Maintenance
8-38
Radial-Ply Tires
Radial-ply tires provide improved tread
life, road hazard resistance and smoother
high speed ride. The radial-ply tires used
on this vehicle are of belted construction,
and are selected to complement the
ride and handling characteristics of your
vehicle.
Radial-ply tires have the same load
carrying capacity, as bias-ply or bias
belted tires of the same size, and use the
same recommended inflation pressure.
Mixing of radial-ply tires with bias-ply or
bias belted tires is not recommended.
Any combinations of radial-ply and bias-
ply or bias belted tires when used on the
same vehicle will seriously deteriorate
vehicle handling. The best rule to follow
is: Identical pairs of radial-ply tires should
always be used as a set for the front tires
and a set for the rear tires.
Longer wearing tires can be more
susceptible to irregular tread wear. It is
very important to follow the tire rotation
interval in this chapter to achieve the
tread life potential of these tires. Cuts
and punctures in radial-ply tires are
repairable only in the tread area, because
of sidewall flexing. Consult your tire
dealer for radial-ply tire repairs.
WARNING
Do not mix bias ply and radial ply tires
under any circumstances. This may
cause unusual handling characteristics
that may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.
Low Aspect Ratio Tires
The aspect ratio is lower than 50 on low
aspect ratio tires.
Because low aspect ratio tires are
optimized for handling and braking, their
sidewall is a little stiffer than a standard
tire. Also low aspect ratio tires tend to be
wider and consequently have a greater
contact patch with the road surface. In
some instances they may generate more
road noise compared with standard tires.
CAUTION
Because the sidewall of a low aspect
ratio tire is shorter than a standard tire,
the rim of the wheel and the tire itself
is more easily susceptible to damage.
Use caution when driving and follow
the guidelines below to help minimize
damage to the wheel and tire:
• When driving on a rough road or
off road, drive cautiously because
tires and wheels may be damaged.
And after driving, inspect tires and
wheels.
• When passing over a pothole, speed
bump, manhole, or curb stone, drive
slowly so that the tires and wheels
are not damaged.
• If the tire is subjected to a severe
impact, have the tire and wheel
inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.
• Inspect the tire condition and
pressure every 1,800 miles (3,000km).
CAUTION
• It is not easy to recognize tire
damage with your own eyes. But
if there is the slightest hint of tire
damage, have the tire checked or
replaced because the tire damage
may cause air leakage from the tire.
• If the tire is damaged by driving
on a rough road, off road, pothole,
manhole, or curb stone, it will not be
covered by the warranty.
