Castrol vs Valvoline High Mileage ATF - Which is Better?

[Supermanclark]

I've been considering using either of these two transmission fluids, but can't make up my mind...
Has anyone used these in their car? What was your experience?

 

[blufeb95]

The Transmax is only suitable for older transmissions that use standard viscosity transmission fluid (ie Dex III/Mercon), the Valvoline is more universal it can be used to replace both low viscosity fluid and standard viscosity fluid where permissible by the manufacturer.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Maxlife is full synthetic, while Castrol High Mileage is a syn blend. And like has already been said, Maxlife covers more transmissions that Castrol's HM ATF

 

[AmBeRnEcTaR]

Maxlife is full synthetic, while Castrol High Mileage is a syn blend. And like has already been said, Maxlife covers more transmissions that Castrol's HM ATF

Ah shoot I didn't realize this was a thread about ATF, assumed it was about motor oil.
I have zero to contribute as ATF fluid is pretty much a two or three drain and fill scenario for the lifetime of the car and have never had an automatic give me any trouble.

 

[OilUzer]

I have used Valvoline Maxlife ATF in 2 different transmissions with SP-III & SP-IV specs and nothing has blown up yet.

 

[dogememe]

I’m sure it’s an acceptable product but ever since it was reformulated to work in both traditional ATs as well as CVTs I would not use Maxlife ATF personally.

 

[OilUzer]

I’m sure it’s an acceptable product but ever since it was reformulated to work in both traditional ATs as well as CVTs I would not use Maxlife ATF personally.

When did the formulation change?

I still have 3 or 4 jugs (4 qt. each) I stocked up couple years ago.
May need to do some research based on what you are saying.

 

[Kira]

I simply must go to the car fluids store and read the label of an ATF which works for both geared and CVT units.

To the OP: Tell us what car you're thinking of servicing (if this is a selection you're actually involved with) as there has always been a camp opposed to "multi-fluids" and their numbers are growing.

 

[dogememe]

When did the formulation change?

I still have 3 or 4 jugs (4 qt. each) I stocked up couple years ago.
May need to do some research based on what you are saying.

The label changed maybe 3-6 months ago? But I believe the formulation may have been changed a bit before that. Don’t quote me on that though.

 

[dogememe]

I simply must go to the car fluids store and read the label of an ATF which works for both geared and CVT units.

To the OP: Tell us what car you're thinking of servicing (if this is a selection you're actually involved with) as there has always been a camp opposed to "multi-fluids" and their numbers are growing.

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd3/5ca3517a-e29c-e711-9c10-ac162d889bd3

https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/maxlife-multi-vehicle-atf/

"Maxlife ATF in quarts, gallons, drums, totes, and ABB are applicable for CVTs if dated May 2021 or later" so I guess that's when they changed it. The label wasn't updated til approx. this year as far as I remember.

Here is the additive package I understand they are using, as is Castrol with their ATF+CVT offering:

https://www.aftonchemical.com/products/driveline-additives/automatic-transmission-fluid/hitec-3488/