2003 Hyundai Accent Owner's Manual

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY 3- 11
NOTE:Before towing, check the level of the tran-
saxle fluid. If it is below the "HOT" range on
the dipstick, add fluid. If you cannot add
fluid, a towing dolly must be used as de-
scribed above.
D080B01A-AATTOWING A CAR WITH MANUAL
TRANSAXLE
o If the car is being towed with the rear wheels
on the ground, be sure the parking brake is
released.
o If the car is being towed with the front wheels
on the ground, be sure that the transaxle is
in neutral. Also, be sure that the ignition key
is in the "ACC" position. This is necessary to
prevent damage to the steering lock mecha-
nism, which is not designed to hold the front
wheels straight while the car is being towed.
o If any of the loaded wheels or suspension
components are damaged, a towing dolly
must be used.
D080C02A-AATTOWING A CAR WITH AUTOMATIC
TRANSAXLE
CAUTION:
A car with an automatic transaxle should
never be towed from the rear with the front
wheels on the ground. This can cause seri-
ous damage to the transaxle. If the car must
be towed from the rear, a towing dolly must
be used under the front wheels.
D080B01A
o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
WITH NO DAMAGE o NOT OK FOR AUTOMATIC
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE
o OK FOR MANUAL TRANSAXLE
D080C01A
o If the car is being towed with the rear wheels
on the ground, be sure the parking brake is
released.
!
D080C02A
o OK FOR AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL
TRANSAXLE EQUIPPED VEHICLE

3- 12 WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
D080D02A-AATEMERGENCY TOWING
For emergency towing when no commercial tow
vehicle is available, attach a tow cable, chain or
strap to one of the tie-down hooks under the
front of your car. Do not attempt to tow your
vehicle in this manner on any unpaved surface.
This may result in serious damage to your car.
Nor should it be attempted if the wheels, drive
train, axles, steering or brakes are damaged.
Before towing, be sure the transaxle is in neutral
and the key in "ACC" (with the engine off) or in
the "ON" position (with the engine running). A
driver must be in the towed car to steer it and
operate the brakes.
D120A01A-AAT
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS
If you lose your keys, many Hyundai dealers
can make you a new key if you have your key
number.
If you lock the keys inside your car and you
cannot obtain a new key, many Hyundai dealers
can use special tools to open the door for you.
CAUTION:If the car is being towed with all four wheels
on the ground, it can be towed only from the
front. Be sure that the transaxle is in neutral.
Do not tow at speeds greater than 30 mph
(50 km/h) and for more than 15 miles (25 km).
Be sure the steering is unlocked by placing
the key in the "ACC" position. A driver must
be in the towed vehicle to operate the steer-
ing and brakes.
D080D02A
!

4. CORROSION PREVENTION &
APPEARANCE CARE
Corrosion Protection ....................................................................... 4-2
To Help Prevent Corrosion ............................................................ 4-2
Washing and Waxing ..................................................................... 4-3
Cleaning the Interior ....................................................................... 4-4
4

4- 2 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
E010B01A-AATCommon Causes of Corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion on your
car are:
o Road salt, dirt and moisture that is allowed to
accumulate underneath the car.
o Removal of paint or protective coatings by
stones, gravel, abrasion or minor scrapes
and dents which leave unprotected metal
exposed to corrosion.
E010A01A-AATCORROSION PROTECTION
Protecting Your Hyundai from Corro-
sion
By using the most advanced design and con-
struction practices to combat corrosion, Hyundai
produces cars of the highest quality. However,
this is only part of the job. To achieve the long
term corrosion resistance your Hyundai can
deliver, the owner's cooperation and assistance
is also required.
E010C01A-AAT
High-Corrosion Areas
If you live in an area where your car is regularly
exposed to corrosive materials, corrosion pro-
tection is particularly important. Some of the
common causes of accelerated corrosion are
road salts, dust control chemicals, ocean air
and industrial pollution.
E010D01A-AATMoisture Breeds Corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in which corro-
sion is most likely to occur. For example, corro-
sion is accelerated by high humidity, particularly
when temperatures are just above freezing. In
such conditions, the corrosive material is kept in
contact with the car surfaces by moisture that is
slow to evaporate.
Mud is a particular enemy of corrosion protec-
tion because it is slow to dry and holds moisture
in contact with the vehicle. Even though the mud
appears to be dry, it can still retain moisture and
promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate corro-
sion of parts that are not properly ventilated so
the moisture can be dispersed. For all these
reasons, it is particularly important to keep your
car clean and free of mud or accumulations of
other materials. This applies not only on the
visible surfaces but particularly to the underside
of the car.
E020A01A-AAT
TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION
You can help prevent corrosion from getting
started by observing the following:
E020B01A-AATKeep Your Car Clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is to keep
your car clean and free of corrosive materials.
Attention to the underside of the car is particu-
larly important.
o If you live in a high-corrosion area — where
road salts are used, near the ocean, areas
with industrial pollution, acid rain, etc.— you
should take extra care to prevent corrosion.
In winter, hose off the underside of your car
at least once a month and be sure to clean
the underside thoroughly when winter is over.
o When cleaning underneath the car, give par-
ticular attention to the components under the
fenders and other areas that are hidden from
view. Do a thorough job; just dampening the
accumulated mud rather than washing it away
will accelerate corrosion rather than prevent
it. Water under high pressure and steam are
particularly effective in removing accumulat-
ed mud and corrosive materials.
o When cleaning lower door panels, rocker
panels and frame members, be sure that
drain holes are kept open so that moisture
can escape and not be trapped inside to ac-
celerate corrosion.

CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 4- 3
E030A01A-AATWASHING AND WAXING
Washing Your Hyundai
Never wash your car when the surface is hot
from being in the sun. Always wash your car in
the shade.
Wash your car frequently. Dirt is abrasive and
can scratch the paint if it is not removed. Air
pollution or acid rain may damage the paint and
trim through chemical action if pollutants are
allowed to remain in contact with the surface. If
you live near the ocean or in an area where road
salts or dust control chemicals are used, you
should pay particular attention to the underside
of the car. Start by rinsing the car to remove
dust and loose dirt. In winter, or if you have
driven through mud or muddy water, be sure to
thoroughly clean the underside as well. Use a
hard direct stream of water to remove accumu-
lations of mud or corrosive materials. Use a
good quality car-washing solution and follow the
manufacturer's directions on the package. These
are available at your Hyundai dealer or auto
parts outlet. Don't use strong household deter-
gents, gasoline, strong solvents or abrasive
cleaning powders as these may damage the
finish.
Use a clean sponge or cloth, rinse it frequently
and don't damage the finish by rubbing too hard.
For stubborn spots, dampen them frequently
and remove them a little at a time.To clean whitewall tires, use a stiff brush or
soap-impregnated steel-wool scouring pad.
To clean plastic wheel covers, use a clean
sponge or soft cloth and water.
To clean cast aluminum alloy wheels, use a mild
soap or neutral detergent. Do not use abrasive
cleaners. Protect the bare-metal surfaces by
cleaning, polishing and waxing. Because alumi-
num is subject to corrosion, be sure to give
aluminum alloy wheels special attention in win-
ter. If you drive on salted roads, clean the
wheels thoroughly afterwards.
After washing, be sure to rinse thoroughly. If
soapy water dries on the finish, streaking will
result.
When the weather is warm and the humidity low,
you may find it necessary to rinse each section
immediately after washing to avoid streaking.
After rinsing, dry the car using a damp chamois
or soft, absorbent cloth. The reason for drying
the car is to remove water from the car so it will
dry without water spots. Don't rub, this can
damage the finish.
If you find any nicks or scratches in the paint,
use touch-up paint to cover them to prevent
corrosion. To protect the paintwork of the car
against corrosion, you must clean your Hyundai
(at least once a month). Give special attention
E020C01A-AATKeep Your Garage Dry
Don't park your car in a damp, poorly ventilated
garage. This creates a favorable environment
for corrosion. This is particularly true if you wash
your car in the garage or drive it into the garage
when it is still wet or covered with snow, ice or
mud. Even a heated garage can contribute to
corrosion unless it is well ventilated so moisture
is dispersed.
E020D01A-AAT
Keep Paint and Trim in Good Condition
Scratches or chips in the finish should be cov-
ered with "touch-up" paint as soon as possible
to reduce the possibility of corrosion. If bare
metal is showing through, the attention of a
qualified body and paint shop is recommended.
E020E01A-AAT
Don't Neglect the Interior
Moisture can collect under the floor mats and
carpeting to cause corrosion. Check under the
mats periodically to be sure the carpeting is dry.
Use particular care if you carry fertilizers, clean-
ing materials or chemicals in the car.
These should be carried only in proper contain-
ers and any spills or leaks should be cleaned
up, flushed with clear water and thoroughly
dried.

4- 4 CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE
to the removal of salt, mud and other substanc-
es on the underside of the splashboards of the
car. Make sure that the outlets and the under-
side of the doors are open. Paint damage can be
caused by small accumulation of tar, industrial
precipitation, tree resin, insects and bird drop-
pings, when not removed immediately.
If water alone is not strong enough to remove
the accumulated dirt, use a mild car washing
solution. Be sure to rinse the surface after
washing to remove the solution. Never allow the
solution to dry on the painted surfaces.
E030B01A-AAT
Spot Cleaning
Don't use gasoline, strong solvents or corrosive
cleaning agents. These can damage the finish
of the car. To remove road tar, use turpentine on
a clean, soft cloth. Be gentle.
To remove dead insects or tree sap, use warm
water and mild soap or car-washing solution.
Soak the spot and rub gently. If the paint has
lost its luster, use a commercial car-cleaning
polish.
E030C01A-AATPolishing and Waxing
Always wash and dry the car before polishing or
waxing or using a combination cleaner and wax.
Use a good quality commercial product and
follow the manufacturer's directions on the con-
tainer. Polish and wax the bright trim pieces as
well as the paint.
E030D01A-AAT
When to Wax Again
You should polish and wax the car again when
water no longer beads on a clean surface but
spreads out over a larger area.
E030E01A-AAT
Maintaining Bumpers
Special precautions must be observed to pre-
serve the appearance of the bumpers on your
Hyundai. They are:
o Be careful not to spill battery electrolyte or
hydraulic brake fluid on the bumpers. If you
do, wash it off immediately with clean water.
o Be gentle when cleaning the bumper sur-
faces. They are made of soft plastic and the
surface can be damaged if mistreated. Do
not use abrasive cleaners. Use warm water
and mild soap or car-washing solution.o Do not expose the bumpers to high tem-
peratures. For example, if you have your
car repainted, do not leave the bumpers on
the car if the car is going to be placed in a
high-temperature paint booth.
E040A01A-AATCLEANING THE INTERIOR
To Clean the Vinyl Upholstery
To clean the vinyl upholstery, first remove loose
dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Then apply
a solution of mild soap or detergent and water
using a clean sponge or soft cloth. Allow this to
stay on the surface to loosen the dirt, then wipe
with a clean damp sponge or cloth. If all the dirt
stains are not removed, repeat this procedure
until the upholstery is clean. Do not use gaso-
line, solvent, paint thinner or other strong clean-
ers.
E040C01A-AAT
Cleaning the Carpets
Use a foam-type carpet cleaner. Cleaners of
this type are available in aerosol cans in liquid
form or powder. Read the instructions and follow
them exactly. Using a vacuum cleaner with the
appropriate attachment, remove as much dirt
from the carpets as possible. Apply the foam
following the manufacturer's directions, then
rub in overlapping circles. Do not add water.
These cleaners work best when the carpet is
kept as dry as possible.

CORROSION PREVENTION AND APPEARANCE CARE 4- 5
E050A01A-AAT
Any Questions?
If you have any questions about the care of your
car, consult your Hyundai dealer.
E040D01A-AATCleaning the Seat Belts
To clean the seat belts, use a cloth or sponge
with mild soap or detergent and warm water. Do
not use strong detergents, dye, bleach or abra-
sive materials on the seat belts as this may
weaken the fabric.
While cleaning the belts, inspect them for ex-
cessive wear, cuts, fraying or other signs of
damage and replace them if necessary.
E040E01A-AATCleaning the Windows
You may use any household window cleaner on
the windows. However, when cleaning the in-
side of the rear window be careful not to damage
the rear window defroster wiring.

5. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS
Maintenance Intervals .................................................................... 5-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................. 5-4
Maintenance Under Severe Usage Conditions ............................. 5-6
Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance Items ............................. 5-7
5