Maintenance schedule recommends inspection at 15k (my current miles) and replacement at 30k, unless you're on dirt or desert roads. I live in the Washington DC area, so that's not an issue.
Should I decline the air filter change? If I were at 23k or more, I wouldn't be as suspicious of the need for the change, but this is exactly half of the mileage listed in the schedule.
2006-11-22 01:59:15 · 12 answers · asked by Stuck in the Middle Ages 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
For those who say to check it yourself, unfortunately I could not stay for the change and took the Metro to work today. We are driving four hours tomorrow morning, so I wanted to get the change before the drive.
I agree that if there was time, I would definitely check it myself.
2006-11-22 02:22:10 · update #1
30k miles is way too long for an air filter in any type of driving. The normal interval is between 12k and 15k miles. I am not saying that the manual doesn't say 30k miles and I am normal a stickler for going by the manual. But the air filter is one thing I do by the looks of it not mileage. Hold it up to light and see if you can see through all the fins. Any way I doubt they are trying to rip you off. They just see what is in front of them and ask you. Ultimately it is your decision so if you buy it and don't think it needs it in your own mind then you just ripped yourself off. I think that the normal person can look at an air filter and see if it is bad or not. Have you ever changed a furnace filter. It is not really much different when the filter get plugged you change it even if it is earlier than 6 months like the furnace manufacturer tells you.
2006-11-22 02:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by rwings8215 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm amazed at the misinformation here...
check this out. your filters have a "recommended replacement interval" for miles. no two driving conditions are alike, it might be true that you need to replace your filter. stop and go city driving is considered "extreme conditions", and Washington DC could fit into that category.
It is not true that the dealership is trying to rip you off, the dealership is bringing something to your attention so you know...it's their job and they are bound by law to do so. besides, there is no money to be made off an air filter replacement...you pay for the filter and installation is free (where's the money in that?)
and the placement of the air filter on the xb is very easy. if i remember correctly, there are two little clips that you push back, slide out the filter and that's it. i worked at a toyota dealership as a service advisor and saw these engines all day long (same four cylinder in corollas). it would take you all of 4 minutes to inspect the filter for yourself.
and the comment about voiding the warranty? total crap. if you dont do maintinance and there is a failure due to that, then you are out of luck, but simply not doing what your book says WILL NOT cause the warranty to be voided. (i did all my own service on my VW since new, took the vehicle in for warranty work and never had a problem) besides, it's a toyota, those things are bulletproof.
bottom line, if you are questioning the recommendation of the dealership, get a second opinion. look for yourself or ask someone you trust.
2006-11-22 04:31:52 · answer #2 · answered by fast24vveedub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok heres the poop for you, you must change and follow those specifications in your manual or else your warranty is voided, but you can always replace things early having a new filter on there before its required will not hurt anything as far as does it need it well i really couldnt tell you i know that in the mid 90s and beyond manufactures have been making cars that go longer and longer between services tho personally im suspicious of that i think they want them to break quicker in quicker lol but truthfully my grandpa always used the rule of thumb 3k oil and oil filter and air filter, 6k plugs 20k plug wires and i faithfully follow and stick by that rule whats the worse that happens if you change it early a air filter form auto zone is no more than 8 dollars and your air filter does help determine your gas mileage this shop is charging you to replace your filter ( which is suprising usually its free with servi ce where i live) but probably not more than ten bucks or close to that so why not do it if it bothers you that much go to autozone and get a KN or powerzone filter ( thats about 50 to 80 bucks) and put it on its very easy no bolts your air cover which is ontop of the engine or thereabout snaps off put new filter in snap back on and the next time you get serviced if they say they want to replace it you know there lying KN and powerzones never get replaced altho if you notice a downgrade in your perfromance or mileage you simple take them out and put them in your dishwasher and reuse thme anyway thats the dirt for you
2006-11-22 02:10:30 · answer #3 · answered by travis h 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"If its not broke dont fix it" what a stupid comment - ever heard of PREVENTATIVE maintenance. Exactly as it reads - prevents you spending a pile of $$$ when things go wrong. As far as your doubts go, politely refuse the work and get a second opinion. If you asked me to have a five second look at something you wouldnt be charged a thing. Find yourself a good mechanic, one you can trust. If you check what this guy has said then sure stick with him. He is not entirely wrong about the belt, you dont wait until teeth are missing before you replace. Maybe, just maybe his EXPERIENCE because he wouldnt of seen many of these!!!! - was an honest judgement. Not all mechanics are crooks. Cheers PS: I would take his comment over some of the crazy answers you get here - your call!!!!
2016-03-29 05:29:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look it over yourself before you decide. If it looks filthy and can't be "blown" with an air hose, then replace it.
You are correct in being suspicious about changing it now if you don't drive on dirt roads. Is the engine running really well? The proper mix of clean air is essential to that.
2006-11-22 02:07:03 · answer #5 · answered by Road Warrior 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not just check it yourself. I have a K&N but, I clean it every time I change my oil. It shouldn't be very hard to change it, and I'm sure you could go to Wal-mart and buy a Fram to replace it. They aren't very much. Good luck.
Oh and to the poster above me, I wouldn't keep sticking your air filter in the dishwasher if I where you. I watched a friend do that. He put it on the top rack and it blew most of the cotton filter material out of it.
2006-11-22 02:11:51 · answer #6 · answered by fast_bird94 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I change mine every 12000 miles, they do get full of dirt even in cities.
Although I buy the filter in Walmart for 12 bucks and fit it myself, it take less than 5 minutes.
2006-11-22 02:03:41 · answer #7 · answered by Shockey Monkey 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
don't change it. When you get your car back remove the filter yourself and clean it with a vacuum or air hose. At 15k there should be know reason to replace it.
2006-11-22 02:08:12 · answer #8 · answered by Billy FZ1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the air filter is really cheap and something that needs to be changed regulary, it will also help you get better gas milage when its clean, they dont cost more than 15-20$ so you should do it
2006-11-22 02:03:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they r trying to rip u off. they will tell u anything because they make no money on oil changes...If they can sellu a "motor flush" a Transmission vacume for 150 dollars each they will
2006-11-22 02:05:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋