DEAR CAR TALK: Ever since I purchased my Chevrolet Traverse LT, I've noticed that the transmission temperature gauge regularly reads around 212 degrees at highway speeds. The engine temperature gauge reads normal or even a little cooler than normal -- even when it's hot outside. 

   I checked with the dealership and was told that this is normal operating temperature for this transmission. Does this sound normal to you? - Ramiro

RAY: Actually, your dealer is right, Ramiro. Here's how your transmission stays cool: Whenever your engine is running, the transmission fluid gets pumped into the transmission cooler, which lives inside your car's radiator. As the transmission fluid passes through the radiator (inside those transmission cooler lines), it essentially gets bathed in coolant. Once it's cooled down, the fluid is sent back to the transmission to keep doing its job. 

   And the temperature of that coolant that cools the transmission fluid? It's about 220 degrees. It's the same as your normal engine operating temperature, which is in the range of 210-230 degrees. Since the stuff that's cooling the transmission fluid is 220 degrees, there's no way the transmission fluid can end up cooler than that. 

  If your transmission fluid wasn't running through that 220-degree coolant in the radiator, it could heat up to 350 or 400 degrees or more. And then it would cook itself and your transmission.

   But it sounds like your transmission cooling system is doing exactly what it's supposed to do, Ramiro. Hope that knowledge helps you cool off a bit, too. 

Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.