Beware - Valvoline Maxlife ATF ???
05-06-17, 08:04 AM
#31
although did you check out the price in the photo? That's the unbelievable part, that retailer must think either all Canadians are super wealthy or super stupid.
05-06-17, 09:03 AM
#32
Lead Lap
Yeah, it's crazy money. That fluid is for expensive American muscle/collector cars; Ford, Chevrolet, etc. So, for example, if you had a 1969 Z28 SS, you'd want to put that in there.
05-09-17, 08:12 AM
#34
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I'm taking the risk of using something that I suspect might be even better...
In any event Valvoline says these are the same synthetic base. So I trust this.
Stuff reaks like cat ****.
05-10-17, 07:42 PM
#36
Lexus Test Driver
Stumbled upon your thread and wanted to add my two cents...
been running full syn Valvoline Max Life ATF in my SC430, Tacoma, Accord and Odyssey for years, no issues at all...just smooth shifting transmissions...I do a drain refill about every 12k miles.
Be sure to read page 3...a letter about this product.
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf
been running full syn Valvoline Max Life ATF in my SC430, Tacoma, Accord and Odyssey for years, no issues at all...just smooth shifting transmissions...I do a drain refill about every 12k miles.
Be sure to read page 3...a letter about this product.
http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/maxlife_atf.pdf
Last edited by Bgw70; 05-11-17 at 03:13 AM.
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Lexuswiz (05-10-17)
05-23-17, 10:38 AM
#37
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So did multiple drains, fills pump troughs etc... total about 15L even did an additional day after running. Shifting seems smoother with no slipping between shifts when floored however I will be the first to admit that this could be my imagination... I didn't think there was anything particularily not right before the change out.
I'm at 95K miles now will comment in future if any issues etc.
05-23-17, 04:08 PM
#38
Again the U151F calls for Toyota WS not Type IV.
So did multiple drains, fills pump troughs etc... total about 15L even did an additional day after running. Shifting seems smoother with no slipping between shifts when floored however I will be the first to admit that this could be my imagination... I didn't think there was anything particularily not right before the change out.
I'm at 95K miles now will comment in future if any issues etc.
So did multiple drains, fills pump troughs etc... total about 15L even did an additional day after running. Shifting seems smoother with no slipping between shifts when floored however I will be the first to admit that this could be my imagination... I didn't think there was anything particularily not right before the change out.
I'm at 95K miles now will comment in future if any issues etc.
05-25-17, 07:49 PM
#39
I think the WS is backward compatible. The T-IV can not be used when WS is specified.
07-25-17, 09:19 AM
#40
Driver School Candidate
Applied Mathematics - Non-OEM OK! "HIGHLY PROBABLY" NOT BAD (Hey, maybe even BETTER!)
The difference between the realistic non-OEM proponents and the obsessive OEM purists is like the difference between Applied Mathematicians and Theoretical Mathematicians, respectively. Think of the "longevity" aspect of choosing a fluid like that of "infinity" in math. Are we gonna have our cars forever? No, but we still TRY, right? But does the kool-aid that Toyota is selling us really stay sweet FOREVER?? Lexisaurus has a strong point about Toyota/Lexus "selling us" by claiming "lifetime" and "sealed tranny" and "world class ATF"; these are all just tactical selling-points from them, just to keep us drinking their kool-aid (to buy, both parts AND service, from them). It's a post-Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act tactic (i.e., where they once used to tell us that we "HAD" to buy their oil from them or else our "warranties would be voided" (i.e., "tie-in" sales), they can do no longer that, thanks to Federal Law; but so they resort to other "marketing tactics"). Think about it. Also, Toyota doesn't own petroleum refineries, do they? They don't make the oil. They get it through other channels; and probably some of the same exact channels that OTHER BRANDS DO!!! What the heck does "world class" mean, anyway? And why do they tell Americans (USA) that it's a "sealed tranny", and that it's "lifetime fluid", but recommend to Canada and Europe to change at 95k/100k?? Too many contradictions, and not enough "proof". I mean, does it really last "forever"? No. Credibility loss right there, folks. They can't claim this for real. So, cred-points lost in my book. And as a final morsel to chew on or think about: How do you know that non-OEM fluids are NOT superior and better for longevity? What if the Toyota/Lexus OEM fluid is actually subpar (worse) compared to others, like Valvoline MaxLife which may lead to longer life, better performance, better temperature, less wear & tear, longevity, etc.?? You never know until you "approach infinity" with your "math theory". But leave it to the "applied" ones to test it out. I seriously doubt that a company like Valvoline, who specializes in lubricants, oils, fluids etc, and does nothing else but fluids -- who is extensively obsessive with making them, testing them, and outselling others -- would risk making a product that would ruin millions of cars which would bring class-action lawsuits upon them that would bankrupting them entirely. As you "approach infinity", what are the chances (odds) of flipping heads one-trillion times on a coin?? It's small, very very small. But not to say that it doesn't exist! It exists, definitely, the event is possible, somewhere in the 'infinite' universe. But it’s HIGHLY IMPROBABLE!! And if using a NON-OEM ATF that is rated for your vehicle, has been extensively tested, and the company stands behind it 100%; which may possibly even actually improve tranny performance, or increase its longevity, or at least match the integrity of that of Toyta "world class" ATF; and doesn't seem to be destroying people's trannys within thousands of miles after a DIY drain-fill; then I would like to be the "applied mathematician" realist here by saying that using Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic ATF for your Toyota/Lexus requiring Type T, T-II, Type T-IV or WS, is most probably safe (at the least), and could possibly even be much better (at the best); and that the odds of it destroying your tranny anytime in the next two decades, is most HIGHLY IMPROBABLE!!! (how's that for the longest sentence in the world?) Thanks for reading! 
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Broc (02-11-20)
11-13-17, 05:17 PM
#41
The difference between the realistic non-OEM proponents and the obsessive OEM purists is like the difference between Applied Mathematicians and Theoretical Mathematicians, respectively. Think of the "longevity" aspect of choosing a fluid like that of "infinity" in math. Are we gonna have our cars forever? No, but we still TRY, right? But does the kool-aid that Toyota is selling us really stay sweet FOREVER?? Lexisaurus has a strong point about Toyota/Lexus "selling us" by claiming "lifetime" and "sealed tranny" and "world class ATF"; these are all just tactical selling-points from them, just to keep us drinking their kool-aid (to buy, both parts AND service, from them). It's a post-Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act tactic (i.e., where they once used to tell us that we "HAD" to buy their oil from them or else our "warranties would be voided" (i.e., "tie-in" sales), they can do no longer that, thanks to Federal Law; but so they resort to other "marketing tactics"). Think about it. Also, Toyota doesn't own petroleum refineries, do they? They don't make the oil. They get it through other channels; and probably some of the same exact channels that OTHER BRANDS DO!!! What the heck does "world class" mean, anyway? And why do they tell Americans (USA) that it's a "sealed tranny", and that it's "lifetime fluid", but recommend to Canada and Europe to change at 95k/100k?? Too many contradictions, and not enough "proof". I mean, does it really last "forever"? No. Credibility loss right there, folks. They can't claim this for real. So, cred-points lost in my book. And as a final morsel to chew on or think about: How do you know that non-OEM fluids are NOT superior and better for longevity? What if the Toyota/Lexus OEM fluid is actually subpar (worse) compared to others, like Valvoline MaxLife which may lead to longer life, better performance, better temperature, less wear & tear, longevity, etc.?? You never know until you "approach infinity" with your "math theory". But leave it to the "applied" ones to test it out. I seriously doubt that a company like Valvoline, who specializes in lubricants, oils, fluids etc, and does nothing else but fluids -- who is extensively obsessive with making them, testing them, and outselling others -- would risk making a product that would ruin millions of cars which would bring class-action lawsuits upon them that would bankrupting them entirely. As you "approach infinity", what are the chances (odds) of flipping heads one-trillion times on a coin?? It's small, very very small. But not to say that it doesn't exist! It exists, definitely, the event is possible, somewhere in the 'infinite' universe. But it’s HIGHLY IMPROBABLE!! And if using a NON-OEM ATF that is rated for your vehicle, has been extensively tested, and the company stands behind it 100%; which may possibly even actually improve tranny performance, or increase its longevity, or at least match the integrity of that of Toyta "world class" ATF; and doesn't seem to be destroying people's trannys within thousands of miles after a DIY drain-fill; then I would like to be the "applied mathematician" realist here by saying that using Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic ATF for your Toyota/Lexus requiring Type T, T-II, Type T-IV or WS, is most probably safe (at the least), and could possibly even be much better (at the best); and that the odds of it destroying your tranny anytime in the next two decades, is most HIGHLY IMPROBABLE!!! (how's that for the longest sentence in the world?) Thanks for reading!
11-13-17, 08:30 PM
#42
Switching typically will not cause failure, this same discussion has been beaten to death over at ToyotaNation and usually those that report MaxLife didn't work were putting it into a neglected transmission which no fluid will help, even Toyota's junk. I have it on all my cars and the fleet of Toyotas/Lexus I maintain with no issue and can only recommend it. I got a '99 Camry at 290K miles and still won't die with MaxLife in it.
11-14-17, 04:33 AM
#43
Switching typically will not cause failure, this same discussion has been beaten to death over at ToyotaNation and usually those that report MaxLife didn't work were putting it into a neglected transmission which no fluid will help, even Toyota's junk. I have it on all my cars and the fleet of Toyotas/Lexus I maintain with no issue and can only recommend it. I got a '99 Camry at 290K miles and still won't die with MaxLife in it.
11-14-17, 07:58 AM
#44
not trying to be a ****, but prefacing your argument with "typically will not cause failure" implies that switching can, has, or does cause failure. which i was i thought you were trying to argue against. regardless, i believe we hold the same view -- you just haven't proven their specific arguments invalid.
11-15-17, 03:54 AM
#45
Not at all, you are correct. As much as I want to say it has never caused and will never cause failure for me and the 15 cars I have used it in, even on very delicate Honda transmissions, a transmission is way to complicated and case-by-case to just sit behind a computer screen and say it will 100% work. Then you will have those that believe in every word you say and come back to haunt you when they are the one case where it doesn't work, and that's what I want to avoid. I am also a backyard mechanic not chemical engineer so I speak from experience not science.