![]() You can drive a little longer before you need to have the transmission fluid flushed out and refilled. Again, provided the transmission fluid is see-through and has an orange hue, you probably don’t need to change it just yet. ![]() This is a sign that the transmission fluid is still okay but it is getting older. Instead of being light brown, the transmission fluid may look more orange. You can drive your vehicle a little bit longer before you need to change the transmission fluid when it is light brown and translucent. Light brown transmission fluid is not a sign of problems at this time. The fluid is still translucent and does not need to be changed quite yet. Light brown transmission fluid means that the fluid is getting older. The fluid is see-through, viscous, hasn’t oxidized, and is able to protect the transmission and help it shift gears. This is the color of new transmission fluid that isn’t dirty or contaminated. In order for the transmission fluid to do all of the things we listed above effectively, it must be red and translucent. Stringer Auto Repair offers a fluid color guide below so you can gauge the health of your vehicle’s transmission fluid. This fluid not only lubricates the gears and other moving parts but also protects the parts, cools them down, cleans them, and works as a hydraulic fluid to assist the transmission in changing gears. It’s important to have the transmission fluid changed when it needs it because this fluid is crucial to your transmission’s health and operation. Whether a product is needed depends on the individual since we all have our own “valid” reasons for using it.The color of your automobile’s transmission fluid is very revealing. So what is the point of changing? Despite that, aftermarket fluids have been used in vehicles for a long time. It has always been my practice to use the exact aftermarket product made by the specific automobile manufacturer unless I can find the same product made by the OEM.īy exact, I mean Z1 ATF, not a fluid that can be used for multiple purposes. It is more cost-effective to produce a formulation that can be mixed or applied to a broad range of applications produced by aftermarket companies. Final WordsĪs an example, Honda/Acura manufactures its own in-house brand, the Z1, that is designed for a specific application. As far as I know, there are no failure reports of one running Maxlife. It is important to remember that the Odyssey probably has the worst track record for transmission longevity, and Maxlife performs exceptionally well in these vehicles. Honda isn’t going to approve any of them. ATF Maxlife is “suitable for Z-1 use” according to its specifications. Honda Odyssey owners with Z-1 spec’d Odysseys use Valvoline Maxlife ATF. You probably don’t have to change your engine oil and filter as often as you change your oil. The process of adding fluid usually takes longer than draining it. Make sure you do it after you’ve driven through all the gears as well. Make sure the ATF dipstick is at the right level using the ATF dipstick. The funnel, a wrench of the right size, the location, a container to catch the old ATF, etc. It is also important to know where the drain plug is located. Add the new ATF in the right place and in the right way. DW-1 is probably available for purchase and could be brought to the garage, but is it really necessary? The Honda dealer is much more expensive than an independent garage because I don’t do this kind of work myself. No matter how good or bad a substitution might be, it’s not the same as the original. DW1 can still be used instead of Z1 for draining and filling at the next recommended interval. However, they haven’t been tested and don’t meet the specifications.Īll Honda transmissions that are not CVTs can be upgraded to DW-1, which is compatible with Z1 and replaces it. ![]() Your car’s oil maker recommends the other fluids. Honda’s own fluid is the only fluid that meets Honda’s specs. No bad experiences have been reported, or at least no more than would be expected with Z1. However, users who switch seem to like it better than any other alternative. ![]() I would recommend Amsoil if you are dead set against using the Z-1. Substitute Transmission Fluid That Meets Honda ATF-Z1 Again, Honda has officially replaced ATF-Z1 with ATF-DW1. It is compatible with Z-1 and DW-1, so there is no need to mix it with the old ATF left in the truck. ![]() Valvoline MaxLife Dex/Merc ATF has received great reviews from owners. Several people have posted on other (non-Honda) forums about using Castrol ATF with no problems. Sticking with OEM is often better than using Valvoline or Castrol.Ĭompared to the Honda DW-1, they are a few dollars cheaper per liter. It is recommended that you use DW-1 if your vehicle originally used Z1. The ATF DW-1 fluid has replaced the ATF Z1 fluid. ![]()
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