Any opinions on Honda HFC-2 CVT fluid vs Castrol Asian CVT fluid? Obviously I could play it safe with the expensive Honda product, but is there really a difference, beside price?

$15/qt vs $6.00/qt. That's $60 vs $24.

 

No one really knows the answer to that question. For peace of mind I stayed with the Honda. When it comes to the CVT I won't risk third party.

 

Looking online, I found some answers. "Yes, it's okay to use Castrol CVT fluid." "No, you should use only the Honda fluid." I'm glad that's settled. 😉

I ordered the Honda fluid for both cars.

 

Recently, I replaced the CVT fluid with Valvoline CVT Trans Fluid $34.99 + tax from Auto Zone. This fluid is very smelly. I have not confronted with any issues.

 

Well, I ordered $60 worth of Honda fluid, rather than the Castrol for $23. I doubt I'll be safer with the Honda, and I'll use Castrol the next time.

It's the same with coolant. $18 for Zerex or $34 for Honda.

 

My guess is that the non-Honda fluids are *probably* fine. But, when the difference between definitely fine and probably fine could be very expensive, and considering you only replace the coolant or transmission fluid every couple years, I'm okay with paying a premium for the Honda fluids (DW-1 in my case).

 

Sad, but true.