Fantasy fluid fills for new car

[henrys_dad]

If you found yourself with a new vehicle (or or a used vehicle that is new to you), what would be your replacement fills for all fluids?

(Separate but related question: when you buy a factory new vehicle, do many of you immediately swap out certain factory fills for preferred brands?)

I know vehicles have different fluid needs (weights, etc.), but I'm looking for recommendations on best brands, etc.

I'm new(ish) here, so rather than immediately sift through all discussions on all fluids, I thought I would post this and hopefully get some focused starting points.

In return, you get to make your own "best of" list, and who doesn't love making lists?

 

[Towncivilian]

I would not use any boutique or expensive fluids until after all components are broken in.

Whatever's-on-sale fluids for the first 20k or so only - engine oil, gear oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid... after that I'd probably use high-end synthetic fluids for power steering and differential(s), and DOT4 for brake fluid. Transmission and coolant get OEM fluids at the manual service interval, and engine oil & filter would probably be on-sale conventional and decent quality filter at manufacturer severe service intervals or around 5k miles. Power steering fluid gets a reservoir change every third oil change or thereabouts, and brake fluid gets a flush every 2 years due to its hygroscopicness. Differential(s) every 50k or so I guess. I think this is a reasonable and cost-effective approach, and is what I'll be doing for my parents' G37.

 

[Schmoe]

I'd go high dollar all the way and then not even worry about it. I mean, how many times do people replace their differential fluids? I'm talking all Mobil 1 stuff or like Royal Purple. Take the plunge now and then don't worry about it.....when's the last time you swapped out power steering fluid? Brake fluid?? See what I mean????

 

[GumbyJarvis]

Originally Posted By: Schmoe
I'd go high dollar all the way and then not even worry about it. I mean, how many times do people replace their differential fluids? I'm talking all Mobil 1 stuff or like Royal Purple. Take the plunge now and then don't worry about it.....when's the last time you swapped out power steering fluid? Brake fluid?? See what I mean????


Swapped out the PSF Reservoir an oil change ago.
After 133K it looked horrendous, Replaced the Merc ATF in it with Lucas Multi ATF

 

[andyd]

Originally Posted By: Towncivilian
I would not use any boutique or expensive fluids until after all components are broken in.

Whatever's-on-sale fluids for the first 20k or so only - engine oil, gear oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid... after that I'd probably use high-end synthetic fluids for power steering and differential(s), and DOT4 for brake fluid. Transmission and coolant get OEM fluids at the manual service interval, and engine oil & filter would probably be on-sale conventional and decent quality filter at manufacturer severe service intervals or around 5k miles. Power steering fluid gets a reservoir change every third oil change or thereabouts, and brake fluid gets a flush every 2 years due to its hygroscopicness. Differential(s) every 50k or so I guess. I think this is a reasonable and cost-effective approach, and is what I'll be doing for my parents' G37.

If you follow those change intervals, you could use Supertech fluids from Wal Mart without problems. Or whatever store brand stuff you prefer.

 

[Jarlaxle]

I use them now...no problems. About 80,000 miles on the TH-200-4R trans in my Caddy on regular Super Tech ATF...yes, I have a TH-200-4R behind a 542ci stroker in a 4500lb car.