I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF and do a drain and fill (about 4 quarts) once a year. You can get great deals on the Mobil 1 atf if you have a advance auto parts near you. Search for coupon codes and you can usually get $20 off a purchase of $50 and pick it up at the store.
Trans fluid
What transmission fluid do you guys use for your versa? I went to autozone to buy my Duralast gold brake pads and figured i would buy trans fluid since i'm already there and i already have 50000 miles but there were so many i didn't know which one to buy.
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Oddly enough, this is the third transmission fluid thread in just a few days, but all were asking something a little different. I posted replies in the other two threads so this is somewhat of a repeat.
My logic is, on a Versa four speed drain and fill, you use four quarts, Buying fluid off the shelf at a parts store might save you 2 - 4 bucks a quart over the manufacturer's fluid. So you save maybe $10 - $20. Consider the cost a transmission failure, it is probably somewhere around $2000 - $4000. The cost to risk ratio just doesn't make sense to me. Manufacturers select a fluid formulation based on the materials within the transmission and the performance specs of the fluid to work correctly. I don't have more knowledge than the Nissan Engineers that decided on the fluid formulation for that transmission. Others report (short term) success with other fluids, so my logic may be completely off base. I say short term, because our Versa's aren't that old, and using a wrong fluid may not show up as a problem until miles or years down the road. Even then, it would be difficult to establish cause and effect.
Like wn1998, I change the fluid once a year. Super easy. Nissan fluid costs a total of $30 for four quarts.
My logic is, on a Versa four speed drain and fill, you use four quarts, Buying fluid off the shelf at a parts store might save you 2 - 4 bucks a quart over the manufacturer's fluid. So you save maybe $10 - $20. Consider the cost a transmission failure, it is probably somewhere around $2000 - $4000. The cost to risk ratio just doesn't make sense to me. Manufacturers select a fluid formulation based on the materials within the transmission and the performance specs of the fluid to work correctly. I don't have more knowledge than the Nissan Engineers that decided on the fluid formulation for that transmission. Others report (short term) success with other fluids, so my logic may be completely off base. I say short term, because our Versa's aren't that old, and using a wrong fluid may not show up as a problem until miles or years down the road. Even then, it would be difficult to establish cause and effect.
Like wn1998, I change the fluid once a year. Super easy. Nissan fluid costs a total of $30 for four quarts.
We use redline products in all of our cars. It's expensive, but if it works in track driven cars, then it should be good! My husband drives our cars hard, too...
I use AMSOIL. Lasts long and engine runs real smooth. Check it out.
Sooner 4 x 4:
I completely agree on the factory fluid issue. I have a 2011 Versa with a 4 spd auto transmission. The manual says to use Matic S or Matic D. This doesn't make sense to me, Matic S is full synthetic and D is Mineral based, I think.
I do not want to mix fluids when I drain and fill, what did the car come from the factory with Matic S or Matic D? I called the dealer, and did not feel comfortable with there response. I think I was talking to a knuckle head that wanted to get off the phone, rather than spending time to get the correct info on the fluid
I completely agree on the factory fluid issue. I have a 2011 Versa with a 4 spd auto transmission. The manual says to use Matic S or Matic D. This doesn't make sense to me, Matic S is full synthetic and D is Mineral based, I think.
I do not want to mix fluids when I drain and fill, what did the car come from the factory with Matic S or Matic D? I called the dealer, and did not feel comfortable with there response. I think I was talking to a knuckle head that wanted to get off the phone, rather than spending time to get the correct info on the fluid
The only fluid I would ever use is Nissan fluid. Like others have stated, it is not worth risking your transmission to save a few bucks. The fluids you see at stores are universal garbage that is made to "work" in everything. At the shop I worked at we used Kendall universal for nearly everything and I shuddered everytime someone requested a tranny flush.
For my Honda I use only Honda ATF and I drain the tranny fluid, put the correct amount back in (2.5 qts), drive 100 miles and repeat. I do this every 30k miles.
For my Honda I use only Honda ATF and I drain the tranny fluid, put the correct amount back in (2.5 qts), drive 100 miles and repeat. I do this every 30k miles.
My 2007 Versa owner's manual only calls out for Matic D. I would be guessing, but I would seriously doubt Nissan has changed anything inside their old school 4 speed auto from 2007 to 2011. Someone correct me if I am wrong. From all appearances, Nissan tries real hard to hold down the cost of the Versa, and it shows.Sooner 4 x 4:
I completely agree on the factory fluid issue. I have a 2011 Versa with a 4 spd auto transmission. The manual says to use Matic S or Matic D. This doesn't make sense to me, Matic S is full synthetic and D is Mineral based, I think.
I do not want to mix fluids when I drain and fill, what did the car come from the factory with Matic S or Matic D? I called the dealer, and did not feel comfortable with there response. I think I was talking to a knuckle head that wanted to get off the phone, rather than spending time to get the correct info on the fluid
If the S and D are fully compatable, I would prefer the synthetic Matic S for the long term (10+ years). But I will stick to the D for my annual DIY drain and fills.
What is the price difference between the two fluids?
I have experienced the best prices and parts service at Bob Howard. (No, I don't work for them.) They will usually discount their stuff a little if you ask.
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