9-11
09
Cooling System
Check cooling system components, such
as radiator, coolant reservoir, hoses and
connections for leakage and damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
Coolant
The coolant should be changed at the
intervals specified in the maintenance
schedule.
Reduction Gear Fluid
The reduction gear fluid should be
inspected according to the intervals
specified in the maintenance schedule.
Brake Hoses and Lines
Visually check for proper installation,
chafing, cracks, deterioration and any
leakage. Replace any deteriorated or
damaged parts immediately.
Brake Fluid
Check the brake fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir. The level should be
between the MIN and the MAX marks
on the side of the reservoir. Use only
hydraulic brake fluid conforming to DOT
4 specification.
Brake Discs, Pads, Calipers and
Rotors
Check the pads, the disc, and the rotor
for any excessive wear-out. Inspect
calipers for any fluid leakage.
Suspension Mounting Bolts
Check the suspension connections for
looseness or damage. Retighten to the
specified torque.
Steering Gear Box, Linkage &
Boots/Lower Arm Ball Joint
With the vehicle stopped and the vehicle
off, check for excessive free-play in the
steering wheel. Check the linkage for
bends or damage. Check the dust boots
and ball joints for deterioration, cracks,
or damage.
Replace any damaged parts.
Drive Shafts and Boots
Check the drive shafts, boots and clamps
for cracks, deterioration, or damage.
Replace any damaged parts and, if
necessary, repack the grease.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant
Check the air conditioning lines and
connections for leakage and damage.
EXPLANATION OF SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE ITEMS
9-14
Maintenance
Checking the Brake Fluid Level
OJWEV091003
Check the fluid level in the reservoir
periodically. The fluid level should be
between MAX and MIN marks on the side
of the reservoir.
Before removing the reservoir cap and
adding brake fluid, clean the area around
the reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent
brake fluid contamination.
If the level is low, add the specified brake
fluid to the MAX level. The level will fall
with accumulated kilometers. This is a
normal condition associated with the
wear of the brake linings. If the fluid level
is excessively low, have the brake system
be checked by an authorized retailer of
Genesis Branded products.
WARNING
If the brake system requires frequent
additions of fluid this could indicate
a leak in the brake system. Have the
vehicle be inspected by an authorized
retailer of Genesis Branded products.
WARNING
Do not let brake fluid enter into your
eyes. If brake fluid gets in your eyes,
flush your eyes with clean water for
at least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention.
NOTICE
[ Do not allow brake fluid to contact
the vehicle’s body paint, as it will
result in paint damage.
[ NEVER use brake fluid which has
been exposed to open air for an
extended time, as its quality cannot
be guaranteed. It should be disposed
of properly.
[ Do not use the wrong type of brake
fluid. A few drops of mineral based
oil in your brake system can damage
brake system parts.
Information
Use only the specified brake fluid (refer
to “Recommended Lubricants and
Capacities” section in chapter 2).
BRAKE FLUID
9-26
Maintenance
Tire Replacement
Tread wear indicatorTread wear indicator
OHI078080
If the tire is worn evenly, a tread
wear indicator will appear as a solid
band across the tread. This shows
there is less than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) of
tread left on the tire. Replace the tire
when this happens.
Do not wait for the band to appear
across the entire tread before
replacing the tire.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of DEATH or
SERIOUS INJURY:
[ Replace tires that are worn, show
uneven wear, or are damaged.
Worn tires can cause loss of
braking effectiveness, steering
control, and traction.
[ Always replace tires with the
same size as each tire that was
originally supplied with this
vehicle. Using tires and wheels
other than the recommended
sizes could cause unusual
handling characteristics, poor
vehicle control, or negatively
affect your vehicle’s Anti-Lock
Brake System (ABS) resulting in a
serious accident.[ When replacing tires (or wheels),
it is recommended to replace
the two front or two rear tires (or
wheels) as a pair. Replacing just
one tire can seriously affect your
vehicle’s handling.
[ Tires degrade over time, even
when they are not being used.
Regardless of the remaining
tread, Genesis Branded Vehicle
recommends that tires be
replaced after six (6) years of
normal service.
[ Heat caused by hot climates or
frequent high loading conditions
can accelerate the aging process.
Failure to follow this warning
may cause sudden tire failure,
which could lead to a loss of
vehicle control resulting in an
accident.
Compact spare tire (if equipped)
replacement
A compact spare tire has a shorter
tread life than a regular size tire.
Replace it when you can see the
tread wear indicator bars on the tire.
The replacement compact spare tire
should be the same size and design
tire as the one provided with your
new vehicle and should be mounted
on the same compact spare tire
wheel. The compact spare tire is
not designed to be mounted on a
regular size wheel, and the compact
spare tire wheel is not designed for
mounting a regular size tire.
9-29
09
4. Genesis exclusive tire
Genesis Branded Vehicle
recommends that tires designed
specifically for Genesis vehicles
be used. You may find the marking
“GOE” (Genesis Original Equipment)
embossed on the tire sidewall.
5. Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers or plies of
rubber-coated fabric in the tire. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the
materials in the tire, which include
steel, nylon, polyester, and others.
The letter “R” means radial ply
construction; the letter “D“ means
diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter “B” means belted-bias
ply construction.
6. Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should be put in
the tire. Do not exceed the maximum
permissible inflation pressure. Refer
to the Tire and Loading Information
label for recommended inflation
pressure.
7. Maximum load rating
This number indicates the maximum
load in kilograms and pounds that
can be carried by the tire. When
replacing the tires on the vehicle,
always use a tire that has the same
load rating as the factory installed
tire.
8. 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
Tr e a d w e a r
The tread wear grade is a
comparative 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
to 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.
9-30
Maintenance
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
highest), 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.
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.
9-34
Maintenance
All Season Tires
Genesis Branded Vehicle specifies
all season tires on some models to
provide good performance for use
all year round, including snowy and
icy road conditions. All season tires
are identified by ALL SEASON and/
or M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire
sidewall. Snow tires have better
snow traction than all season tires
and may be more appropriate in
some areas.
Summer Tires
Genesis Branded Vehicle specifies
summer tires on some models to
provide superior performance on dry
roads. Summer tire performance is
substantially reduced in snow and
ice. Summer tires do not have the
tire traction rating M+S (Mud and
Snow) on the tire side wall. If you
plan to operate your vehicle in snowy
or icy conditions, Genesis Branded
Vehicle recommends the use of
snow tires or all season tires on all
four wheels.
Snow Tires
If you equip your car with snow
tires, they should be the same size
and have the same load capacity as
the original tires. Snow tires should
be installed on all four wheels;
otherwise, poor handling may result.
Snow tires should carry 4 psi (28 kPa)
more air pressure than the pressure
recommended for the standard
tires on the tire label on the driver’s
side of the center pillar, or up to the
maximum pressure shown on the tire
sidewall, whichever is less. Do not
drive faster than 75 mph (120 km/h)
when your vehicle is equipped with
snow tires.
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.
9-35
09
Low Aspect Ratio Tires
(if equipped)
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
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.
9-59
09
High-corrosion areas
If you live in an area where your vehicle is
regularly exposed to corrosive materials,
corrosion protection is particularly
important. Some of the common causes
of accelerated corrosion are road salts,
dust control chemicals, ocean air and
industrial pollution.
Moisture breeds corrosion
Moisture creates the conditions in
which corrosion is most likely to occur.
For example, corrosion is accelerated
by high humidity, particularly when
temperatures are just above freezing. In
such conditions, the corrosive material is
kept in contact with the vehicle surfaces
by moisture that is slow to evaporate.
Mud is particularly corrosive because
it is slow to dry and holds moisture in
contact with the vehicle. Although the
mud appears to be dry, it can still retain
moisture and promote corrosion.
High temperatures can also accelerate
corrosion of parts that are not properly
ventilated so the moisture can be
dispersed. For all these reasons, it is
particularly important to keep your
vehicle clean and free of mud or
accumulations of other materials. This
applies not only to the visible surfaces
but particularly to the underside of the
vehicle.
To help prevent corrosion
Keep your vehicle clean
The best way to prevent corrosion is
to keep your vehicle clean and free of
corrosive materials. Attention to the
underside of the vehicle is particularly
important.
[ 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 vehicle at least once a month
and be sure to clean the underside
thoroughly when winter is over.
[ When cleaning underneath the
vehicle, pay particular 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
accumulated mud and corrosive
materials.
[ 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 accelerate corrosion.