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I recently went FI. I love it. However I do worry about the longevity of the automatic transmission (currently at 26k miles on the car). Which brings me to my question....

Just how important is a fluid change? I keep hearing/seeing people say "get a quality synthetic fluid!" "Buy this brand or that brand!". Where's the proof though? I'm not going to buy an expensive fluid just because the internet "thinks" it's going to make my transmission handle power better. These recommendations remind of those who think if you aren't running say, fancy Amsoil oil, you are handing your car a death sentence.

What kind of fluid is the stock fluid? Is it not a synthetic?

I don't track my car, and am not doing back to back to back pulls and driving like a maniac on the street. I'm not overly concerned with heat buildup.

However, if running a different type of ATF, or changing it more often, will help my clutch packs in my auto last longer, then I am certainly open to that. I just want more evidence than Joe's buddy who has a friend that is a certified tech that says you have to do this or that, etc.

Thanks for any advice.