Should You Service a High-Performance Transmission Cooler?
If you drive a performance car, it may be fitted with certain components that you would not find on a simpler vehicle. For example, your automobile may have a specially designed transmission cooler which is meant to give that part a boost in performance and some extra protection. But do you need to service this cooler from time to time, and if so, what do you need to do?
Why Is the Cooler Important?
When a car may be expected to drive at higher speeds, tow heavier loads or venture off-road, its mechanical components can begin to heat up. Granted, the vehicle will be equipped with a cooling system where fluid runs from the forward-facing radiator through the engine and transmission to absorb and dissipate the heat. But engineers believe that additional help is needed to lower the internal temperature within the transmission casing and ensure that it does not seize up under strain.
Where Is the Cooler Situated?
Your vehicle may have this additional unit which looks like a miniature radiator situated at the front of the engine bay. It is plumbed into the central cooling system, allowing the transmission fluid to cycle out of the transmission and through the cooler before returning to a reduced temperature.
How Do Transmission Coolers Work?
There are many different types of transmission coolers, but the fundamental idea is the same. Air is passed over a sequence of plates and fins while the fluid is agitated. The air will then absorb the heat carried by the fluid and pass it to the surrounding atmosphere. The cooler constantly operates whenever the engine is running for maximum performance.
Why Servicing Is so Important
As you know, you need to service your engine and transmission from time to time to change the oils and fluids. This is because the lubricant will degrade and pick up tiny contamination particles during everyday operation. This contamination can build up and clog essential areas (such as the transmission cooler mechanism). If this area is blocked, your transmission could overheat and cause major damage elsewhere.
What Happens During a Service?
When you take your vehicle in for a full transmission service, the mechanic will ensure that the cooler is also inspected. As part of the work, they may need to flush out the internal components to get rid of any accumulation before adding new fluid at the end of the process.
For more information about servicing performance cars, including BMW servicing, contact a mechanic.