For Transmissions: Valvoline Restore and Protect Transmission fluid

[fe7565]

I sent an email to The Motor Oil Geek (Lake Speed Jr.) last night asking why isn't there a "Restore and Protect"t for transmissions?

He came back with this: https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/r...d-protect-atf/

I sent him these concerns/questions below. What do you think?:

I put Valvoline R&P in my 2012 N26 BMW with 111,000 miles. The engine was fine before (no oil burn) and did not really need it, but after 6,000 miles and 3 oil/filter changes later it idles very smoothly vs some random small idle rpm variations previously.

I see an issue with using Valvoline R&P in excessively dirty engines or Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluids in transmissions where the Valvoline R&P-detergent may dislodge impurities which may clog up the oil filter (engine). Similarly, Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluids detergent-action may clog up the delicate oil passages (transmission).

Or Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluid is not really necessary in transmissions that are well maintained (either by the owner or by inherent smart-design)? The BMW automatic transmissions are a case in point that are also in many US domestic cars and the fluid supposed to be for "lifetime" (which is contrary to the ZF transmission-manufacturer's guide).

When my car still had low mileage, I would have loved to add some Valvoline R&P-like fluid specially made for transmissions to keep it cleaner longer than the factory fluid does. Or the factory transmission fluid has already the required detergent additives? Is there a case that can be made for using a detergent oil like Valvoline R&P made for engine oil vs one that would be made for transmission fluids?

[pbonsalb]

I think ZF Lifeguard 8 and Dexron VI are interchangeable and the Valvoline lists Dexron VI so this should be fine if you don’t want to use the ZF fluid.

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I think ZF Lifeguard 8 and Dexron VI are interchangeable and the Valvoline lists Dexron VI so this should be fine if you don’t want to use the ZF fluid.

That’s good a find. I haven’t even looked at the description or the details of this new Valvoline transmission fluid. Their “restore and protect oil” didn’t have BMW specifications. Although, I believe often the reason for such is that they didn’t bother to go through the certification process.

[Carl-Bimmer]

Originally Posted by fe7565

I sent an email to The Motor Oil Geek (Lake Speed Jr.) last night asking why isn't there a "Restore and Protect"t for transmissions?

He came back with this: https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/r...d-protect-atf/

I sent him these concerns/questions below. What do you think?:

I put Valvoline R&P in my 2012 N26 BMW with 111,000 miles. The engine was fine before (no oil burn) and did not really need it, but after 6,000 miles and 3 oil/filter changes later it idles very smoothly vs some random small idle rpm variations previously.

I see an issue with using Valvoline R&P in excessively dirty engines or Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluids in transmissions where the Valvoline R&P-detergent may dislodge impurities which may clog up the oil filter (engine). Similarly, Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluids detergent-action may clog up the delicate oil passages (transmission).

Or Valvoline R&P-like transmission fluid is not really necessary in transmissions that are well maintained (either by the owner or by inherent smart-design)? The BMW automatic transmissions are a case in point that are also in many US domestic cars and the fluid supposed to be for "lifetime" (which is contrary to the ZF transmission-manufacturer's guide).

When my car still had low mileage, I would have loved to add some Valvoline R&P-like fluid specially made for transmissions to keep it cleaner longer than the factory fluid does. Or the factory transmission fluid has already the required detergent additives? Is there a case that can be made for using a detergent oil like Valvoline R&P made for engine oil vs one that would be made for transmission fluids?

Transmissions already use very specific fluids with tightly controlled additives. Extra detergent action can do more harm than good, especially in older units, so there’s little upside versus higher risk.

[fe7565]

Originally Posted by Carl-Bimmer

Transmissions already use very specific fluids with tightly controlled additives. Extra detergent action can do more harm than good, especially in older units, so there’s little upside versus higher risk.

My concern would be a dirty transmission, where the Valvoline R&P ATF fluid would dislodge sludge and particles that would then circulate and get stuck in the tiny orifices.

Unless, it has a dissolving action that suspends those particles in the fluid which then can be drained.

[fe7565]

Here’s a thread concerning this product with some firsthand experiences… although it’s only been out a few weeks.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/th....401956/page-7

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by fe7565

My concern would be a dirty transmission, where the Valvoline R&P ATF fluid would dislodge sludge and particles that would then circulate and get stuck in the tiny orifices.

Unless, it has a dissolving action that suspends those particles in the fluid which then can be drained.

Hopefully junk ends up in the filter. I’d rather get it clean and keep it clean than leave it dirty because I am worried about the consequences of cleaning. That concern may apply better to a 150k plus mile transmission that has never had a fluid change. I have read that sometimes it is better to leave well enough alone. I have never neglected any car I have owned to that extent or bought a second with that many miles.

I think with periodic changes, you don’t need this new special fluid, but time will tell whether is is marketing hype or real.