All internal combustion engines require a cooling circuit that is commonly known as the radiator system.  This system is responsible for cooling the engine block and the cylinder heads.  Added engine oil cooling is available with the addition of an engine oil cooler.

Motor oil lubricates and cleans moving / rotating metallic surfaces. As metallic surface rub on each other, that causes friction, thus creating heat.  Heat is the enemy to motor oil.  As motor oil heats up it loses its ability to lubricate and the surfaces requiring lubrication begin to wear.  Continued use at elevated temperatures can result in premature engine wear and eventual failure.

Engine oil coolers are commonly found on higher performance engines, heavy duty commercial vehicles, vehicles with increased trailer towing capacity, and most high speed diesel engines.  As engines become more efficient engine oil coolers will become common on most motor vehicles. 


Engine oil coolers can be classified into 4 distinct categories:

Filter Mounted

Engine Mounted

Remote Mounted

Radiator In-Tank

Engine Oil Cooling (PDF)