Valvoline
Valvoline
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Valvoline
I started using max-life about four changes ago. I change out the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. Seems to stay cleaner longer than the Quaker State that I had been using. Have a 109,000 miles on my "94 Bronco. I thought it would slow down the leak I have on the rear main seal, but that hasn't happened. That is my only leak so far, so that will have to get worse before I do anything about it. Not sure if it is any better than regular Valvoline, but thought it worth a try with the mileage on my Bronco. The Max-Life shelf at the local Wal-Mart is almost always empty, so I am assuming it is being used by a lot of people. I plan on continuing to use it. I don't think it is a cure-all, but it sure can't hurt. Just my opinion.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Valvoline
am a loyal vavaline user now for 20 years.....stlill use all climate
5w-30 in the wifes 2000 explorer.` can honestly say that i have
never had an oil related failure with it. use fleet 15w40 at work
with same results. currently use motorcraft 5w20 premium in
2001 F-150 4.6 due to the advice found here........Dave
5w-30 in the wifes 2000 explorer.` can honestly say that i have
never had an oil related failure with it. use fleet 15w40 at work
with same results. currently use motorcraft 5w20 premium in
2001 F-150 4.6 due to the advice found here........Dave
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Valvoline
Absolutely no advantage whatsoever. With that many miles and I am assuming no major engine work, stay with the Castrol GTX. I switched over to the Max -Life because of a minor rear main seal leak, believing that it may slow it down. I was wrong, in fact, it may be leaking a little more due to the cleaning agents in Max-Life. Still not bad enough to spring for a new seal. Had been using Quaker State, but think the Valvoline is a little better choice.
Simply, best advice is to choose a good brand, (you have done that) and change the filter and oil frequently (3000 miles--dino). Not beating the engine to death also helps.
Simply, best advice is to choose a good brand, (you have done that) and change the filter and oil frequently (3000 miles--dino). Not beating the engine to death also helps.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Valvoline
I was just wondering since it says it conditions the seals and they also have coolant and ATF.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Valvoline
It does state that it conditions the seals. That was the reason that I switched from QS to Max-life, hoping that it would slow down the rear main seal leak. Perhaps I was hoping for an easy fix. As stated in my previous post, if anything, the leak has increased. Perhaps the cleansing agent removed some of the crud around the leak opening, enlarging the leak area. Not sure on that ???? Regardless, I will continue using Max-Life. Do not have any experience with their coolant or ATF. From your original post, it sounded like you were having good luck with the Castrol GTX.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Valvoline
I am a dedicated Valvoline man. I use every product that my local stores carry. I have Never had a bad experience with any off them.
I just put in 6 fresh qts. of Valvoline 10w30 Maxlife today.
I use the Maxlife Anti-Freeze too!
Last edited by okla_stampede; May 26, 2003 at 10:36 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 8
From: Missouri
Valvoline
Max Life does work. I worked at a lube rack part time for a couple years and we primarily sold valvoline. I was able to monitor usage on regular customers. The maxlife slowed the leaks down and slowed oil consumption. From experience I can tell you that it does work. It has slowed oil consumption in my 1992 crown vic by quite a bit. I'm sure the other brands of this kind of oil work too. Can't say for sure though.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
Valvoline
The Max-Life shelf at the local Wal-Mart is almost always empty, so I am assuming it is being used by a lot of people.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
From: Miami
Valvoline
Castrol also has a high milage oil out now. Maybe I'll try it next oil change. I have a really slow leak on my rear seal but I don't expect this oil to stop it, I just like the idea of it keeping my seals conditioned!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Valvoline
I've been using Valvoline Dura-Blend 5w-30 in my 96 Explorer since day one. When MaxLife came out I though of switching, but wasn't sure about going from a blended oil back to a dino.
I called Valvoline's tech line and was told if I've been using Dura-Blend then stick with it, it's a better oil than the MaxLife.
I called Valvoline's tech line and was told if I've been using Dura-Blend then stick with it, it's a better oil than the MaxLife.