Should You Take Extra Steps to Cool Your High-Performance Car?

When you drive a high-performance car and make the most of your acquisition, you may need to take extra steps to look after it. After all, if you stress the engine a lot through some spirited driving, it may not last as long as it otherwise would due to some excess heat. So, if you don't already have one, you should think about fitting an engine oil cooler and a separate device for the transmission while you're at it. Why of these important and, once fitted, how do you look after them?

Engine Cooler 

An oil cooler is a radiator-like device typically fitted at the front of the vehicle. It is connected by tubes to the engine so that as the oil pump pushes lubricant through the block, it's also diverted through the cooler.

The cooler has a matrix of tubes and fins across a flat surface (just like the water radiator). As the lubricant flows through this matrix, cooler air passes across the surface and helps to dissipate the heat.

Transmission Cooler

The transmission may need its own oil cooler. This is a similar device and is once again fitted at the front of the vehicle, where it can take advantage of passing air. In this case, the cooler is connected to the transmission and helps to keep that device within safe operating temperatures, even in extreme conditions.

Investment for the Future

Remember, these mechanical devices will always heat up when they are put under pressure, and that heat will need a way to dissipate. The built-in systems may cope and allow the engine or transmission to function, but those temperature extremes may nevertheless take their toll. As a result, you may encounter issues in the future unless you think about installing these extra coolers.

Cooler Service

Once you have installed these coolers, you will need to keep them clean and intact. They can be vulnerable due to their forward-facing position and may be affected by stones or other road debris. In addition, make sure that your mechanic flushes out each cooler when you take the car in for a scheduled service. This will get rid of any contamination that may otherwise build up within those narrow tubes and fins. Lastly, remember that the surface of these coolers can sometimes develop surface rust. If not removed, this corrosion may eventually cause a leak.

Your Best Approach

So, ensure that you have coolers fitted to your high-performance vehicle and that you look after them per the manufacturer's recommendations.

Contact a car service to learn more.