Synthetics

[josephavincent]

I am a huge fan of Mobil-1 and am concidering moving all my fluids to synthetic. Has anyone uses sythetic:
Power Steering
Auto Transmission
VTM-4
Rear Diff Fluid (if different from VTM-4)
Brake Fluid

[AlH]

Honda Power Steering fluid is unique, don't think there is a synthetic substitute available.
Honda ATF is unique, don't think there is a synthetic substitute available.
VTM-4 fluid is unique and IS the rear diff fluid, don't think there is a synthetic substitute available.
Pretty much all brake fluid is synthetic, ie not refined but "synthesized".

If you must, go for the motor oil, Honda Genuine motor oil is made by Exxon/Mobil.

[Aggie Pilot]

I use AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30 for motor oil and AMSOIL ATF in the tranny. AMSOIL is the only synthetic ATF that I know of that is OK to use.

Honda Power Steering Fluid and VTM-4 are unique to Honda.

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Aggie Pilot
I use AMSOIL Series 2000 0W-30 for motor oil and AMSOIL ATF in the tranny. AMSOIL is the only synthetic ATF that I know of that is OK to use.

Honda Power Steering Fluid and VTM-4 are unique to Honda.

Honda upgraded their ATF a few years back, are you sure the AMSOIL is aproved for the new cars.

My understanding is the new trannies need the new fluid, the old tranies can use either.

[josephavincent]

I am reading a lot about 'honda z-1' atf, i don't know if thats the newer trannys.

[Aggie Pilot]

AMSOIL ATF was recently approved for applications using Honda Z-1 ATF.

Here's a link - AMSOIL ATF

[AlH]

It wasn't approved by Honda....that's whats important.

I'd be real careful using a non-manufacturer approved fluid. Honda recently offered a free extended warranty on some of their auto trans. My ex's 2000 Accord is one. People that switched to non-Honda approved ATF after the normal warranty expired are now screwed.

Another example- Almost all the trans fluid makers, including Amsoil say the DexronIII/Mercon/Mercon V is a combo product and can be used in Ford transmissions that require Mercon V or regular Mercon. They all say it is approved. But it isn't by Ford, just by them. Ford says to NEVER use dual rated fluid in their transmissions. This has caused extensive arguments between the refiners and Ford. Bottom line use a combo and your Ford warranty is out the window.

Wanna bet Honda would deny warranty if other than the Honda spec'd fluid was used?


The whole situation really sucks...there should be one ATF for all cars, but then life would be too simple

[Aggie Pilot]

As long as the fluid meets the manufacturers' specifications, it can be used and you can not be denied a warranty claim. If the manufacturers required you to use a specific fluid, they would have to provide it free of charge.

The Magnuson-Moss Act outlines consumer's rights for the use of aftermarket parts and their effect on new car warranties.

[AlH]

How true. But I can guarantee you Amsoil ATF meets neither Ford's or Honda's specifications. That's my point. It may, in fact, work fine but it doesn't meet their specifications.
You wouldn't by any chance be an Amsoil dealer would you?

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by AlH
How true. But I can guarantee you Amsoil ATF meets neither Ford's or Honda's specifications. That's my point. It may, in fact, work fine but it doesn't meet their specifications.

I have to agree.

The fact that they label it as meeting the specifications of several DIFFERENT fluids is what I think is the key.

ATF fluids are different types are different is function, not in quality.

Just because a synthetic is 'better' does not make it right for the transmission.

For that matter, ATF, Power Steering, VTM-4, and Dual-Pump fluid are all forms of specialty hydraulic fluid. I am sure the Honda fluids are all of about the same quality, but each of these fluids are unique in specifications.