Engine Oil Cooler: What It Does, When You Need One, and How to Choose the Right Kit

Why engine oil cooler?

If your engine oil gets too hot, it loses its ability to protect vital components.

An engine oil cooler is a simple upgrade that keeps oil at safe temperatures, extends oil life, and prevents engine wear, especially if you tow, track, or run a high-performance setup.

An oil cooler is like a small radiator for your engine oil. It removes heat before the oil returns to the engine, keeping it in the ideal range, usually 180°F to 240°F.

Benefits:

• Prevents oil from thinning at high temperatures
• Maintains consistent oil pressure
• Reduces engine wear and extends oil life

Without proper cooling, oil can overheat or fail to remove moisture, accelerating engine wear.

Do You Actually Need One?

Most daily drivers in mild climates don’t need an oil cooler. Your stock cooling system is usually sufficient.

Consider adding one if you:

• Tow or haul heavy loads in hot weather
• Drive in mountainous regions or long uphill stretches
• Spend weekends at the track or drag strip
• Run a turbocharged, supercharged, or tuned engine

In these situations, oil temperatures can exceed 250°F, which shortens oil life and reduces protection.

Types of Engine Oil Coolers

Here are the types of engine oil coolers….

(i) Oil-to-Air Coolers

Air passes over cooling fins, like a radiator.

• Efficient, widely used in aftermarket kits
• Stacked-plate designs are more effective than tube-and-fin for the same size

(ii) Oil-to-Water Coolers

Transfers oil heat into the engine’s coolant.

• Compact, fits tight spaces
• Can slightly increase coolant temperatures under heavy use

(iii) Thermostatic Sandwich Plate

Keeps oil out of the cooler until it warms up. Without it, oil can stay too cold during short trips, leading to sludge and moisture buildup.

How to Choose the Right Oil Cooler Kit

• Check your oil temperature: Use a gauge or OBD reader.
• Pick the right core size: A 19-row stacked-plate is a solid choice for street/track cars.
• Use quality hoses and fittings: Prevent leaks and pressure loss.
• Mount in clean airflow: Front of the radiator or grille works best.
• Thermostat: Choose a kit with a thermostatic sandwich plate for everyday driving.

Engine Oil Cooler Comparison – USA & Canada

Feature	AMSOIL Bypass + Cooler	Mishimoto 19-Row	Derale Series 10000	Setrab ProLine + Thermostatic	Hayden Rapid-Cool
Cooling Efficiency	High – extends oil life, stabilizes temps	Very High – stacked-plate core	High – heavy-duty towing	Very High – premium, race-proven	Moderate – better than stock
Type	Oil-to-air + bypass filtration	Oil-to-air, stacked-plate	Oil-to-air, stacked-plate	Oil-to-air, stacked-plate	Oil-to-air, tube-and-fin
Best Use	Long engine life, towing, high mileage	Street/track cars	Trucks & heavy towing	Performance/high-power builds	Budget/light-duty upgrades
Durability	Excellent	Strong, lifetime warranty	Heavy-duty	Professional-grade	Lightweight
Installation	Moderate – planning required	Easy	Moderate – thermostat may be separate	Advanced – assembly required	Easy
Thermostat Included	Optional	Optional	No	Yes	No
Price (USD)	$350–450	$350–400	$200–300	$400+	$60–100

Here are the steps for choosing the right cooler….

Step 1: Know Your Needs

Ask yourself:

• Do I tow or haul heavy loads?
• Do I do track days or spirited driving?
• Is my engine stock, tuned, or turbocharged?

Your answers determine the type and size of cooler you need.

Step 2: Check Your Oil Temperature

Use a gauge or OBD tool. If your oil regularly exceeds 250°F, you’ll need a larger or more efficient cooler. If temps stay below 240°F, a smaller cooler may suffice.

Step 3: Choose the Right Cooler Type

• Oil-to-Air: Best for performance and towing
• Oil-to-Water: Compact, fits tight spaces
• Thermostatic Sandwich Plate: Essential for daily driving

Step 4: Consider Installation

• Kits with all fittings included are easier to install
• Make sure the cooler fits your vehicle without blocking airflow
• Professional installation is an option if you’re not comfortable with DIY

Step 5: Pair with High-Quality Oil

A premium synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series works best with a cooler. It holds viscosity under heat, keeps the engine protected, and extends service intervals.

Step 6: Compare Options and Features

Use the table above to weigh cooling efficiency, durability, thermostat inclusion, and price against your driving needs.

Step 7: Buy with Confidence

Choose the kit that balances performance, ease of installation, and long-term reliability. A good cooler plus quality oil is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your engine.

Installation Tips

• Gather tools and parts: cooler, sandwich plate, hoses, fittings, fresh oil, filter
• Mount the cooler where it gets steady airflow
• Install the thermostatic sandwich plate between engine and oil filter
• Route hoses carefully, avoiding sharp bends and hot areas
• Fill oil, start engine, check for leaks, and monitor temps

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping a thermostat → oil runs too cold, causing sludge
• Poor mounting → reduces cooling efficiency
• Cheap fittings → risk of leaks under pressure
• Installing without checking baseline temps → may oversize or undersize your cooler

An engine oil cooler is more than an aftermarket accessory, it’s an investment in your engine’s health.

While most daily drivers don’t need one, anyone towing, driving in hot climates, or pushing a performance engine will benefit from better oil temperature control.

Choosing the right cooler (paired with a high-quality synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series) ensures your engine stays protected, lasts longer, and performs reliably under stress.

Check your oil temps, compare your options, and pick the cooler that fits your driving needs.

With the right setup, you can drive with confidence, knowing your engine is well-protected.

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