Which Lubegard additive to use with ATF+4?

[martinq]

Is Maxlife considered an ATF+4 equivalent?

I always thought it was but I haven't checked in about 10 years or so. I don't see it on the list but I've never heard of anything special in an ATF+4 transmission that would require something outside of a quality ATF.

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

DCT, CVT (now covered by many ATFs) and HD ATs (Allison) would definitely be outside of what I'd consider a generic, quality, Dex6 ATF like Maxlife.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Is Maxlife considered an ATF+4 equivalent?

I believe so...
I like MaxLife because it is a synthetic. My '01 Tundra loves it as do numerous older Toyotas I've serviced.
I know some of our purists may disagree, which is all good.

 

[martinq]

This is in the PDF:

"If an OEM licensed product is preferred, we recommend Valvoline DEXRON® VI,
Valvoline ATF+4® and Valvoline MERCON®V for the corresponding applications."

A MFG (Valvoline) needs to pay for those licenses but that does not necessarily have any impact on the performance of Maxlife ATF. Whatever is available for a better price is what I would use but traditionally this has always led me to Maxlife ATF (used to be $40 CND / 5L about a year ago).

Do whatever makes you (or your wallet) feel better.

 

[Number_35]

This is in the PDF:

"If an OEM licensed product is preferred, we recommend Valvoline DEXRON® VI,
Valvoline ATF+4® and Valvoline MERCON®V for the corresponding applications."

A MFG (Valvoline) needs to pay for those licenses but that does not necessarily have any impact on the performance of Maxlife ATF. Whatever is available for a better price is what I would use but traditionally this has always led me to Maxlife ATF (used to be $40 CND / 5L about a year ago).

Do whatever makes you (or your wallet) feel better.

I can't find Maxlife ATF+4 here easily, so will stick with a dedicated ATF+4 from another manufacturer.

 

[Number_35]

I believe so...
I like MaxLife because it is a synthetic. My '01 Tundra loves it as do numerous older Toyotas I've serviced.
I know some of our purists may disagree, which is all good.

There are several threads on the Chrysler minivans.net forum about Maxlife vs. ATF+4. The general consensus is that ATF+4 is significantly thicker, and therefore Maxlife is not equivalent and shouldn't be used.

 

[Kira]

From reading here and from searching whilst maintaining friends' and family's vehicles over the decades, the conclusion is to use ATF+4 where it is called for. My brain says, "ATF+4 is readily available, so why seek a substitute?"

Valvoline MaxLife is an acclaimed product which I have used a lot in Dex/Merc and J3309 (Toyota T-IV) applications with success.

When the transmission manufacturer says "ATF+4", I see no benefit in substitutions.

However, since becoming a BITOGer and learning of Amsoil and RedLine products (and maybe others) which say they are ATF+4 compatible, I'd consider them. But, if regular priced ATF+4 is available, I'm likely to go with that first, especially in a multiple drain & fill scenario.

 

[johnmyster]

From reading here and from searching whilst maintaining friends' and family's vehicles over the decades, the conclusion is to use ATF+4 where it is called for. My brain says, "ATF+4 is readily available, so why seek a substitute?"

ATF+4 is thicker and always rumored to be highly friction modified. I would never put maxlife in my 68rfe.

I catch ATF+4 by the gallon on sale for $25 (Valvoline) at Napa or Advance/Oreilly whenever they have 20% off coupons. It's really the same cost as Maxlife, and it's the correct stuff for the truck, so why not.

The ONLY substitute I would consider is Redline C+.

Amsoil nerds will champion the use of Amsoil Signature Umptysquat ATF as superior, but ATF+4 on its own is not lacking and is good stuff. I am skeptical because the Amsoil also claims compatibility/superiority with fluids we would never substitute for ATF+4.

Of all the ripoff captive market fluids on the market (go to a Mopar dealer and price BW 44-40 fluid) ATF+4 is not one of them.