Ranking of ATF Fluids?

[amateurbob]

I have been wondering about people's rankings of transmission fluids. In my mind the top criteria would be:

1) Wear protection
2) Additive package
3) Longevity

I have 2 Honda's with the 5 speed and the OEM has a very unique additive package (lots of zinc and calcium). From my understanding the downside is the fluid breaks down fairly quickly. I don't know how this compares to other fluids. I see most other fluids use more of a phosphorus heavy approach. I think most of us have faith in HPL and Amsoil but l have not figured out how long the companies suggest they should last.

What is your preferred brand and if you want to rank sub-brands (like Valvoline maxlife, Valvoline Extended Protection, Valvoline Restore and Protect etc...) that is welcome too.

 

[tah8436]

Red Line is another good one, though I don't know that I'd put it above HPL and Amsoil. What do you use in your DW1-spec'd transmissions?

 

[amateurbob]

Red Line is another good one, though I don't know that I'd put it above HPL and Amsoil. What do you use in your DW1-spec'd transmissions?

I still use DW-1, l have just been changing it more frequently. Most people recommend a drain and every 30k miles. I have done this and while the fluid is not burnt or black it is dingy looking.
In my limited experience, l would need a flush or 3x drain and fills to have still look good after 30k miles. I was thinking about adopting a drain and fill every 15 to 20k.
On my accord l have 221k miles and it shifts perfectly.

 

[WarEagle]

Amsoil says to double the severe service interval. Don’t believe HPL makes any such specific claim, but I’d confidently do the same.

 

[ctechbob]

I use Maxlife combined with LG Platinum in my two Honda 5 speeds.

 

[Zee09]

I'm going to try Amsoil in my CVT this year but I must admit I'm a bit nervous not using OEM with all the warnings. I've heard nothing but good.

 

[GaryMX5]

I've been able to use Valvoline MaxLife ATF without any issues. In fact I'd say in most cases it restored and/or improved transmission performance. Did several drain and fills on my Nissan PU and it started acting like it was a youngster again. It's cheap and available just about anywhere auto fluids are sold. Unless your vehicle "requires" a magic elixir (specific fluid) it's definitely worth considering.

 

[tig1]

I have used Mobil 1 ATF ever since they came out with their synthetic ATFs. Perhaps in the early 90s. Never had a transmission or PS pump fail. I change the transmission every 30-40 K and turkey baster the PS pump every 10 K when I change engine oil.

 

[martinq]

I'm going to try Amsoil in my CVT this year but I must admit I'm a bit nervous not using OEM with all the warnings. I've heard nothing but good.

There's no reason to have concerns with aftermarket fluids as they are, in most cases, superior to OEM.

I've personally used five or more CVT fluids in our Nissan and they all work very well. The major issues with CVTs has been in their programming, lack of (recommended) maintenance and possibly overheating the fluid.

Amsoil is indeed a premium product but you can do very well with Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil, etc.

 

[I<3oil]

I'm going to try Amsoil in my CVT this year but I must admit I'm a bit nervous not using OEM with all the warnings. I've heard nothing but good.

I've got a mix of it and HPL CVT fluid in the CR-V right now for about 20k miles. No issues whatsoever.

 

[4329]

Perhaps a bit of topic but doing a drain and refill replacing OEM fluid with brand x aftermarket fluid would there be compatibility issues when the two different fluids mix.

Different viscosity and additive package that could perhaps degrade both fluids.

Would like a reply from experienced people .

 

[daniel327]

Penrite ATF LV seems to beat all of the others.

 

[ClutchDisc]

On my first drain and fill of my switch to Amsoil Signature Series ATF on my 2006 Sienna and I can confidently say that it is my new favorite ATF. The shift quality has improved and I expect to see even more improvement with the subsequent drain and fills as I get more of the new ATF in there. I plan to switch my Subaru Forester over to that too later in the year.

 

[GW.]

Amsoil

 

[martinq]

Perhaps a bit of topic but doing a drain and refill replacing OEM fluid with brand x aftermarket fluid would there be compatibility issues when the two different fluids mix.

Different viscosity and additive package that could perhaps degrade both fluids.

Would like a reply from experienced people .

Give us an example. Which fluid is currently in the system and you are doing a drain and fill with which other fluid?

Bottom line is the outcome will be beneficial if you are using a compatible fluid. Some of the old, worn, oxidized, contaminated fluid will be replaced with something that is better. The more you can replace, the better.

What is really, very important is cleaning the pan and the magnets. Getting the transmission fluid / system clean is far more important than which fluid you choose.

 

[4329]

Hyundai SP-IV replaced by Castrol Transmax Dexron VI Mercon LV multi vehicle.

Will not be removing transmission pan. Question still stands in regard to mixing two different fluids. Is a complete transmission flush the answer. Would have though choosing the correct fluid would be extremely important.

 

[Egg_Head]

My top criteria:
1) Compatibility and/or approval with transmission manufacturer's fluid specifications
2) Reputation in the marketplace or aftermarket
3) Availability
4) Price

 

[Nessism1]

OEM's tune the transmission control module based on how the transmission performs with the OEM fluid inside. Small differences in viscosity, friction characteristics, etc, can affect how the transmission shifts.

Ever wonder how a fluid like Maxlife can claim to meet more than 100 different cars specs all with the same fluid? Either Maxlife is a compromise, or the OEM's are trying to deceive the public.

 

[crashz]

Perhaps a bit of topic but doing a drain and refill replacing OEM fluid with brand x aftermarket fluid would there be compatibility issues when the two different fluids mix.

Different viscosity and additive package that could perhaps degrade both fluids.

Would like a reply from experienced people .

I've never had a compatibility issue in any vehicle with fluids that meet the mfg specifications. But I feel like a lot of people either flush their transmissions to remove all of the old fluid or perform enough pan changes to replace 80-90% of the old fluid.

To the OP - I had great results using Amsoil OE LV ATF in my CRV. When I bought the car, I changed the fluid multiple times and changed the tiny little external filter on backside of the radiator support. The original fluid was in there for a while and pretty gross looking. After a few spill and fills, I would routinely change the ATF when I did an oil change. Not every time, but often enough that the fluid always looked new. I drove that car to well over 300k miles and gave it to my niece.

 

[Toyota1971]

I have tried Toyota genuine WS
Valvoline maxlife
But Penrite LV perform much better