. 
• Maintaining oil viscosity: Oil thins out as it gets hotter, and an oil cooler prevents it from becoming too thin to properly lubricate the engine. 

Potential drawbacks

• Complexity and failure points: An external oil cooler system adds more parts, such as lines and a heat exchanger, creating more potential points for leaks or failures. 
• Airflow reduction: The cooler is typically mounted in front of the radiator, potentially blocking some airflow that the radiator needs, as noted on this Reddit thread. 
• Over-cooling: Without a thermostat, an oil cooler can over-cool the oil, especially in cold weather, which can be detrimental to engine performance. 
• Added weight: The additional components add weight to the vehicle. 

This video demonstrates how engine oil viscosity changes with temperature: 48sDonutYouTube · Oct 21, 2020
Key takeaway
For most daily-driven passenger cars, an oil cooler is not necessary, as modern engines and synthetic oils are designed to operate within normal temperatures. However, it is a valuable and worthwhile upgrade for anyone who pushes their vehicle to its limits through high-stress driving, heavy loads, or operating in a very hot climate. 
You can watch this video for a more in-depth technical discussion on engine oil coolers: 57sPERRINYouTube · Feb 28, 2025

Does every car have a transmission oil cooler?

In almost all vehicles with an automatic transmission there is a transmission cooler placed inside the radiator. Most standard transmissions do not make as much heat and therefore do not have a cooler.