Valvoline.com

Media Gallery | International Sites | FAQs | Español   Like Us Follow Us
  • Products
  • Service Centers
  • Car Care
  • Racing
  • Heritage
  • Trade Partners
  • Our Business

FAQs

    • Motor Oil Car FAQs
      • Specialty Oil FAQs
        • System Fluids Car FAQs
          • Power Steering Fluids
          • Automatic Transmission Fluid
          • Antifreeze
          • Pyroil
          • SynPower Chemicals
        • Racing Car FAQs
          • Our Business
          Valvoline / FAQs / System Fluids Car FAQs / Automatic Transmission Fluid

          Automatic Transmission Fluid

          1. I had my vehicle's transmission fluid changed using Valvoline ATF+4 Synthetic. Conventional transmission fluid was used for all previous changes. Will this cause a problem?

            No. Switching to synthetic transmission fluid after using a conventional product will not cause a problem. Synthetic and conventional oils are 100 percent compatible.

          2. What is the difference between Dexron III/Mercon and type F transmission fluid?

            The Valvoline Type F transmission fluid is a high quality NON-friction modified fluid. Dexron III/Mercon includes friction modifiers in the fluid additive package.

          3. Does Valvoline make a synthetic ATF?

            Yes. Valvoline makes several synthetic ATFs. MaxLife Dexron/Mercon ATF, Mercon V ATF, ATF +4 and Dexron VI are all synthetic transmission fluids.

          4. What is the shelf life of automatic transmission fluid?

            The Valvoline Company does not have a documented shelf life exposure on finished motor oil or automatic transmission fluid. We would expect under optimal conditions that the product would be stable for an extended period of time. We recommend two things: 1) Make sure the rating meets or exceeds your requirements, and 2) Shake the container before use. If the fluid sets, sometimes the additives may settle in the bottom of the container.

          5. Is it OK to mix synthetic ATF with a conventional and/or synthetic blend ATF?

            Yes. Synthetic ATF and conventional fluids are 100 percent compatible with each other.

          6. Is MaxLife ATF compatible with other brands of automatic transmission fluid?

            MaxLife ATF is a multi-purpose transmission fluid that is compatible with many brands and manufacturer recommendations. Refer to the MaxLife label to determine whether MaxLife is compatible for your vehicle's application.

          7. I heard a rumor that using Dexron III will cause the clutch packs to swell and disintegrate? Is there any truth to this?

            No. Dexron III ATF will not cause any damages to clutch packs.

          8. Is MaxLife automatic transmission fluid an SP-111 fluid?

            MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF is 100 percent compatible for use in SP-II and SP-III applications.

          9. Does MaxLife ATF meet the spec for Volvos with a Geartronic Transmission?

            Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF will meet Volvo specifications that require the use of TIV or JWS3309 ATF.

          10. Does MaxLife automatic transmission fluid meet Dexron VI specifications?

            Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF meets the Dexron VI specifications.

          11. Does GM recognize MaxLife ATF and is this an acceptable fluid to use in place of Dexron VI?

            GM only recognizes their factory fill fluid for Dexron VI, but Valvoline meets and exceeds the performance requirements for the specification, and we stand behind the product 100% for this specification.

          12. Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?

            Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc transmission fluid is 100 percent compatible with the Dexron VI for mixing or flushing a system.

          13. Is MaxLife ATF OK to use in applications requiring Mercon-V fluid?

            Yes. MaxLife Dex/Merc automatic transmission fluid meets the Mercon V specifications.

          For more information or to submit additional questions, please click here to contact us via email or by phone at 1-800-TEAM-VAL.

          Motor Oil Myths

          Long driving = hard driving
          Not always. Hard driving pertains to high and/or constant changing of rpms, pulling or towing. It can also be dependant upon the geographic area in which you drive.
          View All Myths

          My Subscriptions | Valvoline Instant Oil Change | Eagle One | Ashland | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Oil Recycling | Car Brite
          © 2001 - 2010 Ashland Inc.   v3.1.0