System Fluids FAQ

Motor Oil &
Other Product FAQ

Whether you have questions pertaining to motor oil performance, synthetic oils or how to recycle your used oil, you can get the answers you’re looking for below. First, narrow the options down by choosing the closest-related category to your question.

Power Steering Fluid FAQ

What is the shelf life of the remaining Valvoline power steering fluid after it has been opened?

Any chemical that has been opened, including brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc., has a recommended shelf life of no longer than two to three years, depending on storage.

Automatic Transmission Fluid FAQ

I had my vehicle’s transmission fluid changed using Valvoline MaxLife™ ATF Fully Synthetic. Conventional transmission fluid was used for all previous changes. Will this cause a problem?

No. Switching to synthetic transmission fluid after using a conventional product will not cause a problem. Synthetic and conventional oils are 100 percent compatible.

What is the difference between DEXRON® III/MERCON® and type F transmission fluid?

The Valvoline Type F transmission fluid is a high quality NON-friction modified fluid. DEXRON® III/MERCON includes friction modifiers in the fluid additive package.

Does Valvoline make a synthetic ATF?

Yes. Valvoline makes several synthetic ATFs. MaxLife® ATF, Valvoline ATF for MERCON® V* applications, ATF +4 and DEXRON® VI are all synthetic transmission fluids.

The Valvoline Company does not have a documented shelf life exposure on finished motor oil or automatic transmission fluid. We would expect under optimal conditions (in an enclosed space, protected from the weather) that the product would be stable for an extended period of time. We recommend two things: 1) Make sure the rating meets or exceeds your requirements, and 2) Shake the container before use. If the fluid sits for an extended period of time, sometimes the additives may settle in the bottom of the container.

Is it OK to mix synthetic ATF with a conventional and/or synthetic blend ATF?

Yes. Synthetic ATF and conventional fluids are 100 percent compatible with each other.

Is MaxLife ATF compatible with other brands of automatic transmission fluid?

MaxLife ATF is a multi-vehicle transmission fluid that is compatible with many brands and manufacturer recommendations. Refer to the MaxLife product data sheet to determine whether MaxLife is compatible for your vehicle’s application.

Is MaxLife automatic transmission fluid an SP-III fluid?

MaxLife ATF is 100 percent compatible for use in SP-II and SP-III applications.

Can MaxLife ATF be used in Volvos with a Geartronic Transmission?

Valvoline MaxLife ATF is suitable for use in Volvo transmissions that require the use of TIV or JWS3309 ATF.

Can MaxLife ATF be used where a Dexron VI fluid is required?

Yes. MaxLife ATF can be used in DEXRON VI applications.

Can MaxLife ATF be mixed with Dexron VI or does the fluid need to be purged prior to installing MaxLIfe ATF?

Valvoline MaxLife ATF transmission fluid is 100 percent compatible with the DEXRON VI for mixing or flushing a system.

Is MaxLife ATF OK to use in applications requiring Mercon-V fluid?

Yes. MaxLife ATF can be used where a MERCON V* fluid is recommended.

*Ford and MERCON V are registered trademarks of Ford Motor Company. This is not a licensed Ford product.

Antifreeze FAQ

Does the color of antifreeze matter? Can you mix antifreeze with different colored antifreeze products?

Color is used by many antifreeze and vehicle manufacturers for identification purposes. Color has no bearing on the performance of the antifreeze. Always follow the specifications in your owner’s manual for coolant applications.

Can you mix DEX-COOL™ with other antifreeze products?

Improper mixing of coolants has the potential to cause corrosion issues. Valvoline recommends using the correct antifreeze/coolant for your particular application.

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