An intercooler or charge air cooler is a heat exchange component. Not all cars have an intercooler. An intercooler is only applicable to cars that are equipped with a turbocharger. The charge air cooler looks like a radiator and has the task, as the name suggests, to cool down warm air. Hot compressed air that comes from the turbocharger, flows to the intercooler where it passes through small tubes where it gets cooled down by the wind. This car part is positioned at the front of your car, so that the wind can flow through it. This process is similar to that of a radiator. With a car radiator, however, cooling fluid gets cooled by the wind. There are also intercoolers that work with coolant instead of wind, where the coolant ensures that the hot air is cooled down.
As the compressed air has cooled, the air volume decreases. Because the air volume is smaller, more air can be pushed into the combustion chamber. As a result, combustion runs better and gets more efficient, increasing engine power.
Failing intercooler symptoms
Just like any other car parts, an air cooler can fail over time. Stone chippings and pollution are the most common causes of a failing intercooler. A charge air cooler often also break during a crash. An intercooler oil leak or a clogged one is also very common. Clogging can occur due to engine oil or other residues from the turbocharger. An intercooler oil leak can also be caused by extremely high pressure in the system.
A failing intercooler can be recognized by a number of points. It always leads to a strong decrease in engine power. Increasing fuel consumption, engine warning light, slow spool, poor idling, excess smoke from the exhaust, poor mileage and inconsistent timing are other symptoms to look out for. An indication of a failing intercooler are also traces of motor oil on the connection to the intercooler or insufficient motor oil in your engine. Recognize any of these symptoms? We strongly recommend to check your intercooler or have a mechanic have a look at it. If it appears to be defective, it needs to be replaced.
Buying a new intercooler
If the intercooler is failing, you need to replace it. You can buy a new intercooler quick and easily at Winparts. Just enter your number plate or select your car using make, model or engine type and the suitable products for your car will be displayed. Also looking for other parts for the cooling system of your car? At Winparts us you will find car radiators, thermostats, radiator fans, oil coolers, and different hoses and pipes for the cooling system.























