Finding the best transmission cooler can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be if you know which one will be compatible with your vehicle. You’ll need a transmission cooler so you can be able to keep your transmission functioning even in situations where you could be towing or carrying a heavy load.
Doing these things can add additional stress to the transmission itself (and may cause it to overheat). We’ll be taking a look at four different transmission coolers that are considered the best on the market. Be sure to read every review carefully so you get a good idea of whether or not its a good choice for you based on its overall performance and its pros and cons.
You can quick check my list here:
If you are looking for a transmission cooler that is proven to resist corrosion, then you might want to consider this one to be your best choice. This includes a full-on installation kit for the do-it-yourself user so you can install this and give your transmission the added upgrade it deserves. This is a fin and tube cooler that will be very durable and tough to take on any kind of abuse. Pressure tested at 200 PSI, this can keep your transmission cool and free from any kind of stress when you’re up to do some heavy lifting or towing. If you are driving a heavy-duty truck, then this could be the transmission cooler that will be best compatible.
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Next up, we’ve got the Hayden Automotive 679 Rapid-Cool Transmission Cooler. This is a Plate and Fin transmission cooler that will handle heavy-duty trucks (and even diesel-powered trucks). If you have a truck that is always hitched to five wheel trailers or large travel trailers, you’re going to love having this transmission cooler installed in your truck. This can handle reduce stress on a transmission that is able to haul loads up to 10,000 pounds. If your truck has a GVWR of up to 30,000 pounds, this is the transmission that will be best compatible. Plus, the holes are pre-drilled if you are looking for something that will be quick and easy to install.
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We’ll be taking a look at yet another B&M transmission cooler. Only this time, this one will handle your smaller trucks and vehicles. You pretty much get the same deal as the other B&M Transmission Cooler. It’s corrosion-resistant, includes a full-on installation kit for you to install it yourself, and is pressure tested to 200 PSI so it can handle a lot of airflow and keep the transmission nice and cool. This one probably won’t be for vehicles that will do a lot of towing. But if you like to take your truck for a little off-roading, this puppy might just be what you need. The bumps and bangs of the off-road terrain might make things stressful on the transmission. But this transmission cooler makes sure that everything will be smooth sailing whether you’re on the road or off it.
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Lastly, we’ll be taking a look at one more B&M Transmission Cooler. This one will be useful for off-road vehicles and SUVs like a Jeep Wrangler or a regular on the road vehicles like a Scion. If you think heavy loads and offroading are the only two things that can stress out a transmission, think again.
Did you know that city driving can also add stress to a transmission? That’s because you’ll be doing a lot of stopping and going. You’re basically repeating the process every time you are driving in the city (because there might be plenty of stoplights and green lights). This transmission cooler will handle all those starts and stops for any regular vehicle. Having a transmission cooler for a regular vehicle is not unusual. In fact, we say it’s highly recommended.
Pros
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Before choosing a transmission cooler, it’s important that you need to consider a few aspects that will factor into your decision. Here are some things to ask yourself:
Vehicle compatibility is important. Some transmission coolers will only be designed for heavy-duty trucks. That’s because they have the capability to keep the transmission cool when you are towing heavy loads on a trailer. However, a transmission cooler build for a truck won’t be compatible with a regular street vehicle for obvious reasons (size, GVWR, etc.)
There are transmission coolers that you can use just for regular driving. If you are not towing something, you might have the option to purchase a traditional transmission cooler (so long as it’s compatible). You should consider purchasing one that might be used to cool the transmission if you plan on doing any urban or city driving.
There are two types of common transmission cooler types that are available on the market. Here’s what they are:
A tube and fin transmission cooler is one of the most commonly used. Especially if you are driving an older vehicle that is dated from the early 2000s or older. These will come with what is known as a weaving tube. The tube is used to carry transmission fluid so the transmission stays cool when you are driving the vehicle with or without a load.
A plate and fin cooler will likely be compatible with heavy-duty vehicles. If you intend to tow trailers on a regular basis, this is the type of transmission cooler that would be more appropriate.
If you are looking for a transmission cooler, find one that will be perfect for your vehicle. It might be a task considering the issues with compatibility. But some quick research will steer you in the right direction of which transmission cooler will work for you the best. Remember, some of them are designed to handle some tasks and others may not.
