An oil cooler is a mechanical device used to cool down engine oil or hydraulic oil. It acts like a small radiator and helps maintain the oil at an optimal temperature, especially in engines, transmissions, or hydraulic systems that generate a lot of heat.
◉ Purpose of an Oil Cooler:
- Prevents overheating of the oil.
- Maintains oil viscosity (important for proper lubrication).
- Increases the efficiency and lifespan of engines or machinery.
- Helps in better thermal management in high-performance or heavy-duty applications.
- Automobiles (cars, trucks, motorcycles – especially high-performance or racing ones).
- Industrial machinery.
- Marine engines.
- Aircraft engines.
- Hydraulic systems.
- Hot oil flows from the engine or system to the oil cooler.
- The cooler dissipates heat from the oil using air (air-cooled) or coolant (liquid-cooled).
- Cooled oil returns to the system, ready to lubricate and protect moving parts.
| Type | Description |
| Air-cooled | Uses airflow (like a radiator) to cool the oil. |
| Water-cooled | Uses engine coolant to transfer heat from oil to coolant. |
| Stacked-plate or tube-and-fin | Common designs in automotive use. Compact and efficient. |