PSA: Look under your hood once in a while.

[Yonas]

That could have been expensive. I was getting a check engine light.

[Alexmed2002]

That could have been expensive. I was getting a check engine light.

 

Lol when's the last time you changed the filter?

[Sarang]

I have a slightly more involved version that my dad taught me that has always served me well with used cars: Always open your hood and check your oil while you fill up. Look around the engine bay and visually check other fluids.

[capttris]

Yonas

I would recommend changing the filter, cleaning the MAF sensor and doing a further cleaning and inspection downstream from there, to see if any dirt/debris made it to any other components that may need to be cleaned.

While the damage may be done (depending on how long this was open), you may still be able to prevent some future issues.

For example, if dirt/sand is rubbing on any components, they could fail in the future, but if you clean them now they may be ok.

[Falcor]

I have a monthly service I do on my cars. Clean interior, check tire pressure (including spare every couple months), fluids and general inspection. It helps to catch these things.

[ibr_adam09]

I think you'll be ok. Run a can of sea-foam or b12 in the intake/ fuel system.

[A_A_ron]

I'm still on the fence about sea-foam. It can cause more problems than it solves, especially on high mileage cars.

[Alexmed2002]

I'm still on the fence about sea-foam. It can cause more problems than it solves, especially on high mileage cars.

 

I just run a bottle of Chevron Techron every 3,000 miles like it says to. Seems like the stuff does its job well.