09
9-41
7. Uniform tire quality grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
Tread wear
The tread wear grade is a
compar
ative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one-and-a-half times (1½) as
well on the government course as a
tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions
of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
These grades are molded on the
sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires.
The tires available as standard or
optional equipment on your vehicle
may vary with respect to grade. Traction - AA, A, B C
The traction grades, from highest
t
o lowest, are AA, A, B and C. Those
grades represent the tire’s ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on straight ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature - A, B C
The temperature grades are A (the
highes
t), B and C representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation
of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required
by law.
Maintenance9-42
WARNING
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, under-inflation,
over-inflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination,
can cause heat build-up and
possible sudden tire failure. This
may cause loss of vehicle control
resulting in an accident.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air pressure
The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on the tire. Air
pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory weight
This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories
are automatic transmission, power
seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect ratio
The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt
A rubber coated layer of cords that
is located between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from steel
or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
The tire bead contains steel wires
wrapped by steel cords that hold the
tire onto the rim. Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold tire pressure
The amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in pounds per square inch
(psi) or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire
has built up heat from driving.
Curb weight
This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT markings
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor
vehicle safety standards. The DOT
code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Front Axle.
GAWR RR
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
Rear axle.
Maintenance9-46
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 so that they
consequently have a greater contact
patch with the road surface. In some
instances, they may generate more
road noise compared with standard
tires.
CAUTION
The side wall of a low aspect ratio
tire is shorter than the normal one.
Thus, the low-aspect wheel and
tire are easily damaged. Follow the
below instructions.
[ When driving on a rough road or
driving off a road, be careful not
to damage the tires and wheels.
After driving, inspect the tires
and wheels.
[ When passing over a pothole,
speed bump, manhole, or curb
stone, drive the vehicle slowly so
as not to damage the tires and
wheels.
[ When there is an impact on a tire,
inspect the tire condition. Or,
contact an authorized retailer of
Genesis Branded products.
[ Inspect the tire condition and
pressure every 1,800 miles (3,000
km) to prevent tire damage.
[ It is difficult to recognize a tire
damage only with your eyes.
When there is a slight hint of a
tire damage, check and replace
the tire to prevent the damage
caused by air leakage.
[ When a tire is damaged while
driving on a rough road, off a
road, or over obstacles, such as a
pothole, manhole, or curb stone,
your warranty does not cover the
damage.
[ The tire information is specified
on the tire side wall.
09
9-47
FUSES
v Blade type
v Cartridge type
v Multi type
v Midi type Normal Blown
Normal Blown Normal Blown
Normal Blown
OCK077071
A vehicle’s electrical system is protected
from electrical overload damage by
fuses.
This vehicle has 5 fuse panels, one
located in the driver’s side panel bolster,
the other in the engine compartment.
If any of your vehicle’s lights,
accessories, or controls do not work,
check the appropriate circuit fuse. If a
fuse has blown, the element inside the
fuse will be melted or broken.
If the electrical system does not work,
first check the driver’s side fuse panel.
Before replacing a blown fuse, turn the
engine and all switches off, and then
disconnect the negative battery cable.
Always replace a blown fuse with one of
the same rating.
If the replacement fuse blows, this
indicates an electrical problem.
Avoid using the system involved and
immediately consult an authorized
retailer of Genesis Branded products.
WARNING
NEVER replace a fuse with anything but
another fuse of the same rating.
[ A higher capacity fuse could cause
damage and possibly cause a fire.
[ Do not install a wire or aluminum
foil instead of the proper fuse -
even as a temporary repair. It may
cause extensive wiring damage and
possibly a fire.
NOTICE
Do not use a screwdriver or any other
metal object to remove fuses because
it may cause a short circuit and damage
the system.
09
9-63
Consult an authorized retailer of
Genesis Branded products to replace
most vehicle light bulbs. It is difficult
to replace vehicle light bulbs because
other parts of the vehicle must be
removed before you can get to the bulb.
This is especially true for removing the
headlight assembly to get to the bulb(s).
Removing/installing the headlight
assembly can result in damage to the
vehicle.
WARNING
[ Prior to working on a light, depress
the foot brake, shift to P (Park), apply
the parking brake, press the Engine
Start/Stop button to the OFF position
and take the key with you when
leaving the vehicle to avoid sudden
movement of the vehicle and to
prevent possible electric shock.
[ Be aware the bulbs may be hot and
may burn your fingers.
NOTICE
Be sure to replace the burned-out bulb
with one of the same wattage rating.
Otherwise, it may cause damage to the
fuse or electrical wiring system.
NOTICE
To prevent damage, do not clean the
headlight lens with chemical solvents
or strong detergents.
Information
The headlight and tail lamp lenses could
appear frosty if the vehicle is washed after
driving or the vehicle is driven at night in
wet weather. This condition is caused by
temperature difference between the lamp
inside and outside and, it does not indicate
a problem with your vehicle. hen
moisture condenses in the lamp, it will be
removed after driving with the headlight
on. The removable level may differ
depending on lamp si e, lamp position
and environmental condition. owever, if
moisture is not removed, have the vehicle
inspected by an authori ed retailer of
Genesis Branded products.
Information
[ A normally functioning lamp may
flicker momentarily to stabili e the
vehicle s electrical control system.
owever, if the lamp goes out after
flickering momentarily, or continues to
flicker, have the system checked by an
authori ed retailer of Genesis Branded
products.
[ The parking lamp may not turn on
when the parking lamp switch is turned
on, but the parking lamp and headlight
switch may turn on when the headlight
switch is turned on. This may be caused
by network failure or vehicle electrical
control system malfunction. If this
occurs, have the system checked by an
authori ed retailer of Genesis Branded
products.
Information
The headlight aiming should be ad usted
after an accident or after the headlight
assembly is reinstalled at an authori ed
retailer of Genesis Branded products.
LIGHT BULBS
Maintenance9-68
APPEARANCE CARE
Exterior CareNOTICE
If you park your vehicle near a stainless
steel sign or glass facade building, the
vehicle’s exterior plastic parts such
as a bumper, spoiler, garnish, lamp or
side view mirrors might be damaged
due to sunlight reflected from the
sign or building. To prevent damage of
the exterior plastic parts, you should
avoid parking in areas where light may
be reflected or use a car cover. (The
exterior plastic parts applied to your
vehicle may vary.)
Exterior general caution
It is very important to follow the label
directions when using any chemical
cleaner or polish. Read all warning and
caution statements that appear on the
label.
Finish maintenance
ashing
To help protect your vehicle’s finish from
rus
t and deterioration, wash it thoroughly
and frequently at least once a month
with lukewarm or cold water.
If you use your vehicle for off-road
driving, you should wash it after each
off-road trip. Pay special attention to the
removal of any accumulation of salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign materials. Make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors and rocker panels are kept
clear and clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial pollution and similar deposits
can damage your vehicle’s finish if not
removed immediately.
Even prompt washing with plain water
may not completely remove all these
deposits. A mild soap, safe for use on
painted surfaces, should be used.
After washing, rinse the vehicle
thoroughly with lukewarm or cold water.
Do not allow soap to dry on the finish. igh-pressure washing
[ When using high-pr
essure washers,
make sure to maintain sufficient
distance from the vehicle.
Insufficient clearance or excessive
pressure can lead to component
damage or water penetration.
[ Do not spray the camera, sensors or
its surrounding area directly with a
high pressure washer. Shock applied
from high pressure water may cause
the device to not operate normally.
[ Do not bring the nozzle tip close to
boots (rubber or plastic covers) or
connectors as they may be damaged
if they come into contact with high
pressure water.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see
if they have been affected by water
before getting on the road. If braking
performance is impaired, dry the
brakes by applying them lightly while
maintaining a slow forward speed.