Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Title:** Can Changing Transmission Fluid Cause Damage?
**Summary:**
* Changing transmission fluid is necessary for long-term vehicle health, despite some claims that it's not needed or can cause damage.
* Automatic transmissions rely on fluid dynamics, requiring thin, clean fluid to function properly.
* **Historical Context:** Fluid quality and transmission design have improved over time, but regular maintenance is still crucial.
* **Key Points:**
+ Regularly changing transmission fluid (every 40,000-60,000 miles) can prevent damage and ensure smooth shifting.
+ If the transmission is severely degraded (e.g., 150,000+ miles with dirty fluid), changing the fluid might cause more harm than good.
+ A product like Lucas Transmission Slip Stop can be a temporary solution for high-mileage transmissions, but it's not a substitute for regular maintenance.
+ **Warning:** Avoid transmission flushes, as they can push dirt into small crevices, causing more damage.
+ Even "lifetime" fluids should be changed every 50,000-60,000 miles to prevent breakdowns.
**Takeaway:** Regular transmission fluid changes are essential for maintaining a healthy, long-lasting vehicle.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, excluding opinions, with each fact numbered and in brief sentences:
1. **General Motors created the first commercially viable automatic transmission** using hydraulic fluid.
2. **Automatic transmissions use a torque converter** with fluid inside, connected to the engine's flywheel.
3. **The connection between the torque converter and transmission is fluid-based**, not physically connected.
4. **Early automatic transmissions used various fluids**, including whale oil.
5. **Regular transmission fluid changes were recommended every 20-30,000 miles** in the past.
6. **Modern transmission fluids have a higher quality**, with some using fully synthetic fluid.
7. **Despite "lifetime" claims, modern transmissions still require fluid changes** for longevity.
8. **Recommended change interval for "lifetime" fluids is every 50-60,000 miles** (according to the author's transmission specialist).
9. **Neglecting transmission maintenance can lead to costly repairs** (e.g., $4,000-$6,000 for a rebuild).
10. **Changing fluid in very dirty transmissions can sometimes cause more harm** (e.g., slipping or failure).
11. **The Lucas Transmission Slip Stop is a product that can help with high-mileage, dirty transmissions** by adding a friction-reducing component.
12. **Automatic transmissions hold a significant amount of fluid** (e.g., 14-15 quarts in some models).
13. **Draining and replacing a small portion of fluid (e.g., 24 oz) is less disruptive** than a full fluid change in dirty transmissions.
14. **Transmission flush machines can potentially cause more damage than good** if not used carefully.
15. **Proper maintenance (e.g., changing fluid and filter) is key to extending transmission life**.