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Keep your cool

WHEN I proposed towing a caravan with my automatic Jackaroo I wrote to Holden asking about supplementary oil cooling. They told me it wasn't necessary and I've since towed for 40,000km out of a total 185,000km with no problems. I was told by my mechanic that to fit an extra oil cooler could affect the operation of the engine computer. Is there a rule of thumb about when an extra transmission or engine oil cooler is advisable? Do manufacturers make these coolers?

THERE really isn't a rule of thumb you can use to determine if it would be beneficial to fit an external oil cooler. It comes down to the weight of the trailer you're towing and the conditions in which you'll be towing it. If the trailer or caravan you're towing is close to the rated limit of the tow vehicle, and you're planning to tow it in hot or hilly conditions, then it would be wise to consider fitting a cooler. Carmakers won't tell you that. They won't admit their cooling is inadequate or borderline. Most carmakers develop their cooling systems to cover average use, and some will offer an uprated system for those wanting to use their vehicle in more arduous conditions.

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