You can expect an average total replacement cost of $437 for an oil cooler replacement, with $256 for parts and $181 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.

How long does it take to replace an oil cooler? In general, it takes around 1.5 hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement.

Here’s an overview of oil cooler costs for different vehicles:

Oil cooler replacement cost for various vehicles

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 21, 2024	Chester, 22 Staten Island, NY	Kia Forte	$508	$410	$99	0.8 Hours
November 18, 2024	Lillian, 28 Fort Lauderdale, FL	Geo Metro	$434	$345	$89	0.8 Hours
November 17, 2024	Cecelia, 29 Seattle, WA	Maserati Ghibli	$443	$345	$99	0.8 Hours
November 17, 2024	Gary, 30 New Orleans, LA	Jaguar X-Type	$511	$410	$102	0.8 Hours
November 15, 2024	Herman, 32 San Jose, CA	Alfa Romeo Stelvio	$240	$134	$106	0.8 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

Get a free fair cost estimate for my car

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What parts do I need for my oil cooler replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s the main thing you need:

Oil cooler: This is the main component that needs to be replaced in the cooling system. It helps regulate the temperature of the engine oil, ensuring optimal lubrication and preventing overheating. On average, a new oil cooler can range from $50 to $250.

Oil cooler gasket: The oil cooler gasket is essential for creating a tight and secure seal between the oil cooler and other engine components. If your oil cooler has been malfunctioning, you might need to check on the oil cooler gasket and replace it as well. The average cost of a new oil cooler gasket is approximately $5 to $50.

Oil cooler hoses: These are the hoses that connect the oil cooler to the engine and the oil filter. They allow the flow of engine oil through the cooling system. A cooler hose will cost somewhere between $25 and $60.

Engine oil: After the replacement, you'll need engine oil to refill the system to the optimal level. Engine oil costs between $10 and $40.

You can buy oil cooler parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and RockAuto. Three brands we recommend for oil cooler parts are Hayden Automotive, Dorman, and ACDelco. However, the right parts and brands for your oil cooler replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM or aftermarket oil cooler?

When choosing between OEM and aftermarket options for a new oil cooler, it’s best to stick with an OEM part from your dealership. OEM engine oil coolers typically last longer and offer more reliability than their aftermarket counterparts. The only exception is if you’re looking to upgrade to an external oil cooler.

Where can I buy an oil cooler replacement?

You can find oil coolers at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone, NAPA Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts. Another spot to purchase oil coolers is Amazon.

However, before you purchase any parts, check your owner’s manual to make sure the part you’re purchasing is compatible with your vehicle.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my oil cooler replaced?

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can make the search for a mechanic to replace your oil cooler a lot easier.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.

Here’s a look at some of our vetted shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

170 Reviews

North American Motors

20531 Mission Blvd, Oakland, CA

Oil Cooler Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$266

(Parts - $136, Labor - $130)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (510) 635-9191

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Oil Cooler Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$232

(Parts - $136, Labor - $96)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

156 Reviews

RepairSmith - Houston

Oil Cooler Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$272

(Parts - $136, Labor - $136)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry 877-907-6484

180 Reviews

Jumbo Automotive Inc

1205 N 21st Ave, Hollywood, FL

Oil Cooler Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$273

(Parts - $136, Labor - $137)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (954) 926-2500

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my oil cooler?

During an oil cooler replacement, a mechanic will assess your oil cooler’s ability to cool your oil to the proper temperature and replace it if necessary. A mechanic will usually complete the following steps to replace your oil cooler:

Raise your vehicle to examine your oil cooler from underneath the chassis

Detect the defective oil cooler and remove it

Install a new oil cooler using new clamps

What happens if I don’t replace a bad oil cooler?

A damaged oil cooler may lose its effectiveness, resulting in your car’s engine overheating. This can lead to various issues, such as reduced engine performance, increased engine component wear, and, in some severe cases, engine failure.

What is an oil cooler?

An oil cooler is essential if you want to keep your engine’s lubrication and cooling systems functioning properly.

An oil cooler is a secondary radiator, smaller than the main one, responsible for maintaining the engine's oil supply at a consistent and optimal temperature. Its primary function is to cool the oil as it passes through the coils, enhancing the engine's longevity and improving the transmission's performance. These coolers are typically located in front of the engine's primary cooling system.

What are the symptoms of a bad oil cooler?

Routine oil changes can keep you one step ahead of a defective oil cooler, but here are some of the common symptoms that you might need an oil cooler replacement:

Engine power loss or misfiring due to oil contamination

Rises in engine coolant temperature

Discharges of dark exhaust (this is unburned oil released as part of the ignition cycle)

How often do you need to replace an oil cooler?

While an oil cooler should last you the lifespan of your car, they can start malfunctioning after several years (or once you reach and exceed 100,000 miles).

Pro tip: Failure to perform regular oil changes throughout your car’s lifespan can lead to oil cooler failure around 50,000 miles, necessitating a replacement. When it comes to keeping your engine oil as clean and productive as possible, the best mechanics recommend you change your oil anywhere from 3,000 to 3,500 miles (sometimes longer for synthetic oil).

Is replacing an oil cooler yourself easy?

You should not attempt to replace an oil cooler yourself unless you’re very experienced in DIY auto repair. Trying to perform this repair without the proper knowledge and tools often exacerbates the issue and causes further complications.

For the average car owner, it’s best to let a certified mechanic diagnose and fix the problem.

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FAQs

How serious is an oil cooler leak?

Driving a car with an oil leak can be hazardous as it increases the risk of the vehicle becoming a fire hazard. Failing to address the issue promptly may also lead to premature engine wear.

How long does it take to replace an oil cooler?

The procedure typically takes between 1-1.5 hours to complete.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.