Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic ATF - Instead of Toyota WS

I see this disclaimer:

Valvoline does not recommend MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF for use in most continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and in dual clutch transmissions (DCTs) unless specifically noted

That said, the Prius is not a traditional CVT, more akin to a manual transmission.

And all of that said, Toyota rarely insists you must use their proprietory fluids, but is pretty emphatic with the Toyota ATF WS, cautioning that using anything else could damage the transaxle.

It's your car, your dice to roll. It might well be fine. But when you think about it, a transaxle fluid change is something you might do once, twice, in the vehicle's lifespan. Is it worth saving $20?

 

Someone waved the red flag in front of the bull .

Well controlled response .

 

The long list of compatible fluid specs is a sign that those on the list are more likely to be non-synthetic in nature, and that the higher grade synthetic base stock used is hence suitable in these applications. The label or PI sheet notes not for use in Honda CVTs specifically, but does not have the same warning for Toyota, most likely because this is not a typical CVT, where the exact/proper viscometrics are more crucial.

I am personally seriously considering using it, as I consider it an upgrade, unless I’m mistaken and the Toyota WS is a synthetic fluid....

 

how much is the toyota fluid?

 

$9.14 CDN per liter up here, at Toyota Dealership parts counter, for the Toyota ATF WS. If you're going to be picking up the drain/fill bolt washers, doesn't hurt to ask. That translates to maybe $6.50 US per quart?

Food for thought:


2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback HYBRID Transaxle assembly, hybrid vehicle. Transmission, fcv, driveline, assy - 3090047040 | Butte Toyota, Butte MT

 

but it's quite a drive. i'd need another tranny fluid change after the trip. that doubles the price

 

that's a little better

 

So you need 4 quarts, or $40.

How often do you plan on doing the fluid change?

 

same as the engine

 

I recall reading somewhere recently that bulls are color blind - and can only perceive few colors and red is not one of those

 

It’s an inside joke with @Mendel Leisk .

Anytime a post comes about where someone deviates from Toyota ATF WS, he pounces .

Kept it fairly in check this round.

 

same with the coolant too, and a/c fluid