alvoline MaxLife Multi‑Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is a high-performance, full synthetic fluid designed for older and high-mileage vehicles. It provides better wear protection, improved shift quality, and enhanced temperature performance compared to conventional ATFs. It also helps condition seals and extend transmission life.
Valvoline MaxLife Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart
| Vehicle Brand | Original ATF Spec / Common OEM Fluid | Compatible With Valvoline MaxLife ATF? | Notes / Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Motors (Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick) | DEXRON-II / DEXRON-III / DEXRON-VI | Yes | Compatible with most GM automatic transmissions using these Dexron types. |
| Ford / Lincoln / Mercury | MERCON / MERCON V / MERCON SP / MERCON LV | Yes | Compatible with most Mercon applications except Type F fluids. |
| Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Ram | ATF+3 / ATF+4 | Yes | Works for Chrysler automatics requiring these fluids. |
| Toyota / Lexus / Scion | Type T / Type T-II / Type T-IV / WS | Partial | Compatible with Type T-IV; WS requires verification. Not recommended for hybrid CVTs. |
| Honda / Acura | ATF-Z1 / DW-1 | Yes | Suitable for ATF-Z1 automatics. Do not use in CVTs. |
| Nissan / Infiniti | Matic-D / Matic-J / Matic-K | Yes | Works with these types; Matic-S and CVTs are not supported. |
| Hyundai / Kia | SP-II / SP-III / SP-IV / SPH-IV | Yes | Compatible with SP series fluids. |
| Mazda | M-III / M-V | Yes | Works for older Mazda automatic transmissions. |
| Subaru | ATF / Dexron III | Conditional | Suitable for some automatics; CVTs require specific CVT fluid. |
| BMW | LT71141 / LA2634 / 7045E | Partial | Compatible with some older BMW automatic transmissions. Newer models may require specific OEM fluids. |
| Mercedes-Benz | MB 236.9 / MB 236.10 / NAG-1 | Partial | Works with select older Mercedes-Benz automatics; newer 7G-Tronic and 9G-Tronic not recommended. |
| Volkswagen / Audi | G052162A1 / G052990A2 | Partial | Suitable for older automatic transmissions; not recommended for modern DSG or DCT units. |
| Volvo | 1161540 / 1161640 | Partial | Compatible for some older automatics; newer models may require specific Volvo ATF. |
| Allison (Commercial / Heavy Duty) | C-4 / TES-389 | Yes | Compatible with most commercial Allison automatic transmissions. |
| Mitsubishi / Diamond SP | SP-II / SP-III | Yes | Works for older Mitsubishi automatic transmissions. |
| Suzuki | ATF-301 / ATF-331 | Yes | Suitable for older Suzuki automatics. |
| Isuzu | ATF-II / ATF-III | Yes | Compatible with select Isuzu automatic transmissions. |
| Saab | ATF-80 / ATF-90 | Partial | Works for older Saab automatics; newer models may require OEM-specific fluids. |
| Porsche | ATF-1 / ATF-2 | Partial | Limited compatibility; verify exact transmission requirement. |
| Land Rover / Jaguar | LT230 / ST/JS-3 | Partial | Older automatic transmissions supported; newer units may require specific fluid. |
| GM Medium Duty / International Trucks | Allison C-4 / TES-389 | Yes | Designed for commercial applications requiring heavy-duty ATF. |
Related Transmission Fluid Compatibility Chart(For All Vehicle Brands + Models)
Understanding the Compatibility Chart
What “Compatible” Means
- Valvoline MaxLife ATF meets or exceeds the frictional and viscosity requirements of the listed OEM specifications.
- It provides similar performance characteristics, including wear protection, shift quality, and temperature stability.
- Compatibility does not always mean OEM approval, so always check the vehicle manual or service documentation.
When Not to Use MaxLife
- CVT transmissions – require specialized fluids. MaxLife is generally not suitable for CVTs.
- Dual-Clutch Transmissions (DCTs) – require specific DCT fluids.
- Ford Type F automatics – MaxLife is not compatible.
- Modern brand-specific OEM fluids – many newer VW DSG, BMW 8-speed, and Honda 2.0 ATF transmissions require OEM-specific fluids.
Related Transmission Fluid Viscosity Chart(For All Fluid Types)
Recommended Applications
- 2005 Chevrolet Silverado – DEXRON-III → MaxLife ATF safe.
- 2010 Honda Accord – ATF-Z1 → MaxLife ATF supported.
- 1999 Ford Explorer – MERCON / MERCON V → MaxLife compatible.
- Older Chrysler automatics – ATF+4 → MaxLife supported.
Not Recommended Applications
- Toyota Prius CVT – requires specialized hybrid or CVT fluid.
- Modern VW DSG – requires DSG fluid, not standard ATF.
- Ford Type F automatics – MaxLife not recommended.
Related Transmission Fluid Weight(For ALL Fluid Types)
FAQs
What is Valvoline MaxLife compatible with?
Valvoline MaxLife ATF is compatible with a wide range of automatic transmissions that require DEXRON-II, DEXRON-III, DEXRON-VI, MERCON, MERCON V, MERCON SP, ATF+3, ATF+4, and several older OEM-specific specifications. It is ideal for high-mileage vehicles and older automatics but is not recommended for CVT or dual-clutch transmissions unless specifically stated. Always confirm your vehicle’s OEM ATF specification before use.
Can I mix MaxLife ATF with other fluids?
Yes, Valvoline MaxLife ATF can be mixed with other DEXRON, MERCON, or compatible OEM ATFs without causing harm. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended to use MaxLife exclusively during a full fluid change to maintain maximum protection and proper frictional properties. Mixing different ATFs may slightly affect shift quality or seal conditioning.
Related Transmission Fluid Leak Color(For All Colors + Solutions)
Can you use Valvoline transmission fluid in a Toyota?
Valvoline MaxLife ATF can be used in many Toyota automatics that require Type T-IV or older Type T fluids. It is not recommended for Toyota CVTs or hybrid transmissions that require a dedicated CVT fluid. Always check the vehicle’s owner manual to confirm compatibility before using any aftermarket ATF.
Is Valvoline MaxLife transmission fluid compatible with ATF 4?
Yes, Valvoline MaxLife ATF is compatible with ATF+4, which is commonly used in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram automatic transmissions. It provides the proper frictional characteristics and wear protection required by ATF+4 specifications.
What is the difference between full synthetic and MaxLife?
“Full synthetic” refers to the base oil type, which provides superior high- and low-temperature stability, oxidation resistance, and wear protection compared to conventional oils. Valvoline MaxLife is full synthetic with special additives specifically designed for high-mileage transmissions, including seal conditioners and anti-oxidants. This makes it particularly suitable for older or worn automatic transmissions, whereas standard full synthetic ATFs may not include these high-mileage additives.
What are the benefits of using MaxLife?
The key benefits of Valvoline MaxLife ATF include:
- Enhanced wear protection to extend transmission life.
- Improved shift quality and smoother gear changes.
- High-temperature and low-temperature performance for consistent operation in various climates.
- Seal conditioning to prevent leaks in older transmissions.
- Extended fluid life compared to conventional ATFs.
- Compatibility with multiple OEM specifications makes it a versatile choice for high-mileage and older vehicles.
Final Takeaways
- Valvoline MaxLife ATF is versatile and suitable for many older automatic transmissions.
- It is particularly beneficial for high-mileage vehicles or transmissions that require extended wear protection.
- Always verify your transmission type and OEM specification before use to ensure proper performance and protection.
