maxATF or maxlife for dexron III use ?

[VVT_i]

I have a toyota corolla 2001 with 190,000 km and the dipstick calls for dexron 3, so what do you think will be better for longevity and shifting quality - Royal purple maxATF or Valvoline maxlife? (regardless of the cost) the transmission used the original toyota T-III till now.
Should I replace the Transmission Filter too ?

 

[JC1]

If you can easily get max life I would use that. I'm using it both a 98 Toyota Sienna and a 97 Honda Civic. No issues with either tranny.

If there is a filter or strainer, I would change it and clean the tranny pan.

 

[skyactiv]

I'd replace the transmission filter. The trick to shifting quality and longevity is difficult. A fluid that provides smoother shifting can wear the clutch pack out quicker. A fluid that makes the transmission shift a tad harder can lengthen the lifespan of the clutch pack. I'm guessing Royal Purple might provide crisper shifting than Valvoline. If you want smoothness, go with Valvoline. Again, just a guess.

 

[Boss302fan]

Maxlife ATF...

 

[sw99]

I run the ML ATF in my 2001 Corolla. As with everything I use ML in, it's shifts smooth as can be. Hard to beat the price at WM.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

I used MaxLife for a few drain and fills in my wife's 2002 Corolla with good results. Shifts are firm and general operation is smooth.

 

[buck91]

Of those two I would go with MaxLife. I'd rather a lower cost, quality Dex3 with Lubeguard red, though.

 

[sw99]

Originally Posted By: buck91
Of those two I would go with MaxLife. I'd rather a lower cost, quality Dex3 with Lubeguard red, though.


+1.

After I do my drain and fill's, I always add a couple ounces of LG red for good measure.

 

[901Memphis]

Maxlife is a better bargain than Royal Purple. I get the gallon jugs of Maxlife atf at Meijer for $16.50

Even DexronVI would be a huge step up over a shear prone mineral based DexronIII fluid.

I don't see any reason to buy a full priced mineral based dex/merc these day, unless it has TES-389 approval which is equivalent to DexronIIIH

 

[Oro_O]

Originally Posted By: buck91
Of those two I would go with MaxLife. I'd rather a lower cost, quality Dex3 with Lubeguard red, though.


For a synthetic Dex III substitute, I use Mag1 MV synthetic. It is pretty affordable via Amazon. I have a GM 4L30E in a vehicle and they can be finicky. That works great in it (I put 10oz of Lubeguard in, too). That fluid is also closer to T-IV specs like the OPs car than MaxLife, though I don't think it's a huge deal there and I have MaxLife in other vehicles in lieu of T-IV - they all work great.

 

[VVT_i]

thanks to all guys responded. My car uses the original toyota dexron III, not T-IV. In my country I only can get the maxlife for ~$12 quart and maxatf for ~$20 quart. I don't care paying more if that means the transmission continues to work without problems for the next 5 years. The atf will also replace the original power steering fluid.

 

[Oro_O]

In that case, use the MaxLife for AT and PS and don't worry.

I have MaxLife in two vehicles spec'd for T-IV (2002 lexus and 2007 Chevy w/Toyota transmission). It works GREAT in lieu of T-IV.

 

[mrdctaylor]

I have used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF since new. It used to carry the DexIII designation and is still the same fluid. I have a 2002 Toyota Tacoma specc'ing DexIII and I now have 180,000 miles on it. It still shifts great. I do a drain/fill every 30,000 miles.

https://mobiloil.com/en/automatic-transmission-fluid/synthetic-atf

 

[crazyoildude]

i also use max life and its great stuff but it al wal mart forget the rip off auto parts stores.

 

[VVT_i]

Just replaced my ATF and PSF with maxatf, trans filter, RP oil engine and OEM filter.
Did a simple drain&fill with the ATF. My corolla 2001 VVTI 1.6 driving excellent now.

 

[901Memphis]

Great choices all around, I love Maxlife atf any synerlec.

 

[moto94536]

I used Mobil 3309. Now I find something cheaper. It is castrol Transmax at autozone. So I will continue to use castrol atf for drain/refill process.

 

[VVT_i]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Great choices all around, I love Maxlife atf any synerlec.


Thanks. I also heard good things about RP's synerlec additive.

_________________________

When should I do a second drain&refill, considering that half of the fluid is the old atf (toyota T-III) ?

 

[VVT_i]

bump