I didn't realize that changing transmission fluid is so controversial. I'm asking y'alls opinions about this because there are "NO GOOD Mechanics" in my patch of woods. Back in the good old days of large v-8's and strong, well built transmissions, when you bought a used car you would change all the fluids. You would change the transmission fluid and filter at least three months in a row. You did this because you didn't know the history of the car and you could be assured that at least 75% of the fluid was fresh.
With these new aluminum block, plastic cars I'm being told you shouldn't change out the old transmission fluid. This seems nuts. I agree it would be foolish to flush this fluid under pressure. But just more frequent changes? What damage can be done?

 

I have owned a LOT of GM FWD v6 cars. I do a pan drop, fluid filter change every 100k miles. I throw out the pan gasket that comes with the filter and buy a metal core one (that is OEM quality, as they LAST). Heck, a couple of my cars had 120k on them and I pan-dropped and changed the fluid. I have yet to have any issues.
I have heard that having a transmission fluid flush is not a good idea. Never had one done.

Keep in mind, the pan drop changes most of the fluid, but does not empty the torque converter. But again, I have had no issues. Admittedly, my current daily driver, a 2004 Grand Am, is over due for a fluid/filter change.... I am honestly not sure how worthwhile it is given it is 220k+ miles and all the body rot.

 

Changing the Fluids is a good idea.
I went to my guy I use for servicing my Cars and asked him I have looked for the dipstick for the 2013 Chevy, Equinox for the Trans fluid and I can't find it. He said there isn't one. He indicated that my fluid was probably brown by now and it should be changed it has to be trans flushed on this car. I think it is driving a little bit better.
So here is a guide for changing it out, it cost me about $300.00 to have that done.
On the Monte Carlo it wasn't to back and they dropped the pan and I got a new filter and everything is a pretty Red now.

 

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is primarily a hydraulic fluid with lubricating properties.

Speaking only from personal experience with my '74 Monte Carlo and '68 Cadillac, The two things that will compromise ATF are heat and contaminants. Decades ago, I installed an RV sized transmission cooler and bypassed the integral cooler in the radiator. I did that bypass because if that integral cooler leaks and coolant gets into the transmission…$$$

After some 200k+ miles, I had to drop the pan to repair the shift selector:
Although there were some sediments in the pan, the amount was expected and the fluid was still fine. I, of course, replaced the fluid and filter while I had it apart.

The key takeaway is, as long as the fluid is clean, pink and doesn't smell burnt, it's fine.

 

A full power flush can cause problems on older, high-mileage transmissions because it can wash away the gunk that’s helping worn parts “hold on,” but a simple drain-and-fill is usually safe. If the shifts feel normal and the fluid isn’t burnt, doing a couple of small changes over time is a good way to refresh it without risking damage, as long as you use the correct fluid.