Honda ATF DW-1 Equivalents: Best Alternatives and Substitutes

Honda’s genuine transmission fluids use premium ingredients designed to deliver ideal friction properties for efficient shifting, economical power transfer, and a smooth ride with exceptional performance. 

Honda utilizes a transmission design that differs significantly from most GM and Ford automatics. This design, sometimes called the “Hondamatic,” requires a fluid containing substantial anti-slipping and anti-foaming packages. Honda transmissions are engineered to operate on very specific pressure and fluid consistency requirements, which makes the choice of transmission fluid very important.

Honda ATF DW-1 is the genuine automatic transmission fluid that replaced the older ATF-Z1 specification. DW-1 was developed to improve low temperature performance by maintaining a lower viscosity in cold conditions.

Honda ATF-DW1, designated by part number 08268-999-01PRO, is the factory fill for all 2011 and newer Honda automatic transmission vehicles. DW-1 is backwards compatible with older models previously requiring ATF-Z1, which means you can safely use DW-1 in place of the older specification.

The list of vehicles requiring DW-1 is extensive and includes most modern Honda and Acura models. The Accord, both sedan and Tourer variants with 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.2L diesel engines paired with 5-speed automatics from 2014 and 2015, all use DW-1. The Civic and Civic Tourer models with 1.8L engines and 5-speed automatics from 2014 through 2017 require this fluid as well.

Read more: Honda Gn4 Oil Equivalent

Honda ATF DW-1 Equivalent

Note that: Before diving into the alternatives for your ATF DW-1 fluid used in Honda vehicles, please note that if your Honda is still under warranty, you should only use OEM fluid. Otherwise, your dealer might void it.  

Several reputable aftermarket brands offer transmission fluids that claim to meet or exceed Honda’s DW-1 specifications. These alternatives provide cost-effective options for owners looking to save money.

Honda DW-1

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Idenmitsu Type H Plus

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Valvoline Maxlife

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LubeGard Platinum

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Idemitsu ATF Type-H Plus

Idemitsu ATF Type-H Plus

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Idemitsu is the OEM supplier for Honda DW-1. This brand claims to offer a product that you may class as Honda’s DW-1 but in a different bottle and with a different label. 

Idemitsu ATF Type-H Plus is an automatic transmission fluid specifically engineered to meet the requirements of Honda automatic transmissions that use DW-1 and Z-1 specifications. This fluid is globally authorized by Honda as a supplier for DW-1 transmission fluid, which distinguishes it from other aftermarket alternatives that simply claim compatibility.

Idemitsu Type-H Plus is designed for enhanced fuel economy, superior low-temperature flow, and smooth shifting with excellent anti-shudder performance.

Idemitsu Type H Plus Vs. Honda DW-1

In the comparison of the above with the pluses of Honda’s ATF DW-1, you will find that both reduce your gas bill and protect the fluid against the evil oxidation process. Also, your parts are blessed with extended life. 

So, what are the negatives of using Idemitsu’s ATF Type-H Plus? The lifespan of the Idemitsu ATF is a little bit shorter than that of the ATF DW-1. The price difference it brings might not make up for the same, in most cases. 

There is a question of whether the quality is the same as Honda’s OEM. Some people state that Honda’s DW-1 contains substances that can’t be easily replicated in other brands (it’s a bit like the Colonel’s secret recipe at KFC). I don’t think this is a big problem. However, Idemitsu can not make this product 100% the same as Honda while the price is much lower.

Valvoline Maxlife Multi-vehicle ATF

Valvoline Maxlife Multi-vehicle ATF

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Valvoline’s product information sheet shows that Maxlife is compatible with Honda’s DW-1.

Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is a full synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed to be compatible with a wide range of automatic transmissions, including Honda’s DW-1 fluid. It is formulated with advanced additives to prevent major causes of transmission breakdown such as leaks and wear.

The fluid is designed for use in up to 95% of ATF vehicle applications in the US, including Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, and many luxury brands. This broad compatibility makes it particularly attractive for households with multiple vehicles from different manufacturers as it eliminates the need to stock multiple transmission fluid types. 

Valvoline MaxLife offers improved thermal stability and viscosity stability. Plain speak: it performs well whether it’s very hot or very cold. 

Some Honda owners say Valvoline MaxLife offers a crisper shift, which can translate to less transmission wear.

Here are some pros and cons of the product:

Vavoline MaxLife Vs. Honda DW-1

Again comparing these with the advantages of Honda’s and Idemitsu’s offerings, I can see a similarity through enhanced smooth-shifting, great flow when temperatures get cooler, and protection against wear and tear. 

So, should you rush out and grab a bottle of Valvoline MaxLife?

Well, here is something that you should concern about when using it as Honda DW-1 substitute. Most multi-vehicle ATFs can’t meet specific OEM requirements as they are manufactured to perform on a range of vehicles with different OEM needs.

There have been a couple of labs that compared the products and found that MaxLife lacked some key ingredients that were found in DW-1. This makes the product come with several risks, like the loss of warranty coverage and uncertainty of compatibility, which sometimes may or may not be worth taking.

LubeGard Red & Platinum

LubeGard Red

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LubeGard Platinum

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LubeGard’s OEM comparison chart shows that both Red and Platinum products are a viable replacement for Honda’s DW-1. The Red is more affordable than the Platinum.

LubeGard Red and Platinum Plus are excellent at eliminating torque converter shudder and clutch chatter, which is a common concern in many automatic transmissions. 

One unique feature of LubeGard ATFs is their environmentally conscious formulation. LubeGard avoids additives sourced from sperm whales, instead using a proprietary substitute that delivers comparable performance.

However, some Honda Accord owners have reported issues with harsh shifting and leaks developing at the O-rings, which can be a drawback for those specific models. We can probably surmise that some Honda transmissions may be sensitive to LubeGard’s friction modifier formulation or seal conditioning. 

What pluses does using Lubeguard’s products have? Well, it’s pretty much the same as the others I have listed. You will get:

• Better anti-shudder performance.
• Less noise from the transmission
• The fluid is protected against oxidation. 
• Your transmission’s components suffer less wear and tear.

Is ATF-DW 1 The Same As ATF-Z1

ATF-DW1 is a replacement fluid developed by Honda to supersede the older specification of ATF-Z. They are compatible and can be mixed but they have different performance characteristics.

Beginning with 2011 models, ATF-DW1 became the factory fill for all Honda vehicles. It is designed to be backward compatible with transmissions that originally required Z-1. Automatic transmissions currently filled with ATF-Z1 can be filled or topped off with ATF-DW1, and mixing the two fluids will not negatively affect performance or cause damage.

Z-1 was considered a Dino Oil, meaning a mineral-based fluid without synthetic components. In contrast, DW-1 is a synthetic fluid, or at least a synthetic blend in the US market. You can top off Z-1 with DW-1, no problem, but it’s best to flush Z-1 first so you can experience the full performance advantage of the newer DW-1.

Let’s now look into the Honda ATF DW-1 and what makes the fluid pricey.

What Makes Honda ATF DW-1 Pricey?

Honda ATF DW-1

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Many people think that this OEM product is quite pricey. Let’s go through some features and benefits of this DW-1 OEM fluid to see if it is really worth that rate. 

• Formulated specifically for newer Honda vehicle models
• Helps maintain optimum shift quality over time. 
• Protects transmission seals and related components from excessive wear.
• Lowers the oxidation rate for long-term stability.
• Improves fuel economy by low viscosity
• Performs consistently in extremely high or low temperatures.

The perception that Honda ATF DW-1 is pricey arises from the premium associated with official Original Equipment Manufacturer products, rather than extremely high initial cost per quart. 

Several factors contribute to why owners consider DW-1 expensive, even though the per-quart price may not seem dramatically different from premium aftermarket fluids. Broader application fluids like Valvoline MaxLife ATF are generally considered more economical as they sometimes cost half the price of DW-1.

Still, many owners and mechanics choose to pay the extra cost for DW-1 as an assurance, especially given Honda’s transmission can be sensitive (in contrast to its engines which can be used to beef up a battle bunker). 

The cost of DW-1 becomes easier to justify when compared to the thousands of dollars required to rebuild or replace a failed transmission. The zinc content of DW-1, around 300 to 400 PPM of zinc, also adds to the price tag.

Read more: Best Oil For Honda CRV

Closing Thoughts on Honda ATF DW-1

DW-1’s specialized chemistry delivers the characteristic “silky smooth” shift feel desired by Honda. Honda transmissions are engineered to operate on very specific pressure and fluid consistency requirements. Having insider insight, Honda is able to create a transmission fluid specifically for their transmission design.

All the DW-1 equivalents mentioned above will work fine for your Honda. But the Idemitsu ATF type-H Plus would be my best pick (check out its pros). Moreover, the fact that Idemitsu is a certified OEM Honda ATF supplier makes it a trustworthy choice.

Related Reads

1. Toyota WS Transmission Fluid Alternative Discover how Toyota WS Transmission Fluid compares to Honda ATF DW-1 for optimal transmission performance – Learn more.
2. Mopar ATF+4 Equivalent Explore the compatibility of Mopar ATF+4 as a substitute for Honda ATF DW-1, ensuring smooth and efficient transmission operation – Read more.
3. Nissan Matic Equivalent [S, D, J, K] Understand how Nissan Matic fluids (S, D, J, K) serve as reliable alternatives to Honda ATF DW-1 for various transmission needs – Find out more.
4. Mercon Lv Equivalent: Licensed Options Compare Mercon LV fluid with Honda ATF DW-1 to find the best equivalent for your vehicle’s transmission – Explore here.
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