Running car without air filter

[JellyTheory]

Hi,

I'm hoping I can get your opinions on this:

After getting some service done three weeks ago at a local Pep Boys, my wife started complaining that her 2003 Toyota Camry was lagging as she tried accelerating. I looked under the hood to find that Pep Boys had forgot to put in the air filter and also left the air filter casing open (about a 2" gap).

What will happen to a car if the air filter isn't in while a car is getting minimal use for three weeks??? The service manager offered me a free oil change the next time I come in. Is that any where near enough considering the damage that could have been done?

Thanks!

-Chris

[RIP]

First, welcome to the forum. Second, IMHO, if the car is running fine with the air filter back in, I wouldn't worry about it. The air filter keeps dirt particles out of the throttle body and intake manifold, etc. Any particles that entered the path in those three weeks probably just shot out the exhaust. There are some that regularly drive without a filter. Misguided but, true.

Recommend you chuck that oil change coupon in the circular file and find a reliable shop. I've found non-chain family run shops to be the best. County Sherriff squad cars parked and waiting for maintenace gave me a pretty obvious clue about my current choice. Second clue was a 13 year old girl running the front desk. When she yelled "Dad", I knew I was at the right shop. These type of shops have a lot more riding on their reputation so are less inclined to do you wrong. They depend on word of mouth more than most and there's no corporation to back them up. I do most of my own maintenance but, the three or four I've used in 33 years have never done me wrong.

You live in Socal. If you live in the Antelope Valley I could give you a couple suggestions.

[rimfire,22]

Originally Posted by JellyTheory

Hi,

I'm hoping I can get your opinions on this:

After getting some service done three weeks ago at a local Pep Boys, my wife started complaining that her 2003 Toyota Camry was lagging as she tried accelerating. I looked under the hood to find that Pep Boys had forgot to put in the air filter and also left the air filter casing open (about a 2" gap).

What will happen to a car if the air filter isn't in while a car is getting minimal use for three weeks??? The service manager offered me a free oil change the next time I come in. Is that any where near enough considering the damage that could have been done?

Thanks!

-Chris

Chris,

What they offered you to remedy their big mistake was a farse! For something as simple as that spells trouble. I'd write a strong letter to there main office and maybe they'll give you a better gift for all your trouble.Free oil change !!!! Big deal.

rimfire,22

[somick]

Why did you go to Pep Boys from startes? I am sorry for you!

Pep Boys' "mechanics" have no clue of what they are doing!

If intersted I can give you a list of times they screwed me up, as well as my familie's cars.

Put that coupon on your refregirator as a reminder that that you got out almost all right! And of course never use it!

Sam

[jg09]

Just put it like this: If it was on the car from the factory, it should probably be on the car at all times. The air filter is an important part of the engine. Without it, you're running all sorts of shit through the engine that will decrease power, mileage, and engine life. A free oil change isn't worth it, that is if they are the ones doing it. If someone can't put my air filter on right, I would never trust them with my oil.