2023 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Chapter 5

Driving Your Vehicle6-18
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backw
ard.
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you
may damage the transmission if you
shift into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
in motion.
N (Neutral)
The wheels and transmission are not
engaged.
U

se N (Neutral) if you need to restart a
stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop
with the engine ON. Shift into P (Park)
if you need to leave your vehicle for any
reason.
Always depress the brake pedal when
you are shifting from N (Neutral) to
another gear.
WARNING
Do not shift into gear unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal. Shifting into
gear when the engine is running at high
speed can cause the vehicle to move
very rapidly. You could lose control of
the vehicle and hit people or objects. D (Drive)
This is the normal driving position. The
tr

ansmission will automatically shift,
providing the best fuel economy and
power. For extra power when passing
another vehicle or driving uphill depress
the accelerator pedal further until you
feel the transmission downshift to a
lower gear.
The DRIVE MODE switch, located on the
shift lever console, allows the driver to
switch from NORMAL mode to ECO or
SPORT mode (if equipped).
For more information, refer to "Drive
Mode Integrated Control System" later
in this chapter.

06
6-27
Transmission overheated

[If the v
ehicle continues to be driven
and the clutch temperatures reach
the maximum temperature limit, the
"Transmission hot! Park with engine
On" warning will be displayed. When
this occurs the clutch is disabled
until the clutch cools to normal
temperatures.

[ The warning will display a time to wait
for the transmission to cool.

[ If this occurs, pull over to a safe
location, stop the vehicle with the
engine running, apply the brakes and
shift the vehicle to P (Park), and allow
the transmission to cool.

[ When the message "Transmission
cooled down. Resume driving"
appears you can continue to drive
your vehicle.

[ When possible, drive the vehicle
smoothly.
If any of the warning messages in the
LCD display continue to blink, for your
safety, contact an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer and have the system checked.
Transmission ranges
The indicator in the instrument cluster
displays the shift lever position when the
ignition switch is in the ON position.
P (Park)
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting in
to P (Park).
To shift from P (Park), you must depress
firmly on the brake pedal and make sure
your foot is off the accelerator pedal.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot shift the lever out of P
(Park), see "Shift-Lock Release" in this
chapter.
The shift lever must be in P (Park) before
turning the engine off.
WARNING

[ Shifting into P (Park) while the
vehicle is in motion may cause you to
lose control of the vehicle.

[ After the vehicle has stopped, always
make sure the shift lever is in P
(Park), apply the parking brake, and
turn the engine off.

[ Do not use the P (Park) position in
place of the parking brake.

Driving Your Vehicle6-28
R (Reverse)
Use this position to drive the vehicle
backw
ard.
NOTICE
Always come to a complete stop before
shifting into or out of R (Reverse); you
may damage the transaxle if you shift
into R (Reverse) while the vehicle is in
motion.
N (Neutral)
The wheels and transaxle are not
engaged.
U

se N (Neutral) if you need to restart a
stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop
with the engine ON. Shift into P (Park)
if you need to leave your vehicle for any
reason.
Always depress the brake pedal when
you are shifting from N (Neutral) to
another gear.
D (Drive)
This is the normal driving position. The
tr
ansmission will automatically shift
through a 7-gear sequence, providing the
best fuel economy and power.
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or driving uphill, depress the
accelerator fully. The transmission will
automatically downshift to the next
lower gear (or gears, as appropriate).
The DRIVE MODE switch, located on the
shift lever console, allows the driver to
switch from NORMAL mode to ECO or
SPORT mode (if equipped)
For more information, refer to "Drive
Mode Integrated Control System" later
in this chapter.
WARNING

[ Do not shift into gear unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal.
Shifting into gear when the engine
is running at high speed can cause
the vehicle to move very rapidly. You
may lose control of the vehicle and
cause accidents.

[ Do not drive with the shift lever in N
(Neutral). The engine brake will not
work and may lead to an accident.
NOTICE
Always make sure the vehicle is
stationary, at a complete stop, before
selecting D (Drive).

Driving Your Vehicle6-46
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
(if equipped)
OCN7060021
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system helps to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering maneuvers. ESC checks
where you are steering and where the
vehicle is actually going. ESC applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle's brakes and intervenes in the
engine management system to assist the
driver with keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. It is not a substitute for
safe driving practices. Always adjust your
speed and driving to the road conditions.
WARNING
Never drive too fast for the road
conditions or too quickly when
cornering. The ESC system will not
prevent accidents.
Excessive speed in turns, abrupt
maneuvers, and hydroplaning on wet
surfaces can result in severe accidents.
ESC operation
ESC ON condition
When the ignition switch is in the
ON position, the ESC and the ESC
OFF indica
tor lights illuminate for
approximately three seconds. After both
lights go off, the ESC is enabled.
When operating
When the ESC is in operation,
the ESC indicator light blinks:

[ When you apply your brakes under
conditions which may lock the wheels,
you may hear sounds from the brakes,
or feel a corresponding sensation in
the brake pedal. This is normal and it
means your ESC is active.

[ When the ESC activates, the engine
may not respond to the accelerator as
it does under routine conditions.

[ If the Cruise Control was in use when
the ESC activates, the Cruise Control
automatically disengages. The Cruise
Control can be reengaged when the
road conditions allow. See "Cruise
Control System" later in this chapter.
(if equipped)

[ When moving out of the mud or
driving on a slippery road, the engine
RPM (revolutions per minute) may
not increase even if you press the
accelerator pedal deeply. This is to
maintain the stability and traction of
the vehicle and does not indicate a
problem.

Driving Your Vehicle6-58
Hazardous Driving Conditions
When hazardous driving elements
are encountered such as water, snow,
ice, mud and sand, take the below
suggestions:

[ Drive cautiously and keep a longer
braking distance.

[ Avoid abrupt braking or steering.

[ When your vehicle is stuck in
snow, mud, or sand, use second
gear. Accelerate slowly to avoid
unnecessary wheel spin.

[ Put sand, rock salt, tire chains or other
non-slip materials under the wheels to
provide additional traction while the
vehicle becomes stuck in ice, snow,
or mud.
WARNING
Downshifting with an intelligent
variable transmission while driving on
slippery surfaces can cause an accident.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. Be careful when
downshifting on slippery surfaces.
Rocking the Vehicle
If it is necessary to rock the vehicle to
free it from snow, sand, or mud, first turn
the steering wheel right and left to clear
the area around your front wheels. Then,
shift back and forth between R (Reverse)
and a forward gear.
Try to avoid spinning the wheels, and do
not race the engine.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until
the wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator pedal
while shifting, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal while the transmission
is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that may free the vehicle.
WARNING
If the vehicle is stuck and excessive
wheel spin occurs, the temperature
of the tires can increase very quickly.
If the tires become damaged, a tire
blow out or tire explosion can occur.
This condition is dangerous - you and
others may be injured. Do not attempt
this procedure if people or objects are
anywhere near the vehicle.
If you attempt to free the vehicle, the
vehicle can overheat quickly, possibly
causing an engine compartment fire
or other damage. Try to avoid spinning
the wheels as much as possible to
prevent overheating of either the tires
or the engine. DO NOT allow the vehicle
to spin the wheels above 35 mph (56
km/h).
Information
The ESC system must be turned OFF
before rocking the vehicle.
NOTICE
If you are still stuck after rocking the
vehicle a few times, have the vehicle
pulled out by a tow vehicle to avoid
engine overheating, possible damage to
the transmission, and tire damage. See
"Towing" in chapter 7.
63(&,$/'5,9,1*&21',7,216

06
6-59
Smooth Cornering
Avoid braking or gear changing in
corners, especially when roads are wet.
Ideally, corners should always be taken
under gentle acceleration.
Driving at Night
Night driving presents more hazards than
driving in the daylight. Here are some
important tips to remember:

[Slow down and keep more distance
between you and other vehicles, as it
may be more difficult to see at night,
especially in areas where there may
not be any street lights.

[ Adjust your mirrors to reduce the glare
from other driver's headlights.

[ Keep your headlights clean and
properly aimed. Dirty or improperly
aimed headlights will make it much
more difficult to see at night.

[ Avoid staring directly at the headlights
of oncoming vehicles. You could be
temporarily blinded, and it will take
several seconds for your eyes to
readjust to the darkness.
Driving in the Rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving
dangerous. Here are a few things to
consider when driving in the rain or on
slick pavement:

[Slow down and allow extra following
distance. A heavy rainfall makes
it harder to see and increases the
distance needed to stop your vehicle.

[ Turn OFF your Cruise Control.

[ Replace your windshield wiper blades
when they show signs of streaking or
missing areas on the windshield.

[ Tires should be properly maintained
with at least 2/32nds of an inch of
tread depth. If your tires do not have
enough tread, making a quick stop on
wet pavement can cause a skid and
possibly lead to an accident. See "Tire
Tread" in chapter 8.

[ Turn on your headlights to make it
easier for others to see you.

[ Driving too fast through large puddles
can affect your brakes. If you must go
through puddles, try to drive through
them slowly.

[ If you believe your brakes may be wet,
apply them lightly while driving until
normal braking operation returns.
Hydroplaning
If the road is wet enough and you are
going fast enough, your vehicle may
have little or no contact with the road
surface and actually ride on the water.
The best advice is SLOW DOWN when
the road is wet.
The risk of hydroplaning increases as
the depth of tire tread decreases, refer
to "Tire Tread" in chapter 8.

Driving Your Vehicle6-62
Information

[ Install tire chains on both left and right
front tires. It should be noted that
installing tire chains on the tires will
provide a greater driving force, but will
not prevent side skids.

[ Do not install studded tires without
first checking local, state and municipal
regulations for possible restrictions
against their use.
Chain installation
When installing tire chains, follow the
manuf
acturer’s instructions and mount
them as tightly possible. Drive slowly
(less than 20 mph (30 km/h)) with
chains installed. If you hear the chains
contacting the body or chassis, stop and
tighten them. If they still make contact,
slow down until the noise stops. Remove
the tire chains as soon as you begin
driving on cleared roads.
When mounting snow chains, park the
vehicle on level ground away from traffic.
Turn on the vehicle Hazard Warning
Flasher and place a triangular emergency
warning device behind the vehicle (if
available). Always place the vehicle in P
(Park), apply the parking brake and turn
off the engine before installing snow
chains.
NOTICE
When using tire chains:

[ Wrong size chains or improperly
installed chains can damage your
vehicle's brake lines, suspension,
body and wheels.

[ Use SAE "S" class or wire chains.

[ If you hear noise caused by chains
contacting the body, retighten the
chain to prevent contact with the
vehicle body.

[ To prevent body damage, retighten
the chains after driving 0.3~0.6 miles
(0.5~1.0 km).

[ Do not use tire chains on vehicles
equipped with aluminum wheels. If
unavoidable, use a wire type chain.

[ Use wire chains less than 0.59 inch
(15mm) wide to prevent damage to
the chain’s connection.
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 of
coolant that should be used because it
helps prevent corrosion in the cooling
system, lubricates the water pump and
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or
replenish your coolant in accordance
with the maintenance schedule in
chapter 8. Before winter, have your
coolant tested to assure that its freezing
point is sufficient for the temperatures
anticipated during the winter.
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 chapter 8
for recommendations. If you aren't sure
what weight oil you should use, consult
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

06
6-63
Check battery and cables
Winter puts additional burdens on the
battery system. Visually inspect the
battery and cables as described in
chapter 8. The level of charge in your
battery can be checked by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer or a service station.
Check spark plugs and ignition
system
Inspect your spark plugs as described in
chapter 8 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.
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 instructions on the
container.
Window washer anti-freeze is available
from an authorized HYUNDAI dealer
and most auto parts outlets. Do not
use engine coolant or other types of
antifreeze as these may damage the
paint finish.
Do not let your parking brake freeze
Under some conditions your parking
brake can freeze in the engaged position.
This is most likely to happen when
there is an accumulation of snow or
ice around or near the rear brakes or
if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk
the parking brake may freeze, apply
it only temporarily while you put the
gear selector lever in P and block the
rear wheels so the car cannot roll. Then
release the parking brake.
Do not let ice and snow accumulate
underneath
Under some conditions, snow and ice
can build up under the fenders and
interfere with the steering. When driving
in severe winter conditions where this
may happen, you should periodically
check underneath the car to be sure the
movement of the front wheels and the
steering components is not obstructed.
Don't place foreign objects
or materials in the engine
compartment
Placement of foreign object or materials
which prevent cooling of the engine, in
the engine compartment, may cause a
failure or combustion. The manufacturer
is not responsible for the damage caused
by such placement.
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 heated key with care to avoid injury.
Drive your vehicle when water vapor
condenses and accumulates inside
the exhaust pipes
When the vehicle is stopped for a
long time in winter while the engine is
running, water vapor may condense and
accumulate inside the exhaust pipes.
Water in the exhaust pipes may cause
noise, etc., but it is drained driving at
medium to high speed.