Both are synthetic and high-performing transmission fluids manufactured by Valvoline to prevent transmission breakdown in engines. Both include friction modifiers to reduce sliding.
MaxLife is formulated with fully synthetic base oils.
It is a distinctive formula to ensure superior performance, fights against major causes of transmission failure, helps in prolonged transmission life, prevents leakages, optimizes transmission performance, and diminishes transmission wear.
It enhances vehicle drivability as compared to any conventional fluid.
They are exclusively designed to assist the multipurpose type of transmission vehicle.
Dexron is formulated with a fully synthetic base stock with a unique compound formula to satisfy the requirements of modern automatic transmissions GM (General Motors) vehicles.
It also progresses transmission constancy.
In addition, it uses advanced transmission technology to meet the multipurpose requirements of a great fluid automatic transmission.
It surpasses the modern performance requirements and meets the performance requirements of Allison C-4.
Contrary to Dexron, MaxLife flows easily and consumes less fuel due to lower kinematic viscosity, is a more economical choice, and has better endurance in cold conditions but it’s not cost-effective and consumes more fuel due to higher kinematic viscosity.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table
| Specifications | Valvoline MaxLife ATF | Valvoline Dexron VI |
| Oil type | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Formulated technology | Full synthetic formulation with advanced additives | Premium synthetic base stocks and advanced additive technology |
| Application | A broad range of ATF applications | New and old GM automatic transmissions |
| Compatibility | It is designed for Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and a lot of imported vehicles. | It is a compatible vehicle that comes with automatic transmission whether the vehicle is an older model. |
| Fluid type | Multi-Vehicle transmission fluid | Automatic transmission fluid |
| Certification | Not certified | North American automobile manufacturer. |
| Appearance | Red | Red |
| Cost of 1 Quart (0.95 L) | 10.15 $ | 10.21 $ |
Features of Valvoline MaxLife ATF:
- Synthetic fluid.
- Transmission seal conditions to help prevent outflows.
- Decreases lacquer build-up and wear.
- Higher anti-tremor performance.
- Smooth-shifting is improved and conserved longer than regular automatic transmission fluids.
- Reduce slippage due to durable friction modifier.
- High mileage helps maximize transmission life.
- Provides excellent flow characteristics at low temperatures and superior covering protection at higher temperatures.
- It has a high-performing seal conditioner to prevent oil escape from the old engine.
- Includes an anti-wear technology to provide improved transmission durability
Features of Valvoline Dexron VI;
- Delivers stable shift performance GM transmissions, both newer and older.
- Prolongs transmission fluid life span and averts fluid breakdown at high operational temperatures.
- Provides exceptional oxidative constancy under extreme conditions.
- Lessens mud and lacquer build-up.
- Shelters the transmission gears and ensures smooth functioning.
- Maintains lubricity.
- Advanced friction modifier helps to reduce friction in lubricated portions.
- Runs well for colder inception.
- Conscientiously tested for the field.
Endurance in Extreme Temperatures
Pour point or the temperature at which a lubricant stops flowing, is important in determining the flow characteristic of a lubricant at low temperatures.
Thus, it can be a deciding factor in selecting a lubricant from a group with similar properties.
The lowest temperature at which a liquid will vaporize in the atmosphere near its surface to burn when uncovered to an open flame is known as the flash point.
A Flashpoint is an overall indicator of the ignition of a liquid.
The flashpoint of Dexron is comparatively higher. It will last longer in high-temperature conditions as compared to its opponent.
The pour point of both the contenders is equivalent. Both will perform alike in cold conditions.
| Parameter | Valvoline MaxLife ATF | Valvoline Dexron VI |
| Pour point | -48°C | -48°C |
| Flash point | 202°C | 208°C |
Viscosity Comparison
Another important parameter to compare the fluid characteristics of a lubricant is viscosity. It is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
The viscosity is analyzed at two different temperatures of 40°C and 100°C.
It is observed from the results that the viscosity decreases with an increase in temperature.
The kinematic viscosity of MaxLife is lower at both temperatures as compared to its opponent, hence it is concluded that it will flow more easily than its competitor and will consume less fuel to circulate.
Another parameter to analyze is the viscosity index (VI) which is a unit less number to determine the measure of the constancy of lubricant’s viscosity with temperature deviation.
A higher value indicates less change in the viscosities of a lubricant upon temperature alteration.
As observed from the results, the VI values of both competitors are almost the same making them both a good choice in terms of environment adaptability.
| Parameter | Valvoline MaxLife ATF | Valvoline Dexron VI |
| Viscosity at 40 °C | 28.82°C | 29.5°C |
| Viscosity at 100 °C | 5.91°C | 6.0°C |
| Viscosity index | 156 | 155 |
Price Comparison
Better endurance in high and cold temperature conditions, certification by North American automobile manufacturers, compatibility with an older model of automatic transmission vehicles, and meeting the performance requirements of Allison C-4 make Dexron slightly more expensive than its competitor.
The prices of 1 Quart or 0.965 liters of MaxLife ATF and Dexron VI are 10.15 $ and 10.21 $ respectively.
Summary
Both contenders;
- are made with 100% synthetic base oils and advanced additives.
- are red in appearance.
- Provides similar protection to transmission in cold weather.
Valvoline MaxLife ATF;
- flows easily and consumes less fuel due to lower kinematic viscosity.
- has advanced anti-clutch wear formula to increase engine stability.
- is more economical than its opponent.
- is suitable for wide-ranging ATF applications.
Valvoline Dexron VI;
- is suitable for new and old GM automatic transmissions.
- has better endurance in extremely hot weather.
- certified by a North American automobile manufacturer.
- is slightly more expensive than its contender.
- surpasses the modern performance requirements and meets the performance requirements of Allison C-4.