If you’ve dabbled in the world of car stereos and accessories, you might have heard of these two brands. For good reason, they are the leaders in the car entertainment realm, boasting a large variety of products. What makes these brands unique, and how do they compare with each other? We’ve also reviewed best Apple Carplay and Android Auto double DIN head units here.
[Read more…] about Kenwood vs Pioneer — How Do They Compare?
Valvoline Maxlife ATF Review – Transmission Fluid for BMW E39 E46 E38 ZF or GM
Today we’re going to talk about automatic transmission fluid for your BMW – Valvoline Maxlife ATF. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out what is the right fluid application to use in my BMW. If you have an E46, an E39 or an E38, you’re going to have to determine which transmission you have. For most E46 and E39 platforms, you’ll either have a GM transmission, which is usually for cars produced or manufactured from March 2001 and before. If the car is produced in March 2001, and beyond, there’s a changeover date, it will have the ZF transmission.
I’m not here to debate whether or not you should change the transmission fluid in your BMW in the first place. Let it be known that BMW says all of the transmission fluid is a lifetime fluid, meaning you drive the car into the ground and when the transmission let’s go, that’s it, it let’s go.
Valvoline Maxlife ATF Synthetic Review
However, for those of us who want to change the fluid and are looking for something that we can get that doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars, this is the transmission fluid that I’d recommend. This is a Valvoline MaxLife. You can purchase it online, right here, and you can also find it in most big-box stores.
The great thing about this MaxLife is that it’s relatively cheap and it meets a number of different BMW transmission specifications.
If you have an older E46 or E39 produced in 2000th, they have the GM transmission which is also known as the 5L40E transmission. And the SPEC for that fluid is 7045E, according to BMW. So, that’s the minimum requirement SPEC. Fortunately, this says right on here, BMW 7045-E meets the specifications according to BMW. So, we’re good to go with this stuff.
If your car was produced in March 2001, and beyond, you most likely have a ZF transmission. Again, you’re going to have to get under the car and verify the tag on the side of the transmission to see exactly which transmission that you have. The ZF typically takes what’s called a Lifeguard fluid. It’s going to cost several hundred dollars to buy that fluid, and if you’re going to change it out two or three times, which is recommended to cycle the fluid properly through the torque converter, it’s recommended that you not only change the fluid once, but you do it three times, to get all of the old fluid out and the new fluid in. Sounds a little excessive, but some people would argue that that’s the best way to ensure all of the fluid, the old fluid, is cycled out of the torque converter.
If you do have a ZF transmission, 5HP19 is the code for that. The BMW fluid specification is an LT71141, and as I showed you on the back of this container, it also meets the LT71141 specifications.
Valvoline MaxLife ATF Compatibility Chart
MAKE | MODEL / YEAR | Fluid Specification | Valvoline Brand | ||||||
Acura | 1989 to 1995 | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | |||||
1996 to 2010 | SLF | Honda ATF – Z1 | MaxLife ATF Except in CVT | ||||||
2011-2012 | SLF | ATF DW-1 | |||||||
AM General | 2003 to 2005 | AF3 AF6 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, DEXRON VI, Import MV ATF | |||||
2006 and later | AF6 | DEXRON VI | DEXRON VI, MaxLife ATF | ||||||
Audi | All except as noted | AE | LT 71141 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
1995-1997 | LT 71141 | ||||||||
1995 Cabriolet 90 with 097 Transmission | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Multitronic 01J CVT (2010-2011) | VTF | Part number G-052-180-A2 | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
0AW (2010-2012) | VTF | Part number G-052-516-A2 | |||||||
Transmission 09A | SLF | Part number G-052-990-A2 | MaxLife ATF, | ||||||
Transmission 09G | T-IV | Toyota WS | |||||||
Transmission 02E | SLF | Part number G-052-182-A2 | Available from dealer | ||||||
Transmission 09D in Q7 (2007-10 with 4.2L), 0AT (2011 with 3.6L) | T-IV | Part number G-055-025-A2 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Transmission 09E(2004-2005), 09E (2006-09 with 8 cylinder engine) | SLF | Part number G-055-005-A2 | |||||||
Transmission 09E (2006-09 with 12 cylinder engine), 0AT (2007-2009) | Part number G-055-162-A6 | MaxLife ATF | |||||||
Transmission 0B5 | Part number G-052-529-A2 | Available from dealer | |||||||
Transmission 0C8 | Part number G-055-540A2 | ||||||||
Transmission 09L, 0B6, OBK, OBL, 0AT(2010) | Part number G-060-162-A2 | MaxLife ATF | |||||||
BMW | 1995-2000: all with GM THMRI (A4S310R or A4S270R), 530i and iT with 5HP18(A5S310Z) | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | |||||
1998-2005: 3-series with A5S360R or A5S390R (5L40-EGM5) Transmission and oil pan labeled with DEXRON III |
|||||||||
2004-2006: X3-series with GM5 and oil pan labeled with DEXRON III | |||||||||
1995-2000: M3 with ZF 5HP18(A5S310Z) trans., ZF 5HP24(A5S440Z), 740, 750 and 850 with ZF HP30(AA5S560Z) trans., 840 with ZF HP30(AA5S560Z) trans.manufactured from 12/95 |
AE | BMW part number 83 22 9 407 807, LT 71141 |
MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2001-2009: all with ZF 5HP-19, ZF 5HP-24, or ZF HP-30 Transmissions | |||||||||
1998-2000: 3-series with A5S360R or A5S390R (5L40-EGM5) Transmission and oil pan labeled with Texaco ETL-7045 |
SLF | BMW part number 83 22 0 026 922, ETL-7045E |
|||||||
1999-2000: all with A5S 360R (5L40-E/GM5) Transmissions | |||||||||
2000-2006: 5 series and X5 series with A5S 360R (GM5) Transmission | BMW part number 83 22 0 024 359, ETL-8072B |
||||||||
2000-2002: all with A5S 390R (GM5) Transmission | |||||||||
2008-11 : 1-series, 2007-10 3-series, and 2007-10 X3-series with Automatic Transmission GA6L45R | AF6 | DEXRON VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
2002-2011 1-series, 3-series, 5-series, X-5 series, 6-series and 7-series with 6speed GA6HP19Z, GA6HP19ZTU, GA6HP26Z, GA6H- P26ZTU, GA6HP32Z, or S6S53BZ Transmission |
SLF | BMW part number 83 22 0 142 516, M-1375.4 |
MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2011: X3, X5, X6, 7 series, 8 series with 8speed GA8HP45Z, GA8HP70Z, GA8HP90Z | BMW part number 83 22 2 152 426, M-L12108 |
||||||||
2010-2011: X6 Hybrid with 7speed GA7AHSCD | BMW part number 83 22 2 163 514 |
MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | |||||||
2011: Z4, 1 and 3 series with dual clutch GS7D36SG | GLS | BMW part number 83 22 2 148 578 |
Available from dealer | ||||||
2011: 3 series with GA6L45R | AF6 | DEXRON VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth | All vehicles except as noted | AP4 | ATF + 4 | Valvoline ATF +4 | |||||
1999 and earlier Caravan, Town & Country, Voyager | AP3 | ATF +3 | |||||||
2007-2012: Caliber | VTF | Mopar CVT+4 | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
1996 Colt, Stealth, 2001-2005: Sebring coupe, Stratus Coupe with Mitsubishi trans | SLF | DIAMOND SP- III | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
All models with 6-speed AC68RC | Mopar AS68RC | ||||||||
2009 Durango Hybrid, Aspen Hybrid | AF6 | Dexron- VI | DEXRON VI | ||||||
2003-2009: Sprinter | SLF | Mopar P/N 05127382AA MB | Available from dealer | ||||||
2004-2006: Crossfire All with NAG1 Transmission | MB NAG-1, Shell ATF 3403 M115 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||||
2012: Chrysler 300 with 8-speed 8HP45 | Shell L12108 | MaxLife ATF | |||||||
Daewoo | Leganza manufactured from 11/01 (ZF Transmission) | AE | Type LT 71141 | MaxLife ATF | |||||
1999-2002: LANOS, Nubria, Leganza (THM Transmission) | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
||||||
Fiat | 2012: Fiat 500 with AW60T Transmission | SLF | Mopar AW1 P/N 68092912AA | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
Ford, Lincoln, Mercury | Prior to 1981 | FA | Ford Type F | Type F | |||||
1995-2009: All except as noted | MA | MERCON | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
||||||
1997: Ranger, Mazda B2300, Mazda B3000, Mazda B4000 and Aerostar; Explorer and Mountaineer with V6 | MA5 | MERCON V | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V | ||||||
1998: Thunderbird, Cougar, Mark VIII | |||||||||
1998-2011: Mustang (5-speed), Ranger, Mazda B2300, Mazda B2500, Mazda B3000 and Mazda B4000 | |||||||||
1998-2008: Econoline with 4R70W Transmission, Ford F150 | |||||||||
1998-2002: Continental | |||||||||
1998-2003: Windstar | |||||||||
1998-2009: Taurus, Taurus X, Sable, Expedition, Lightning, Navigator, Blackwood, Mark LT and F250 LD with 4R70E or 4R70W Transmis- sions | |||||||||
1998-2010: Mountaineer and 4-door Explorer with 5R55W or 5R55S Transmissions | |||||||||
1998-2008: Crown Vic, Lincoln Towncar, Grand Marquis | |||||||||
2000-2006: Lincoln LS | |||||||||
2000-2007: Focus | |||||||||
2001-2005: Explorer Sport/Sport Trac | |||||||||
2002-2005: Thunderbird | |||||||||
2003-2004: Mercury Marauder | |||||||||
2003-2005: Lincoln Aviator with 5R55W Transmission | |||||||||
2004-2007: Freestar, Monterey | |||||||||
2007-2009: Ford Edge, Flex, Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKX, MKT, MKS | |||||||||
2007-2008: Escape, Mariner | |||||||||
2000-2004: trucks with S5-47 ZF | MA5 | Synthetic MERCON P/N XT-2-QSM | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2005-2007: Ford 500 with CVT and Montego with CVT | VTF | Part # XT-7QCFT, WSS M2C933-A | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
2005-2012: Ford 500, Fusion, Mercury Montego, Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, MKZ with 6 speed Transmissions | TIV | P/N XT-8-QAW, Toyota TIV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2006-2009: Fusion, Milan and Zephyr, MKZ with FNR5 Transmissions | SLF | MazdaV, part # XT-9-QMM5 | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2011-2012: Fiesta 2012 Focus |
SLF | P/N XT-11-QDV, WSS-M2C200-D2 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2008-2009: Focus | MLV | MERCON LV | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2007-2009: Explorer 4-door, Mountaineer w/ 6R80 Transmission | |||||||||
2009-2011: Crown Vic, Town Car, Grand Marquis | |||||||||
2009: Escape, Mariner | |||||||||
2009: F150, Expedition, Navigator w/ 6R80 Transmission | |||||||||
2009: F250, F350, F450, F550 | |||||||||
2009: Econoline w/ 4R70W Transmission or Torqshift Transmission | |||||||||
2010-2012: All except as noted | |||||||||
1998-2008: F250HD, F350, F450, F550 and Excursion with 5R110W Transmission |
MSP | MERCON SP | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
1996-2008: Econoline with 5R110W Transmission; Ford F150, Expedition, Lightning, Navigator, Blackwood, Mark LT and F250 LT with 6HP26 Transmissions; any with 5R110 and 6RXX Transmissions | |||||||||
2002-2009: Mountaineer and 4-door Explorer with 6R60 Transmission | |||||||||
2003-2005: Lincoln Aviator with 6R60 Transmission | |||||||||
General Motors | Prior to 1994 | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1994-2005: All except as noted | AF3 | DEXRON III | |||||||
2006 and later: All except as noted | AF6 | DEXRON VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
2003-2008: Vibe All with Aisin (81-40LE) Transmission or AF33-5 Transmission | TIV | Toyota TIV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2011-12 Buick Regal, 2010-12 Cadillac SRX with AF40-6 | SLF | AW1 Fluid, P/N 19256039 | |||||||
2009-2010: Vibe | WS | ATF WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
Honda | 1989-1995: All vehicles | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | |||||
1996-2011: with CVTs | VTF | Honda Genuine CVT Fluid | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
1996-2010 all others | SLF | Honda ATF – Z1 or DW1 | MaxLife ATF (Except in CVT), Import MV ATF (Z1), except CVT | ||||||
2011-2012 all except CVT | SLF | Honda ATF – DW1 | |||||||
Hyundai | Prior to 1996 | SLF | Hyundai SP II or SP-III | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
1996 and Later unless noted | |||||||||
2007-2011: Veracruz | TIV | Toyota TIV | |||||||
2009-2011: Genesis Sedan with 5-speed | WS | Toyota WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2010-2012: Genesis with 3.8L, 4.6L, Equus | SLF | Shell M-1375.4 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2010-2012: Genesis with 2.0L | ATF Red- 1K | ||||||||
2010-2012: Santa Fe, Tuscon | Hyundai SP IV | ||||||||
2011-2012: Azera, Sonata, Elantra | |||||||||
2012: Equus, Genesis Sedan | |||||||||
Infinit | 1994-2001: All | AF3 | Nissan Matic-D, DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | |||||
2002: G20 | |||||||||
2002-2003: I30, I35 | |||||||||
All others except as noted below | SLF | Nissan Matic-J, Matic-K | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
5-speed RWD | Matic S | MaxLife ATF | |||||||
7-speed RWD | |||||||||
Isuzu | All vehicles unless noted | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
|||||
Oasis | SLF | Honda ATF – Z1 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Late June 2000 and later Hombre | P/N 12378508, Spec. 9986186 | Available from dealer | |||||||
2004: Axiom, Rodeo W/ 3.5L | Isuzu Genuine ATF | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||||
Jaguar | 1994-1997: XJ6, XJ12, XJL, XJS except as noted | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1997-2003: XK series with 4.0L normally aspirated | AE | Type LT 71141, Part No. JLM 20238 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
1997: XJR | |||||||||
1997-2003: XJ8, XK8 | |||||||||
2002.5-2008: S-Type | SLF | Shell M1375.4 | |||||||
2003 and later: XK series with 4.2L and 4.2L supercharged engine | |||||||||
2003.5 and 2009: XJ series with 3.0L, 4.2L and 4.2L supercharged engine | |||||||||
2009-2012: XF | |||||||||
2010-2012: XJ, series, XFR | |||||||||
1995-1996: XJR | SLF | Shell ATF 3403 M115 | |||||||
1998-2002: XK series with 4.0L supercharged engine | |||||||||
1998-2003.5: XJ with 4.0L supercharged | |||||||||
2004-2006: XKR | |||||||||
2001.5-2008: X Type | SLF | IDEMITSU K17, JATCO 3100 PL085 | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
1999-2002.5: S-Type | MA5 | MERCON V | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V | ||||||
Jeep | 1995-2001: AW4 Transmission | MA | MERCON | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1995-2012: All except as noted | AP4 | ATF+4 | ATF+4 | ||||||
2004: Jeep Grand Cherokee with NAG1 trans | SLF | Shell ATF 3403 M115 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2007-2012: Compass, Patriot | VTF | Mopar CVT+4 | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
Kia | 2003-2004: Sorento 4 speed | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1994-1995: Sephia | AF2, MA | ||||||||
1996-2002: Sportage | AF3, MA | DEXRON III | |||||||
MAKE | MODEL / YEAR | Fluid Specification | Valvoline Brand | ||||||
Kia | 1996-2000: Sephia | AF3, MA | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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2005-2009: Sorento | SLF | ATF Red- 1K | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2009-2010: Borrego with V6 3.8L | |||||||||
2009-2010: Borrego with V8 4.2L | Shell M-1375.4 | ||||||||
2011-2012: Optima 2.4L, Rondo, Sedona, Sorento, Sportage, Forte | KIA SP- IV | ||||||||
All unless noted | KIA SP- III | ||||||||
Land Rover | Others | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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2003-2005: Range Rover with ZF Gear box | AE | Esso LT 71141 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2003-2005: Range Rover with GM auto gearbox | SLF | Texaco ETL-7045E | |||||||
2002-2005: Freelander | Texaco N402 | ||||||||
2005-2009: LR3 | Shell M1375.4 | ||||||||
2010-2012: LR4 | |||||||||
2006-2012: Range Rover, Range Rover Sport | |||||||||
2008-2012: LR2 | TIV | Toyota TIV | |||||||
2012: Evoque | SLF | Nippon AW-1 | |||||||
Lexus | 1994-1999: ES300 | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1994-1997: SC300 | |||||||||
1996-1997: LX450 | |||||||||
1998-2002: LX 470 | |||||||||
All Others before 2008, unless noted | TIV | Toyota Type T, T-II or T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2004-2007: LS430, LX470, GX470 | WS | Toyota Type WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2006-2007: RX400H, GS430 | |||||||||
2007: ES330, ES350, GS300, GS350, GS460, IS300, IS350, LS460, RX350, SC430 | |||||||||
2008-2012: ALL | |||||||||
Mazda | Others | AF3, MA | DEXRON III, MERCON | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
|||||
2003-12: Mazda 3, Mazda6 with 4 or 5 speed | SLF | ATF M-V | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V | ||||||
2006-2012: Mazda5, CX-7, CX-9 with 5-speed Transmissions | |||||||||
2011-2012: Mazda 2 | |||||||||
2007-2008: Tribute | MA5 | Mercon V | |||||||
2009-2011: Tribute | MLV | Mercon LV | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2004-2011: Mazda RX-8 with 6 speed | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2005-2012: Mazda 6 with 6 speed | |||||||||
2006-2012: Miata | |||||||||
2007-2012: CX7, CX9 with 6 speed | |||||||||
Mercedes- Benz | 1994-1996: All 4 or 5 speed without controlled torque converter lockup clutch | AF3 | DEXRON III (MB 236.9, MB 236.1), DEXRON II (MB 236.6, MB 236.7, MB 236.8(arctic use only)) |
MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1996-2010: All 5 speed Transmissions (with or without controlled torque converter lockup clutch) | SLF | Shell ATF 3403-4 115, MB 236.10 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
All models with CVT | MB 236.20 | Valvoline CVT | |||||||
Up to 2009: All models with 7 speed Transmissions | SLF | Fuchs ATF 3353, MB 236.12 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2009-6/18/2010: GLK 350 | SLF | MB 236.14 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2011: Up to production date 6/18/10: all except 8-speed | SLF | MB 236.15 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2011-2012: with 8-speed | SLF | MB 236.41 | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
Up to 2009: All models with 7 speed Transmissions | SLF | Fuchs ATF 3353, MB 236.12 | Available from dealer | ||||||
Mini | 2002-2011: All with CVT | VTF | Esso CVT EZL 799 Fluid | Valvoline CVT | |||||
2002-2011: All with 6-speed auto Transmission | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Mitsubishi | 1997-1998: Pickup, Montero Sport, Outlander, Endeavour, | AF2 | DEXRON II | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1997-2000: Montero | |||||||||
1999: Montero Sport with 4AT Trans | |||||||||
1994-1996: All | AP3f | ATF+3 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
1995-1999: Eclipse, Talon 2.0L | |||||||||
MAKE | MODEL / YEAR | Fluid Specification | Valvoline Brand | ||||||
Mitsubishi | 2004-2012: Endeavor, Outlander with CVT | VTF | Variable Transmission Fluid | Valvoline CVT | |||||
2008-2011: Lancer | |||||||||
All Others | SLF | DIAMOND SP- III | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Nissan | 1994-1995: All | SLF | Nissan ATF | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
1996-2009: All with 4-speed except as noted | SLF | Nissan Matic D | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
||||||
1998-2004: Frontier, Xterra | AF3 | DEXRON III or NissanMatic D | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
||||||
All 5-speed FWD vehicles | SLF | Nissan Matic K | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
All 5-speed RWD vehicles | SLF | Nissan Matic S or J | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2010-2012: Cube, Versa with 4-speed | |||||||||
2007-2011: Altima Hybrid | VTF | Matic W | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2007-2012: All with CVT except Altima Hybrid | VTF | Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
Porsche | 1994-1998: 911 Series, 928, 968 | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1997-2008: Boxter/Boxter S | AE | Porsche #: 999 917 547 00 (A2) or 000 043 205 09 |
MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
1999-2005: 911 | |||||||||
2006-2007: Cayman | |||||||||
2001-2006: 911 Turbo | SLF | Porsche #: 000 043 204 41, Shell ATF 3403-M115 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2002-2005: 911 GT2, GT3 | |||||||||
2006-2007: 911 | SLF | Porshe P/N 00004330400 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2003-2006: Cayenne | TIV | Porshe P/N 00004320528 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2011-2012: Cayenne | SLF | Porshe P/N 95830054000 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2010-2012: Panamera | SLF | Porshe P/N 00004320729 | Available from dealer | ||||||
Saab | 1994-1998: All, 2002 9-3, 2005: 9-2X | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1999-2001: 9-5 | |||||||||
1999-2002: 9-3 | |||||||||
2005-2008: 9-7X, 2011: 9-4x | AF6 | DEXRON VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2002-2011: 9-5, 2003-2011: 9-3 5-speed | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2006: 9-2X | SLF | Aporoil ATF HP | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2005-2012: All with 6-speed (except 2011 9-4x) | SLF | Saab 93 165 147 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Saturn | 1994-2002: S Series | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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2000-2005: L Series; 2005-2007: Relay; All Vue and Ion with 4T45- E, 4T40-E 6T70, or 2MT70 trans; All Sky, Aura, Outlook | AF6 | DEXRON VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
2002-2009: Vue and Ion with VT25-E(M16/M75) no dipstick | VTF, VTA | DEX-CVT Fluid | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
2002-2008: Vue and Ion with AF23-5, AF33 (M45) with dipstick | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2008-2009: Astra | |||||||||
2004-2007: Vue with 5-speed 5-AT | SLF | Honda ZF-1 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
Scion | 2004- 2006: All vehicles | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
2007-2011: All vehicles | WS | Toyota Type WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2012: Scion IQ | VTF | Toyota TC | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
Subaru | 2005-2012: Impreza, Legacy, Outback , Tribeca with 4 or 5-speed | SLF | Subaru ATF | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
2006-2012: Forester | |||||||||
2010-2012: Legacy, Outback, Impreza with CVT | VTF | Subaru CVT Oil for Linear Tronic | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
All Others; 2005 Forester | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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Suzuki | 1995-2007: All vehicles except as noted, 2007-2009: SX4 | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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All years: Tracker, 2009: XL-7 | AF6 | Dexron VI | MaxLife ATF, DEXRON VI | ||||||
2006-2012: Grand Vitara; 2007-2009: XL-7 | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2004-2006: Verona; 2004-2008: Forenza; 2005-2008 Reno | AE | Esso LT 71141 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2009-2012: Equator | SLF | Nissan Matic S or J | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2010-2012: Kizashi, SX4 with CVT | VTF | Suzuki CVT Fluid Green | Valvoline CVT | ||||||
MAKE | MODEL / YEAR | Fluid Specification | Valvoline Brand | ||||||
Toyota | 1995-2008: all except as noted | AF3 | DEXRON III | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1994-1997: Supra Turbo | |||||||||
1996-2000: Rav 4 4WD with A540H | |||||||||
1998: Supra (all) | |||||||||
2000-2006: Camry | |||||||||
2000-2007: Highlander (except Hybrid) | |||||||||
2000-2005: Echo, Celica | |||||||||
2001-2005: RAV 4 | TIV | Toyota Type T, T-II or T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2001-2003: Prius | |||||||||
2002-2007: Solara 4-cyl; 2008 Solara 6 cyl | |||||||||
2003: Land Cruiser | |||||||||
2003-2008: Corolla, Matrix | |||||||||
2003-2004: 4-runner with 4 speed, Sequoia, 2.7L and 3.4L Tacoma, Tundra | |||||||||
2005-2007: Tacoma; 2008-2009: Tacoma 4-spd | |||||||||
2004-2006: Sienna | |||||||||
2004-2012: Prius | WS | Toyota Type WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2006-2011: Highlander Hybrid | |||||||||
2004-2011: Land Cruiser | WS | Toyota Type WS | MaxLife ATF | ||||||
2005-2012: Avalon, 4-Runner, Sequoia, Tundra | |||||||||
2004: 4-Runner with 5 speed | |||||||||
2006-2011: RAV4 | |||||||||
2007-2012: Camry, Sienna, FJ Cruiser | |||||||||
All years: Yaris, Venza | |||||||||
2008-2012: Solara- 4-cyl., Highlander, Tacoma 5-spd | |||||||||
2009-2012: Corolla, Matrix | |||||||||
Volkswagen | 1996: all diesel models | AE | Esso LT 71141 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | |||||
1995-1996: All Gasoline models | |||||||||
1997-2009: All models except those noted below | |||||||||
1997-2006: All diesel models (except 2006 Jetta) | SLF | VW TL52162 (Note: this fluid is yellow) | MaxLife ATF (Note: this fluid is red), Import MV ATF | ||||||
2000-2012: 5-speed 09A trans | SLF | Part number G-052-990-A2 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2000-2012: gasoline: 02E | SLF | Part number G-052-182 | Available from dealer | ||||||
1997-2009: gasoline: 09D 6-speed, 09M | SLF | Part number G-052-025 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2004-2006: Phaeton with 09L | SLF | Part number G-055-005 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2006: Diesel Jetta with 02E, Beetle with 02E | SLF | P/N G-052-182-A2 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2009-2012: Diesel Golf, Jetta with 02E | |||||||||
2011-2012: Gasoline Jetta with 09G Gen 2 trans, Touareg with 8-speed | SLF | P/N G-055-540-A2 | Available from dealer | ||||||
2009-2012: Routan | AP4 | P/N GUS-000-162 | Valvoline ATF+4 | ||||||
2000-2012: Beetle, CC, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Rabbit with 09G Gen 1 trans, CC, Passat, Tiguan with 09M trans, | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2004-2010: Diesel Touareg | |||||||||
Volvo | All years: All models with 3 and 4-speed Transmissions (AW30, AW-34, AW40, AW43, AW42AWD, AW50-42) | AF3 MA | DEXRON III / MERCON | MaxLife ATF, MERCON V, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF |
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1995-1997: 940 with AW70, AW71 Transmissions | AF3 | DEXRON III / MERCON | MaxLife ATF, DEX / MERC, Import MV ATF | ||||||
1999-2005: S80, XC90 with 4T65 series Transmissions | |||||||||
2011-2012: S60, S-80. XC-60, XC-70 | SLF | P/N 31 256 774 or 31 256 775 | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
All years: All models with 5-speed Transmissions (AW50-51SN, AW55-50 series, AW55-51 series) | TIV | Toyota Type T-IV | MaxLife ATF, Import MV ATF | ||||||
2006-2010: All models with 6-speed Transmission TF-80SC |
Valvoline MaxLife Transmission Fluids Range
We love performance. We love witnessing the Olympic athlete reach his peak level. And of course, we love car performance, especially if we have a personal share in the big roar that comes from under the hood. And tires virtually sticking to the road. It all proves you did things right. Because obviously athletes don’t live off of a quarter pounder diet, and cars don’t fix themselves.
Performance relies on making the right choices. All the right choices, by both athletes and car professionals. Care for the engine, care for the tires. Naturally. But also special attention for the powertrain in between. Why? It’s not just because it connects the mighty roar of the engine to the amazing traction of the tires. There’s more. It’s because a gearbox is the second most valuable part of today’s passenger cars. With replacement costs that easily amount to one-fifth of a car’s showroom price, and yet only 35% of the transmission fluid refills are done with the right product. That means that at least two out of three drivetrains have to settle for lubricants that just might work. Fingers crossed. Today’s cars have become high tech machines, and every single part is designed to perform better than before. Treat it right, and a driveline rewards you with maximum power on the road, driver comfort, and a considerable contribution to smooth gear shifting.
Matching Every Car Type
Neglected at the penalty of premature wear, oil loss, decreased drivability and ultimately total breakdown. A real nightmare to car owners. So what’s holding you back? Is it the annual 1,000 cars you service? And the inefficiency of stocking all of the 30 to 40 different transmission fluids car manufacturers prescribe? The mere hassle of it, Valvoline understands. So we have made it easy for you. Our transmission fluids have been completely redesigned. We have simplified it and now the MaxLife transmission range consists of only three oils. Each of which is a perfect match for dozens of car types. Together, they cover more than 80% of the passenger cars you can expect to see in your workshop. One for automatic transmissions, and two for manual transmissions, so three types of Valvoline MaxLife transmission fluids. We hope this list has made it easy for you.
Best Kayak Roof Racks Comparison and Buyer’s Guide
Despite being a niche accessory, any kayak owner needs to invest the time in choosing the best roof rack for their car. While conventional methods of securing your kayak can work in a pinch, the safest and easiest way to transport it is undoubtedly with a secure rack.
Best Kayak Roof Racks in 2019
As expected, roof racks come in all shapes and sizes. They can vary in design, installation difficulty, and the way in which they secure the kayak to your car. As a result, the right kayak is different from person to person, and depends greatly on personal preference and type of vehicle. Some of their characteristics are outlined briefly in the table below.
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Setting Up the Best Car Stereo Equalizer Settings: Bass and Music
One of the hidden gems of many car stereos is the equalizer (EQ). You might notice your music sounding a tad different when it’s blaring through your car speakers as opposed to through your headphones or speakers at home. Usually, it means your EQ settings aren’t completely optimized and need to be fine-tuned.
This feature is rarely used, but it can be the difference on the path to full, rich sound.
Car stereos are more versatile than people might think—they simply need to be set up properly first. Here’s an example of a typical situation where tweaking your EQ is a good idea: imagine that you’re listening to a song that is rich in bass, but that particular aspect seems slightly muted when you’re in the car. Tweaking your EQ allows you to modify the volume of a particular frequency range—typically the lowest range for bass—so all the instruments are loud and clear.
Before we can talk about how exactly you can tweak your stereo settings to bring the best out in your music, it’s helpful to first familiarize yourself with what EQ is and how it works. It might sound complicated at first, but the concept is fairly intuitive and will help you feel like a DJ when you’re on the road.
Equalization—A Short Overview
You might have seen EQ in your settings before, be it on your phone or your stereo display. Truth be told, it’s a pretty useless tool if you’re not already familiar with it. To put it simply, EQ breaks up sound into several frequency ranges, starting with the bass as the lowest and percussion as the highest, with a myriad of other sounds in between. Particularly, the sounds our ears are more sensitive to (violin, for example) lie in the mid-high frequency ranges. EQ allows you to modify the volume of these specific ranges to suit your preferences.
The concept of EQ was utilized well before the first equalizer was properly introduced in 1971.
In the 1920s, during the rise of radio broadcasting, audio electronic equipment was used heavily in recording. Soon enough, they began to be equipped with frequency filters, which included basic bass and treble controls. They worked over broader frequency ranges than we are used to today, but soon enough systems with variable frequency ranges were introduced and implemented.
The first equalizer to use slide controls—the type that you can find in your stereo—wasn’t developed until decades later. Without getting too specific, equalization technology grew and was added to constantly, with variance in design and functionality being a running theme.
Of course, speakers can have a varying range of settings that dictate the sound that comes out. Music played through your car’s speakers could sound differently to your headphones, for example. That’s why it’s important to notice just how they are different before you start tweaking to design the sound you want to hear.
In addition, car stereos have varying degrees of equalization capability. On the more basic end, your stereo might have three broad ranges that you can tweak. This might seem crippling in terms of tweakability, but you usually have the three basic components: bass, tenor, and everything in between (various instruments). Now that we’ve covered EQ in more detail, let’s get to tuning it for your stereo.
Setting up an Equalizer In Your Car
To properly utilize your equalizer feature, you’re going to have to set it up first. This can be done in a couple of ways (both of which will be described in detail), but they work under the same principle. Essentially, as we briefly explained previously, EQ works by separating different sound frequency ranges into tweakable components. What an EQ does then, as the name suggests, is allow you to equalize these frequencies (or play around with them to your liking). What this entails for your EQ setup is a little work balancing the different frequency bands (based on your stereo, they can range from 3 to over 10).
Essentially, a finely-tuned stereo EQ can be the difference between average sound and exactly the type of sound you’re looking for. If you tune it precisely, it should sound a little more like the music is being played in front of you, with every frequency—class of instrument, essentially—standing out in its own right. Thus, a well-tuned EQ can be exactly what you need to synergize the different sounds in your favorite music. For example, if you prefer the hard grind of bass to punch through in your songs, tuning up the lower frequencies would give you that effect.
Now that we’ve delved into what an EQ system is and how it affects music and sound in general, it’s time to take a closer look into setting it up. First of all—this goes without saying—don’t try to tune your stereo’s EQ settings while driving. It could be a lengthy and intricate process, so make sure your car is parked when you begin the setup process.
Next, turn on your stereo and check to see if it supports equalizing. It should appear as an “EQ” button somewhere on your stereo display or, in rare cases, it could come in the form of a few knobs for the different frequency ranges. If equalization exists in your stereo, that’s good news; we can finally move on to setting it up.
Initial Tuning
One path you can take to tuning your stereo is by first measuring the sound in your car in detail. You can do this by downloading a real-time analyzer (RTA) app on your phone and getting a pink noise generator (which many RTA apps come with). At its core, pink noise is background sound with equal output across a range of frequencies. Connect your phone to the stereo and play pink noise to analyze the sound levels of the different frequencies through the RTA app.
At most, you want to have a couple of dB difference between each frequency range. If there are more obvious disparities, tweak it within the equalizer in your car, analyzing again between each small change in the EQ. Ideally, your car’s EQ settings are satisfactory from the get-go, which would make tuning it to your tastes easier. If they’re not, it’s an easy fix with a little tinkering. If you have only 3 frequency bands in your stereo, it might be a bit more difficult to figure out how to tune the larger ranges, but not to worry; with a little creativity, you can bring your sound closer to what you want. The tricky part is smoothing out the wider bands to get a better output overall.
Tuning Fresh Speakers
If you recently installed your own audio system and want to get the most out of it, you can start by making sure your speakers are all in phase. Basically, they should be outputting sound at the exact same time, meaning the cones should be moving in and out simultaneously. When they are unsynced, it can lead to your music sounding a little disoriented and weakened in the lower frequencies, so it’s the best place to start tuning.
Pro Tip: A neat trick to see if your speakers are in phase is to play a bass-heavy song and turn the volume balance all the way to one side (left or right). Then, return it to the center; if you hear significantly more bass when centered, that means your speakers are in phase and working smoothly. However, if you don’t notice much of a difference, try reversing the negative and positive wires in one of the speakers. Leave it if it’s louder; if it’s the same, play around with the speakers, reversing the wires and testing the response each time.
Once your speakers are in phase and working as they should be, you can move on to tuning your EQ. A common method is to start with the EQ set flat, i.e. all values are 0. Turn on a song you’re very familiar with and crank up the volume slowly until you reach a moderate sound level. Then, you can tinker with the different EQ bands; for more bass, slowly crank up the lowest frequencies until you hit the sweet spot.
As a rule of thumb, the highest frequencies are percussion and sometimes certain high-pitched instruments or vocals. The lowest ones are, as mentioned, bass and deeper instruments like the harp. In between, it really depends on the depth of your equalizer and how many bands it has.
There is no “correct” settings, as music preference is a very subjective thing.
However, music generally should sound like every sound is being played right in front of you if you close your eyes. If you’re hearing certain instruments (like bass) behind you, you can try a few things.
To tune the localization of the sound, you could try lowering the sub-amp’s crossover point. If your stereo doesn’t support such a function, rearranging the speaker locations could do the trick too. If neither of these is an option, then tinkering further with your EQ settings could be the answer. As said before, there is no “right” way to tune your system, so if you like a certain setting, don’t be afraid to keep it.
More Detailed EQ Tuning
First off, you’ll want to tune the fade control. Most stereos with EQ functionality also have fade control as an option, so if yours also does, tune it until you only have sound from the front-most speakers. Then, adjust the left-right balance until you’re satisfied with the sound. Note down these settings, then do the opposite; tune the fade until only the back speakers can be heard, and adjust the balance. Make a note of these settings too—if they have the same balance setting, that’s great. If not, you’ll have to find a sweet spot between the two of them to get the most complete sound from your speakers. Generally, you want the sound to seem like it’s coming from the front while still boasting some depth. Alternatively, if your system allows for tone control of the front and rear speakers, you could lower the treble (higher frequency) in the rear heads for this effect.
Now play a song you like and really listen to it—is every sound present and clear? If it feels like anything is missing, try the different EQ presets (if your stereo has any) to see if they are closer to what you’re looking for.
Final Touches
You can make some other adjustments to your system itself to bring out the richness in your music. If you have tweeters set up, play around with their placement to get the best sound and direction. Start with the tweeters facing directly towards your ears and adjust the positioning as you see fit. Remember, you want the higher frequencies in the tweeters to stand out but not annoyingly so.
If your music sounds a bit dull, bringing your tweeters closer to the front can help the sound punch through. In fact, many receivers have features that help enrich the sound and make it sound more centered. Generally speaking, if your speakers are mounted on the bottom of your doors, a set of tweeters is a good tool to create a soundstage in the front of the car.
Adjusting the rear speakers can also be an option you want to look into. Generally, you don’t want to be aware of your rear speakers; they are there to support the overall sound. Tinker with the rear fill settings to get the sweet spot: you don’t notice the rear sound but it noticeably improves the music.
If you notice a distinct “rattling” noise when you’re blasting your songs or are on a bumpy road, it might be a good idea to invest in a noise dampener. Certain materials can be easily mounted and can eliminate a lot of unwanted noise from your speakers.
If your mid-range frequencies (vocals, certain instruments) sound a bit “buried,” raise the corresponding frequencies in your equalizer to see if it makes a difference. In addition, if your rear speakers are independently adjustable, lower the volume of their mid-high range frequencies to center the mid-range sounds in the front. If you want the absolute best sound and aren’t satisfied after extensive tinkering, replacing your rear full-range speakers with high-quality mid-range ones can soften the sound and add an air of richness to your music.
In a similar vein, installing a subunit will soften and enrich the bass sounds in your car.
If you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, getting a subwoofer can be the difference-maker.
If you already have a subwoofer, move your music all the way to the front with the fader, and adjust it back to get the perfect level of bass.
Finally, if your speakers are very small, you can install bass blockers to filter the lower frequencies out and get a clearer sound. However, the best idea, in this case, is to get better speakers to get the most out of the sounds; you don’t want to sacrifice too much bass for a clear sound.
Conclusion
Equalization is a very powerful and useful tool when it comes to adjusting your stereo sound to your preferences. It helps eliminate any inequality in your sound and bring every instrument in front of you. If you haven’t fine-tuned the audio in your car in the past, you might be surprised with the results.
A proper speaker and EQ setup is a game-changer for music; it allows you to not only tune your sound so that everything is clear and smooth but also adjust it to your desires. For anyone that feels like they could improve their music output on the road, tinkering with the stereo is a great start—and it’s fun and simple, to boot.
There is a great deal of customizability when it comes to car stereo systems, from the instruments you want to hear to the speaker output itself. There are a variety of attachments and heads you can look into as well; EQ setup is only the beginning. However, it is very important to look into it to make sure your existing speakers are playing at their full potential in your vehicle.
Mobil 1 Oil Filters – Detailed Comparison Review
Mobil 1 is perhaps one of the most recognizable brands when it comes to automotive oil products. In fact, it is the recommended brand of many different car manufacturers, due to their attention to detail and a large spectrum of products. In this short article, we’ll be taking a look at why Mobil 1 is one of the big players on the market, as well as a few oil filters they offer.
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