In article <AR%8b.8980$Aq2.7457@newsread1.news.atl.earthlink. net>,
"93 Fox" <no@way.com> wrote:

> > I suggest you read other forums and posts regarding at least Honda
> > fluids for ATF, power steering, and coolant (and Dual Pump fluid if
> > you have AWD). The Honda auto trans is not the same animal as other
> > auto trans, and the type Z fluid does provide smoother shifting. Many
> > who have tried generic power steering fluid have found that it attacks
> > the Honda seals and causes them to leak. Most coolants have silicates
> > and borates, which Honda coolant does not contain. These additives
> > can cause premature failure of the water pump.
> >
> > Do what you want, but if you do, you take your chances. For me, when
> > I look at the time and money spent on keeping a car well maintained,
> > the increase to use certain Honda fluids is minimal. Now I do use
> > other brands of oil and brake fluid, but be careful on substituting
> > the ones listed above.
>
> FYI, Honda does not make ANY petroleum based fluids... the big oil companies
> do (Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, etc.)... they are just badged as Honda (I would
> like to find out who makes Honda oil, etc.). It is funny to hear people
> praise Honda fluids and bash all others. I would NOT use generic fluids
> either, use any of the many Brand Name fluids that meet the required specs
> for your car. Similarly for things like antifreeze, just use one that meets
> the specs in the manual (phosphate free, etc).
>
>

Companies make parts for Honda using Honda's specs. This is obvious if
you compare a "Honda" air filter to a "Fram" air filter. Both are made
by the same company and have the same design but the Fram branded filter
is a quality control reject.

I always use Honda's transmission fuild. There are numerous additive
formulas for friction and thermal stability. The wrong one makes
shifting difficult. I could probably find a brand name that works well
too but I don't want to change the fluid 10 times in a row looking for
it.