I'm going to change my ATF fluid for 30K maintenance. I'm just wondering
if I could use CASTROL ATF (Import Multi Vehicle), data sheets says recommended for Toyota & Lexus T-IV . Also if I could use this ATF T-IV fluid as my Power Steering Fluid for RX330. Any opinion, or just stay with TOYOTA ATF T-IV.

Thanks

 

Unless the Castrol web site or the container itself states that it meets the Toyota T-IV spec then I wouldn't use it. For instance, if you go to the Mobil 1 website and look at their ATF, you will see that they have one that says they meet the Toyota spc. Oth, if Mobil 1, Castrol, or any other product isn't cheaper than Toyota, why use it?

Fwiw, I went to the local Toyota dealer and bought mine there. Cheaper than the Lexus dealer by a few cents.

 

Thanks Grumpa72, Castrol meets Toyota T-IV specification and much more cheaper than the Toyota T-IV . Toyota dealer near my place cost 6+ while
this Castrol is only 3+. Thanks again

 

The difference between the 2 is not great, go with Toyota fluid. You can get them at a discount, if you just search.

 

Relying on memory here but my local Toyota garage is selling T-Iv at around $4.75 a quart. However, if Castrol is saying they meet the Lexus/Toyota specs, then go for it.

Gary

 

USE OEM FLUID. Do not be cheap here, the trans will not like anything other than it. I once used aftermarket in a accord and it didn't shift correct. I then had to put oem fluid back in run the car for 30min then drain all of the fluid back out, then install oem again. The reason was it needed twice was to get all of the aftermarket fluid out. Hope this helps!!

 

I couldn't disagree more. If Toyota/Lexus, or any other car manufacturer, puts out a specification on a lubricant, for instance, and an aftermarket manufacturer makes a product that meets that spec, then it is just like putting the original product in your car. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense to list the specs of the lubricant. Besides, I would suggest that Toyota went to some lubricant manufacturer and said "please make us an ATF that meets the following specifications..." They didn't make their own ATF!

My arguement? Use whichever one suits your need and meets the Toyota spec.

Gary

 

If memory serves, Mobil makes Toyota Type-IV ATF.....Mobil ATF 3309.

As for the Castrol ATF ... their wording is a bit vague. Note the "meet ..." and "recommended for..."

From their website: "Castrol Multivehicle ATF provides you with a single ATF product that is specially formulated to meet manufacturer’s warranty requirements for General Motors DEXRON®-III, Ford MERCON® and MERCON® V and Allison C-4 specifications. In addition, Castrol Multivehicle ATF is recommended for use in most Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, BMW and Mitsubishi transmissions."