Can this really be used in any vehicle?
Probably.
But the difference in price between this and OEM fluid was only a couple bucks ... not worth thinking about.
"One size fits all" generally means that it doesn't fit anything quite right.
Maybe, but why chance it? For a few bucks, nope. There are some instances where it's cheaper to get oem stuff from the dealer. One example with my Lexus, the oil filter kit, dealer price $5.41 vs. big box o'store $13.99 (same part number 04152YZZA1). It's the same with other maintenance items, at least for Toyota/Lexus items, not sure about other brands.
Yes/No. It cannot be used in all cars, it can be used in some. The wrong antifreeze can cause damage to engine and cooling system. You can also have a real nasty chemical reaction it system isn't fully cleaned out . Back in August a friend used this stuff in his E500 Mercedes. He flush system multiple times but still had chemical reaction. It turned into a jelly. Always used what the manufacturer says. Stay away from universal.
I guess I'll have to buy only OEM branded fluids, oils and parts. I've used Valvoline Multi-vehicle AT fluid in my Xterra that's suppose to be compatible with Nissan Matic-S fluid and SuperTech Mercon V fluid in my Mustang. Hopefully nothing gets messed up.
There's nothing wrong with the fluids provided by major providers. After all, the car manufacturers are not making their own, they buy it from another company and slap their own label on it. Just make sure that whatever you buy meets the specification for your vehicle.
With coolant it's a matter of selecting one based on the OEM chemistry, assuming the car has the original type coolant installed.
As far as transmission fluid goes, Mercon V is very similar to Dexron III, though there are some minor differences. (Way back before Mercon, Ford had their own formulation sold as "Type F" which was most definitely NOT interchangeable with Dexron.) Dexron III and Mercon V are so close in characteristics that they are usually sold as Dex/Merc for both types of applications. I've never had a problem using it in transmissions calling for Dexron II or III.
Yup. You need to read the label on the jug.
Check your manual. Usually it will say something like use Genuine Antifreeze for your car, or something comparable. Asian cars like their stuff. Even Honda and Toyota have different coolant. American cars like there stuff. And European cars like their stuff.
They usually also say, if in a pinch, use distilled water and/or generic all purpose coolant, but to change it out ASAP to the good stuff.
Check the owners manual for your specific car.
It seems that Valvoline and Prestone has coolant that claims to be compatible with any color coolant and for any vehicle. If they really aren't then how can they market them that way?
All kinds of products are marketed that don't really do what is claimed for them. (This is particularly rampant in the automotive and technology industries.) Also bear in mind the color of the coolant is virtually meaningless. It is just a dye, and although manufactures tend to associate the color with a particular type that is far from cast in stone. You need to either use coolant of the same chemistry that is already in the engine, or flush all the old stuff out and start fresh with what you intend to use.
"All kinds of products are marketed that don't really do what is claimed for them. (This is particularly rampant in the automotive and technology industries.)"
I guess I'll have to buy only OEM branded fluids, oils and parts. I've used Valvoline Multi-vehicle AT fluid in my Xterra that's suppose to be compatible with Nissan Matic-S fluid and SuperTech Mercon V fluid in my Mustang. Hopefully nothing gets messed up.
You should be fine with the Vavoline Maxlife ATF I use it all my stuff and they all shift fine no slippage at all.
Supposedly, the Valvoline multi-vehicle atf is suppose to OK for my 02 Mustang (according to Amazon) but the info on the bottle says it's compatible with Mercon LV but makes no mention of Mercon V. From what I've read, you can't mix Mercon LV with Mercon V. So, there's no way I'll use it in my Mustang unless I can make them pay for a new transmission but I'll use it in the Xterra since it specifically states that it's compatible with Nissan Matic-S.