[aggrex]

From the 3 containers purchased from Walmart a few years ago they did have a distinctive smell. IIRC a somewhat sweet liquorish scent. Perhaps contacting Valvoline for any updated product information would solve the mystery.

 

[cintocrunch]

I would imagine that would be a hot topic on BITOG if the formulation changed...

 

[20Piloteer07]

Anyone else notice that Valvoline MaxLife ATF doesn’t have the trade mark strong smell it used to have? Sure hope it is as good as its always been.

Or maybe your sense of smell is less than it used to be? Covid did that to me.

 

[Nail Grease]

Or maybe your sense of smell is less than it used to be? Covid did that to me.

So far I’ve been able to avoid getting Covid.

 

[Alex24]

I’m new to Valvoline Maxlife ATF. And can’t comment about the smell from the past. However I did noticed that the smell is very different compared to Honda Z1 / DW1 fluid. Whatever that Maxlife ATF fluid has in it has been super beneficial on my 07 150k Pilot the tranny runs much better now. Back to your question maybe Valvoline upgraded the formula a while ago or your sense of smell is not the same anymore.

 

[andywatson]

I still use a light coat of it as a topping on my vanilla ice cream, and I haven't noticed any change in the flavor or smell.

 

[cintocrunch]

I still use a light coat of it as a topping on my vanilla ice cream, and I haven't noticed any change in the flavor or smell.

Does the label specify which brands of ice cream it is compatible with? Are we talking OEM only or can you go gas station aftermarket brand? With some friction modifier sprinkles on top?

 

[andywatson]

I tried a cheap store-brand ice cream and it just didn't last as long, so now I only use genuine Honda ice cream. Sure it costs 4 times more, but I like the peace of mind that I get from knowing I paid a premium price for it.

 

[plplplpl]

@Nail Grease If you excessively sniff your automotive fluids, you're bound to blow out your olfactory nerve endings over time and fry other cerebral functions.

Just say no to sniffing.

 

[xGS]

@Nail Grease If you excessively sniff your automotive fluids, you're bound to blow out your olfactory nerve endings over time and fry other cerebral functions.

Just say no to sniffing.

But, consider all the money he's saved by not having paid dealer rates to have those automotive fluids sniffed excessively by a service technician.

 

[Nail Grease]

@Nail Grease If you excessively sniff your automotive fluids, you're bound to blow out your olfactory nerve endings over time and fry other cerebral functions.

Just say no to sniffing.


View attachment 160661

Just using one of the 5 senses that God gave me to be able to say, "Hey, something's different."
¯\(ツ)/¯

 

[Ed's 2019 Pilot]

Anyone else notice that Valvoline MaxLife ATF doesn’t have the trade mark strong smell it used to have? Sure hope it is as good as its always been.

I used the Honda DW-1 fluid.

 

[Nail Grease]

I used the Honda DW-1 fluid.

Yes but I prefer my ATF to be full synthetic, not dinosaur oil.

 

[xGS]

Yes but I prefer my ATF to be full synthetic, not dinosaur oil.

From what ingredients is your preferred ATF made?

 

[Nail Grease]

I believe if you read my comment carefully you have your answer.

 

[xGS]

I believe if you read my comment carefully you have your answer.

Read the MSDS.

 

[Nail Grease]

Read the MSDS.

Dex Merc is not the same As a Valvoline MaxLife. Try again.

 

[xGS]

161524[/ATTACH]

 

[andywatson]

Bringing up this old thread because I just opened 2 brand new jugs of Maxlife ATF and noticed that they have absolutely no smell at all. I had a partial new jug from 2 years ago sitting on the shelf, so I opened it and it made my entire garage smell instantly. I wonder if there really has been a formula change in the past year or two?