Valvoline Maxlife ATF, the best for all applications?

[FTTSHO]

Was thinking about this for a while, but I am just now posting this.


Is Valvoline Maxlife ATF really the best option for all makes and models?

Are all ATF specs actually almost identical and similar enough for the Valvoline Maxlife ATF to work in literally all applications and transmissions? Or is Valvoline Maxlife ATF just that advanced and “sophisticated” to work in all applications?

Since Maxlife ATF supposedly works on so many makes and models, is it really a good solid choice for all makes and models, or is using a dedicated type of atf the best choice for longevity?

My vehicle takes Dexron VI. Valvoline has a blue bottle ATF for Mercon LV and Dexron VI.


Should I use the blue bottle or the red bottle Maxlife?

Just wondering why Valvoline has a dedicated blue bottle Mercon LV/Dexron VI, if their Maxlife ATF also rated for Mercon LV and Dexron VI?

 

[Kira]

Is Valvoline Maxlife ATF really the best option for all makes and models?

No.

Are all ATF specs actually almost identical and similar enough for the Valvoline Maxlife ATF to work in literally all applications and transmissions?

No.

 

[Furious]

I have seen issues on Toyota WS transmissions, also other people report issues you can check out on Toyota forums, switching back to WS solved it.

Also no all ATF are not almost identical, put Dexron III in a ATF +4 transmission find out what happens not too long after.

Maxlife works fine in many transmissions but it is impossible to meet the spec exactly for every fluid, it is impossible to have the correct friction modifiers for every fluid.

This is why I stand firm on using OEM/Licensed or equivalent in transmissions, if a customer brings me a vehicle that calls for example ATF DW-1 and asks for Maxlife or other multi-vehicle ATF to be used instead sorry not doing it, even more so with CVT transmissions that is a big no from me.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have seen issues on Toyota WS transmissions, also other people report issues you can check out on Toyota forums, switching back to WS solved it.

Also no all ATF are not almost identical, put Dexron III in a ATF +4 transmission find out what happens not too long after.

Maxlife works fine in many transmissions but it is impossible to meet the spec exactly for every fluid, it is impossible to have the correct friction modifiers for every fluid.

This is why I stand firm on using OEM/Licensed or equivalent in transmissions, if a customer brings me a vehicle that calls for example ATF DW-1 and asks for Maxlife or other multi-vehicle ATF to be used instead sorry not doing it, even more so with CVT transmissions that is a big no from me.

I've read Toyotas owners being happy with Havoline MV. It specifically lists the 3309 spec.

Not sure on WS, that's much newer than anything I've needed oil for.

I bought a case for my Dodge for when I put a kit in the valve body, maybe next week.

I used Mobil last time, but it was over $30 a gallon, the MV was about $15.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have seen issues on Toyota WS transmissions, also other people report issues you can check out on Toyota forums, switching back to WS solved it.

Also no all ATF are not almost identical, put Dexron III in a ATF +4 transmission find out what happens not too long after.

Maxlife works fine in many transmissions but it is impossible to meet the spec exactly for every fluid, it is impossible to have the correct friction modifiers for every fluid.

This is why I stand firm on using OEM/Licensed or equivalent in transmissions, if a customer brings me a vehicle that calls for example ATF DW-1 and asks for Maxlife or other multi-vehicle ATF to be used instead sorry not doing it, even more so with CVT transmissions that is a big no from me.

Dexron 3 in an ATF +3 trans is usually an upgrade.

 

[thescreensavers]

I have seen issues on Toyota WS transmissions, also other people report issues you can check out on Toyota forums, switching back to WS solved it.

On the contrary I've seen many Toyota folks switch to Maxlife without issue.

 

[Furious]

On the contrary I've seen many Toyota folks switch to Maxlife without issue.

I have seen many people smoke decades and not get cancer either.

Be smart, stick to the correct fluid.

 

[Slick3914]

I have seen issues on Toyota WS transmissions, also other people report issues you can check out on Toyota forums, switching back to WS solved it.

Also no all ATF are not almost identical, put Dexron III in a ATF +4 transmission find out what happens not too long after.

Maxlife works fine in many transmissions but it is impossible to meet the spec exactly for every fluid, it is impossible to have the correct friction modifiers for every fluid.

This is why I stand firm on using OEM/Licensed or equivalent in transmissions, if a customer brings me a vehicle that calls for example ATF DW-1 and asks for Maxlife or other multi-vehicle ATF to be used instead sorry not doing it, even more so with CVT transmissions that is a big no from me.

I put Maxlife in a 2012 Rav4 V6 and it did not shift as good as on WS. I drained the Maxlife and replaced with Toyota WS.

 

[We're Metals]

I use Maxlife in my 2020 Rav4 Hybrid where again WS is specified for the CVT and Differential. I noticed no difference.

One guys opinion here, Maxlife may just be a little "better" than TG transmission fluid.

 

[Furious]

I put Maxlife in a 2012 Rav4 V6 and it did not shift as good as on WS. I drained the Maxlife and replaced with Toyota WS.

Seen it many times, delayed shifting, rough shifting and switching back to WS solves it.

People will form their opinions and they are welcome to it, but what I say isn't just my experience working on these vehicles it is also the experience of others as I mentioned you can find that on Toyota forums, and you have a similar experience and what do they all have in common? Maxlife in a WS transmission.

 

[dnewton3]

Seen it many times, delayed shifting, rough shifting and switching back to WS solves it.

People will form their opinions and they are welcome to it, but what I say isn't just my experience working on these vehicles it is also the experience of others as I mentioned you can find that on Toyota forums, and you have a similar experience and what do they all have in common? Maxlife in a WS transmission.

This is typical of a false premise being validated; it's a poor methodology to use only failures as part of the sample set.

Of course folks who have problems using any product are going to report those issues, presumptively related to the use of the product (whether true or not). But how many use that product with no problems whatsoever; are they included in the calculation of failure rate? Unless you take a representative sample from the whole population, you get a distorted view. Further, what of the folks who use the prescribed product and still have problems? Are we to assume no transmission ever failed or had problems using WS???

***************************

As for the OPs question ... is Maxlife ATF the "best for all applications"?
No, it is not.
It is a good product for many applications, but to consider it best for all is, well, foolish, IMO.

 

[Starving Electrician]

To chime in as well Max Life is fine. Its a solid fluid that can work well in many applications.

It isn't a one size fits all answer. Some transmissions need high levels of friction modifiers that Max Life doesn't have. ATF is a complex fluid that is tasked with many things. I know Honda transmissions are one such application where Max Life doesn't seem to have a stout enough additive pack to be a good substitute.

 

[RobbS]

I have heard that Hondas are sensitive to any fluid except Honda fluid.
I replace my Toyota fluid every 30k miles with Toyota trans fluid. 174k miles and shifts like a dream. That's all that really counts.

 

[dubber09]

I didn't see any issues in 2008 Acura CSX, it also works great in my Kias.

 

[Furious]

This is typical of a false premise being validated; it's a poor methodology to use only failures as part of the sample set.

Of course folks who have problems using any product are going to report those issues, presumptively related to the use of the product (whether true or not). But how many use that product with no problems whatsoever; are they included in the calculation of failure rate? Unless you take a representative sample from the whole population, you get a distorted view. Further, what of the folks who use the prescribed product and still have problems? Are we to assume no transmission ever failed or had problems using WS???

***************************

As for the OPs question ... is Maxlife ATF the "best for all applications"?
No, it is not.
It is a good product for many applications, but to consider it best for all is, well, foolish, IMO.

This is pretty basic, if you fail to understand that it is because of your lack of understanding and logic.

Transmission works fine no issues using WS >>> Service transmission with Maxlife (transmission issues occur) >> switch back to WS (transmission issues solved).

This has absolutely nothing to do with failures.

Pretty clear cut, not going to argue with you I seen it first hand multiple times.

 

[martinq]

Was thinking about this for a while, but I am just now posting this.


Is Valvoline Maxlife ATF really the best option for all makes and models?

Are all ATF specs actually almost identical and similar enough for the Valvoline Maxlife ATF to work in literally all applications and transmissions? Or is Valvoline Maxlife ATF just that advanced and “sophisticated” to work in all applications?

Since Maxlife ATF supposedly works on so many makes and models, is it really a good solid choice for all makes and models, or is using a dedicated type of atf the best choice for longevity?

My vehicle takes Dexron VI. Valvoline has a blue bottle ATF for Mercon LV and Dexron VI.


Should I use the blue bottle or the red bottle Maxlife?

Just wondering why Valvoline has a dedicated blue bottle Mercon LV/Dexron VI, if their Maxlife ATF also rated for Mercon LV and Dexron VI?

It's kind of like asking if all API SP 5w30 engine oils are the same. The answer is basically yes but also "it can get complicated" if you look too close.

Most all ATs have same/similar components of varying design and build quality. Pumps, solenoids, wiring, connectors, valves, seals, gears, bearings, pistons, clutches, filters, magnets,.... Its not surprising that most ATs can run on most modern ATFs, the MFG's have all come to the same place through different routes.

ATF is a complex fluid for a specific task but most of those applications are essentially the same.

Keep it clean (keep an eye on those magnets!), keep it "cool" and your AT + ATF will perform well and last a good, long time.

 

[D60]

We have this question once every 30 to 60 days, often presented more as HOW does Valvoline do it type of thing.

You're always going to have VML fans (like me) and purists who say OEM or die.

You won't gain anything more from asking again. Make your own decision.

 

[Glenda W.]

Even after the dealer updated the software and performed a trans service on my daughter’s then new Acura RDX(per TSB) for overheating the factory fluid it still shuddered. I tried Maxlife and never had the problem again(over 130k).

 

[Hall]

You won't gain anything more from asking again. Make your own decision.

And don't tell people here what choice you made

My vehicle takes Dexron VI. Valvoline has a blue bottle ATF for Mercon LV and Dexron VI.

Just wondering why Valvoline has a dedicated blue bottle Mercon LV/Dexron VI, if their Maxlife ATF also rated for Mercon LV and Dexron VI?

Not interested enough to check, but I'll guess that the blue bottle is properly licensed by GM and Ford as LV / VI ATF while Maxlife isn't licensed, even though Valvoline says it's compatible or suitable.

 

[TiGeo]

I'm a believer. Sorted out my 22 year old ZF 5 spd auto in my VW W8 Passat and the Aisin 8 spd in my VW Atlas. All hail red bottle Maxlife.