
5-2
Driving your vehicle
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas is toxic. Breathing CO can cause unconsciousness and death.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide which cannot be seen or smelled.
Do not inhale engine exhaust.
If at any time you smell engine exhaust inside the vehicle, open the windows immediately. Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and death by asphyxiation.
Be sure the exhaust system does not leak.
The exhaust system should be checked whenever the vehicle is raised to change the oil or for any other purpose. If
you hear a change in the sound of the exhaust or if you drive over something that strikes the underneath side of the
vehicle, have the exhaust system checked as soon as possible by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Do not run the engine in an enclosed area.
Letting the engine idle in your garage, even with the garage door open, is a hazardous practice. Run the engine only
long enough to start the engine and to move the vehicle out of the garage.
Avoid idling the engine for prolonged periods with people inside the vehicle.
If it is necessary to idle the engine for a prolonged period with people inside the vehicle , be sure to do so only in an
open area with the air intake set at "Fresh" and fan control set to high so fresh air is drawn into the interior.
Keep the air intakes clear.
To assure proper operation of the ventilation system, keep the ventilation air intakes located in front of the windshield
clear of snow, ice, leaves, or other obstructions.
If you must drive with the tailgate open:
Close all windows.
Open instrument panel air vents.
Set the air intake control at "Fresh", the air flow control at "Floor" or "Face", and the fan control set to high.
WARNING

5-56
Winter precautions
Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant
Your vehicle is delivered with high
quality ethylene glycol coolant in the
cooling system. It is the only type ofcoolant that should be used because
it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water
pump and prevents freezing. Be sure
to replace or replenish your coolantin accordance with the maintenance
schedule in section 7. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure
that its freezing point is sufficient for
the temperatures anticipated during
the winter.
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on
the battery system. Visually inspect
the battery and cables as described
in section 7. The level of charge in
your battery can be checked by an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer or a
service station.Change to "winter weight" oil if
necessary In some climates it is recommended
that a lower viscosity "winter weight"
oil be used during cold weather. See
section 8 for recommendations. If
you aren't sure what weight oil you
should use, consult an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer.
Check spark plugs and ignition system
Inspect your spark plugs as
described in section 7 and replace
them if necessary. Also check all
ignition wiring and components to be
sure they are not cracked, worn or
damaged in any way.
To keep locks from freezing
To keep the locks from freezing,
squirt an approved de-icer fluid or
glycerine into the key opening. If a
lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove
the ice. If the lock is frozen internally,
you may be able to thaw it out by
using a heated key. Handle the heat-
ed key with care to avoid injury.
Use approved window washer
anti-freeze in system
To keep the water in the window
washer system from freezing, add an
approved window washer anti-freeze
solution in accordance with instruc-
tions on the container. Window wash-
er anti-freeze is available from an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer and
most auto parts outlets. Do not useengine coolant or other types of anti-
freeze as these may damage thepaint finish.
Driving your vehicle

5-65
Driving your vehicle
5
Ready to leave after parking ona hill
1.With the shift lever to P (Park, for automatic transaxle vehicle) or
neutral (for manual transaxle vehi-
cle), apply your brakes and hold
the brake pedal down while you:
and
2.Slowly remove your foot from the brake pedal.
3.Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4.Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when trailer tow- ing
Your vehicle will need service more
often when you regularly pull a trail-
er. Important items to pay particularattention to include engine oil, auto-
matic transaxle fluid, axle lubricant
and cooling system fluid. Brake con-
dition is another important item to
frequently check. If you’re trailering,
it’s a good idea to review these items
before you start your trip. Don’t forget
to also maintain your trailer and
hitch. Follow the maintenance sched-
ule that accompanied your trailer and
check it periodically. Preferably, con-
duct the check at the start of each
day’s driving. Most importantly, all
hitch nuts and bolts should be tight. To prevent vehicle damage:
Due to higher load during
trailer usage, overheating
might occur on hot days or
during uphill driving. If the
coolant gauge indicates over-
heating, switch off the air con-
ditioner and stop the vehicle
in a safe area to cool down the
engine.
When towing check automatic
transaxle fluid more frequently.
CAUTION

7
Maintenance
7
Maintenance
ENGINE COMPARTMENT .....................................7-3
MAINTENANCE SERVICES .....................................7-4
Owner's responsibility ...................................................7-4
Owner maintenance precautions ..................................7-4
OWNER MAINTENANCE .......................................7-6
Owner maintenance schedule ........................................7-7
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICES ..............7-8
Normal maintenance schedule .......................................7-9
Maintenance under severe usage conditions ..........7-22
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS .....................................7-24
ENGINE OIL ...........................................................7-27
Checking the engine oil level .......................................7-27
Checking the engine oil and filter ..............................7-28
ENGINE COOLANT ................................................7-29
Checking the engine coolant level..............................7-29
Changing engine coolant .............................................7-31
BRAKE FLUID ........................................................7-32
Checking the brake fluid level .....................................7-32
WASHER FLUID.....................................................7-34
Checking the washer fluid level .............................7-34
PARKING BRAKE...................................................7-35
Checking the parking brake .........................................7-35
AIR CLEANER .......................................................7-36
Filter replacement ........................................................7-36
CLIMATE CONTROL AIR CLEANER ....................7-38
Filter inspection ...............................................................7-38
WIPER BLADES.....................................................7-40
Blade inspection ..............................................................7-40
Blade replacement .......................................................7-40
BATTERY ...............................................................7-43
For best battery service................................................7-44
Battery recharging .........................................................7-44
Reset features .................................................................7-46
TIRES AND WHEELS ............................................7-47
Tire care ............................................................................7-47
Recommended cold tire inflation pressures.............7-48
Check tire inflation pressure........................................7-49
Tire rotation .....................................................................7-50
Wheel alignment and tire balance ..............................7-51
Tire replacement .............................................................7-51
Wheel replacement .........................................................7-52
Tire traction ......................................................................7-52
Tire maintenance ............................................................7-53
Tire sidewall labeling ......................................................7-53
Tire terminology and definitions.................................7-57
All season tires ................................................................7-60
Summer tires ....................................................................7-60
7

7-3
7
Maintenance
EENN GGIINN EE CC OO MM PPAA RRTTMM EENN TT
1. Engine coolant reservoir
2. Radiator cap
3. Brake fluid reservoir
4. Air cleaner
5. Engine oil dipstick
6. Engine oil filler cap
7. Windshield washer fluid reservoir
8. Fuse box
OLMB073001/OLM079001N
■■NU 2.0
❈ The actual engine compartment the vehicle may differ from the illustration.
■■Theta II 2.4

7-7
7
Maintenance
Owner maintenance schedule
When you stop for fuel:
Check the engine oil level.
Check coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
Check the windshield washer fluid level.
Check for low or under-inflated tires
While operating your vehicle:
Note any changes in the sound ofthe exhaust or any smell of
exhaust fumes in the vehicle.
Check for vibrations in the steering wheel. Notice if there is any
increased steering effort or loose-
ness in the steering wheel, or
change in its straight-ahead posi-tion.
Notice if your vehicle constantly turns slightly or “pulls” to one side
when traveling on smooth, levelroad.
When stopping, listen and check for unusual sounds, pulling to one
side, increased brake pedal travel
or “hard-to-push” brake pedal.
If any slipping or changes in the operation of your transaxle occurs,
check the transaxle fluid level.
Check the automatic transaxle P (Park) function.
Check the parking brake.
Check for fluid leaks under your vehicle (water dripping from the air
conditioning system during or after
use is normal).
At least monthly:
Check coolant level in the enginecoolant reservoir.
Check the operation of all exterior lights, including the stoplights, turn
signals and hazard warning flash-
ers.
Check the inflation pressures of all tires including the spare for tires
that are worn, show uneven wear,or are damaged.
Check for loose wheel lug nuts.
Be careful when checking your
engine coolant level when the
engine is hot. This may result in
coolant being blown out of theopening and cause serious
burns and other injuries.
WARNING

7-9
7
Maintenance
Normal maintenance schedule
The following maintenance services must be performed to ensure good emission control and performance. Keep
receipts for all vehicle emission services to protect your warranty. Where both mileage and time are shown, the fre-
quency of service is determined by whichever occurs first. *1
: If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is not available, one bottle of additive is recommended. Additives are available
from your authorized HYUNDAI dealer along with information on how to use them. Do not mix other additives.
* 2
: Fuel filter & Fuel tank air filter are considered to be maintenance free but periodic inspection is recommended for
this maintenance schedule depends on fuel quality. If there are some important safety matters like fuel flow restric-
tion, surging, loss of power, hard starting problem etc, replace the fuel filter immediately regardless of mainte-
nance schedule and consult an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for details.
* 3
: Transfer case oil and rear axle oil should be changed anytime they have been submerged in water.
* 4
: Inspect for excessive valve noise and/or engine vibration and adjust if necessary. Have an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer perform the operation.
* 5
: The drive belt should be replaced when cracks occur or tension is reduced
❈ Inspect : Inspect and if necessary, adjust, correct, clean or replace.

7-10
Maintenance
7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
❑Rotating tires
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Replace engine oil and filter (7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months)
❑ Add fuel additive * 1
(7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months)
15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
❑ Rotating tires
❑ Inspect air cleaner filter
❑ Inspect vacuum hose
❑ Inspect air conditioning refrigerant
❑ Inspect brake hoses and lines
❑ Inspect drive shafts and boots
❑ Inspect exhaust pipe and muffler
❑ Inspect front brake disc/pads, calipers
❑ Inspect propeller shaft (AWD)
❑ Inspect rear brake disc/pads
❑ Inspect steering gear box, linkage & boots/lower arm ball
joint, upper arm ball joint
❑ Inspect suspension mounting bolts
❑ Replace climate control air filter
(for evaporator and blower unit)
❑ Replace engine oil and filter (15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)
❑ Add fuel additive * 1
(15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 24 months)
Normal maintenance schedule