[John Hohulin]

Just got back from the dealership (Sunnyvale Toyota) after my 15,000 maintenance. They indicated the air filter is dirty, and that I should change it, which the maintenance book states is scheduled at 30,000.

I don't drive under any special conditions as defined in the owner's manual. I suspect they are just trying to get some extra $$$ off of me, that the filter really doesn't need replacing although they "recommend" it.

Anyone else have a similar experience? I love my car, but this is not the dealership I bought it from, it's just the one closest to my workplace and I don't quite trust them.

 

[mrv]

Just got back from the dealership (Sunnyvale Toyota) after my 15,000 maintenance. They indicated the air filter is dirty, and that I should change it, which the maintenance book states is scheduled at 30,000.

I don't drive under any special conditions as defined in the owner's manual. I suspect they are just trying to get some extra $$$ off of me, that the filter really doesn't need replacing although they "recommend" it.

Anyone else have a similar experience? I love my car, but this is not the dealership I bought it from, it's just the one closest to my workplace and I don't quite trust them.

Which air filter, the engine air filter or the passenger compartment AC filter?

The passenger compartment AC filter is supposed to be replaced at the 22,500mi service in the US. But it gets VERY dirty real quick! Leaves, acorns, pollen, and other stuff get stuck in there... I highly suggest that you remove it every now and then and vaccuum it out. (It's hiding behind the glove box.)

(My dealership forgot to replace it at the 22,500mi service. I doubt that the leaves and grey crud I found in there when I got home from the dealership (3mi.) was picked up on the way home... I called them and they thought it was supposed to be replaced at the 15,000mi service so that's why they claim they didn't change it... I brought the car back later and they replaced it for me.)

 

[John Hohulin]

'Twas the engine air filter, to be replaced at 30K according to the manual.

 

[hkw8]

I have never heard about AC filter. Is it something that can be bought on regular autopart stores (something like Advanced Auto Part) or only available from dealer?