I think at least looking at the air filter before starting it is a good idea.... and who can fault changing the oil ,... except some of the people on this forum are very frugal... by their own admission...one thing changing the oil yourself does is get you down under the engine where you can see other stuff which might need attention... always a good thing....
Living in the country I know that a sitting vehicle CAN get squatters in the air intake tube and air filter canister.... ( like mice)... so better to check than suck dirt and hair into the intake....