My cabin air filter is missing!

Car is a '04 Accent GT, really fun ride btw. I didn't realize it
utilized a cabin filter until now and was sure it's overdue for
replacing I found there was no filter within the access cover. I
have not reached the 60K mile service point yet but had the 30K done
at the Hyundai dealer. All other oil changes have been at independent
shops. . Did the factory forget to install or is the dealer service
negligent? Also, timing belt 60K mile question. Go to the dealer for
the standard 60K service with a belt replacement or go to and
independent and pay $250 for the belt {includes labor] plus the
normal oil, trans fluid, coolant for a $400 total cost. Any waranty
issues with going indie? Thanks, Bob.

 

If your car is '04 there maybe a time warranty regardless of the 60K.

 

IIRC, some models did not have the filter. None had them for the first 90
years of automobiles so it is not that big a deal.

Also, timing belt 60K mile question. Go to the dealer for

What is the price at the dealer? If it is within $50, I'd opt for the
dealer and their experience. OTOH, it is perfectly acceptable to have an
independent shop do the work. Best to find one that has done that
particular model. If the price difference is $200, I'd go for price. That
much money is hard enough to come by these days and better in my pocket than
the dealer.

 

If you can get the belt replaced for $250, that's a good deal. To maintain
warranty, go to the dealer and buy the belt, it needs to be OEM.

 

Or simply ask the shop to install a factory belt. They should be able
to estimate the price increase with a factory belt.

 

Your A/C Evaporator Coil is going to be covered in dirt from no air
filter being in place. When you take it in, make sure they service
the Evaporator surface by cleaning the accumulated debris before
installing an air filter. Your cooling should improve as well as
airflow once this is done. Its relatively easy to change yourself in
the future, but does require the glove compartment be removed then
reinstalled. I find I need to replace my cabin air filter about every
15,000 miles maximum .

 

You don't have to buy from the dealer.

http://www.gatesoe.com/timing_belts.cfm
Import Timing Belts
a.. The OE market is a complex array of belt materials, tooth designs and
advanced construction technologies
b.. The very same research and development efforts Gates places with our
OEM parts, transfers to exact Fit, Function and Performance in all our
import aftermarket products
c.. We are not OE equivalent, we are OE

 

You have to buy an OE belt if you want the belt to continue to be
warranted under the manufacturer's warranty. If you buy someone
else's belt and it fails, that's not Hyundai's problem any more.

 

I believe my Sonata calls for replacement every 10K miles. I think that
is ridiculous, but in any event even if the factory forgot it
(unlikely), the dealer should have caught it at the 30K service. I
blame the dealer.

Matt