2023 HYUNDAI SONATA wheel

08
8-41
Tire Replacement
Tread wear indicatorTread wear indicator
OLMB073027
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 1.6 mm (2/32 inch) of tread left
on the tire. Replace the tire when this happens.
Do not wait for the tread surface to
become level with the tread wear
indicators 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. •
Tires degrade over time, even when
they are not being used. Regardless
of the remaining tread, HYUNDAI
recommends that tires be replaced
after six (6) years of normal service.
• When replacing tires, it is
recommended to replace the two
front or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If
only replacing one pair of tires, it is
recommended to install the pair of
new tires on the rear axle.
• 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 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.
WARNING
The original tire should be repaired or
replaced as soon as possible to avoid
failure of the spare and loss of vehicle
control resulting in an accident. The
compact spare tire is for emergency
use only. Do not operate your vehicle
over 80 km/h (50 mph) when using the
compact spare tire.

Maintenance
8-42
Wheel Replacement
When replacing the metal wheels for any
reason, make sure the new wheels are
equivalent to the original factory units in
diameter, rim width and offset.
Tire Traction
Tire traction can be reduced if you drive
on worn tires, tires that are improperly
inflated or on slippery road surfaces.
Tires should be replaced when the tread
depth is at least 1.6 mm (2/32 inch). To
reduce the possibility of losing control,
slow down whenever there is rain, snow
or ice on the road.
Tire Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation, correct
wheel alignment helps to decrease tire
wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly,
have your dealer check the wheel
alignment.
When you have new tires installed,
make sure they are balanced. This will
increase vehicle ride comfort and tire
life. Additionally, a tire should always
be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
This information identifies and describes
the fundamental characteristics of
the tire and also provides the tire
identification number (TIN) for safety
standard certification. The TIN can be
used to identify the tire in case of a
recall.
OLMB073028
1. Manufacturer or brand name
Manufacturer or brand name is shown.
2. Tire size designation
A tire’s sidewall is marked with a tire
size designation. You will need this
information when selecting replacement
tires for your car. The following explains
what the letters and numbers in the tire
size designation mean.
Example tire size designation:
(These numbers are provided as an
example only; your tire size designator
could vary depending on your vehicle.) 205/65R16 95H
205 - Tire width in millimeters.
65 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section height as a percentage of its width.
R - Tire construction code (Radial).
16 - Rim diameter in inches.
95 - Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load
the tire can carry.
H - Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for
additional information.

08
8-43
Wheel size designation
Wheels are also marked with important
information that you need if you ever
have to replace one. The following
explains what the letters and numbers in
the wheel size designation mean.
Example wheel size designation:6.5J X 16
6.5 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
16 - Rim diameter in inches.
Tire speed ratings
The chart below lists many of the
different speed ratings currently being
used for passenger vehicle tires. The
speed rating is part of the tire size
designation on the sidewall of the tire.
This symbol corresponds to that tire’s
designed maximum safe operating speed.
Speed Rating Symbol Maximum Speed
S 180 km/h (112 mph)
T 190 km/h (118 mph)
H 210 km/h (130 mph)
V 240 km/h (149 mph)
W 270 km/h (168 mph) Y 300 km/h (186 mph) 3. Checking tire life (TIN : Tire
Identification Number)
Any tires that are over six years old,
based on the manufacturing date,
(including the spare tire) should be
replaced by new tires. You can find the
manufacturing date on the tire sidewall
(possibly on the inside of the wheel),
displaying the DOT Code. The DOT Code
is a series of numbers on a tire consisting
of numbers and English letters. The
manufacturing date is designated by the
last four digits (characters) of the DOT code.
DOT : XXXX XXXX OOOO
The front part of the DOT shows a plant
code number, tire size and tread pattern
and the last four numbers indicate week
and year manufactured.
For example:
DOT XXXX XXXX 1421 represents that the
tire was produced in the 14th week of 2021.
4. 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.

08
8-45
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.
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 kilopascal (kPa) or pounds
per square inch (psi).
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 kilopascals (kPa) or pounds
per square inch (psi) 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.

08
8-47
Pneumatic tire
A mechanical device made of rubber,
chemicals, fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when mounted on an
automotive wheel provides the traction
and contains the gas or fluid that
sustains the load.
Pneumatic options weight
The combined weight of installed regular
production options weighing over 2.3
kg (5 lb.) in excess of the standard items
which they replace, not previously
considered in curb weight or accessory
weight, including heavy duty breaks, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard.
Radial Ply Tire
A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread. Rim
A metal support for a tire and upon
which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
The portion of a tire between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire
indicating the maximum speed at which
a tire can operate.
Traction
The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip
provided.
Tread
The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
Narrow bands, sometimes called “wear
bars”, that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of tread
remains.
UTQGS
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards
is a tire information system that provides
consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire
manufacturers using government testing
procedures. The ratings are molded into
the sidewall of the tire.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
The number of designated seating
positions multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs.)
plus the rated cargo and luggage load.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire due to curb
and accessory weight plus maximum
occupant and cargo weight.
Vehicle Normal Load on the Tire
Load on an individual tire that is
determined by distributing to each axle
its share of the curb weight, accessory
weight, and normal occupant weight and
dividing by 2.
Vehicle Placard
A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the original equipment
tire size and recommended inflation
pressure.

Maintenance
8-48
All Season Tires
HYUNDAI 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
HYUNDAI 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, HYUNDAI 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 28
kPa (4 psi) 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 120 km/h (75 mph) 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.

08
8-49
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 3,000km (1,800
miles).
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.

Maintenance
8-66
Repairing your vehicle’s finish
Deep scratches or stone chips in the
painted surface must be repaired
promptly. Exposed metal will quickly
rust and may develop into a major repair
expense.
NOTICE
If your vehicle is damaged and requires
any metal repair or replacement,
be sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to the parts
repaired or replaced.
NOTICE
Matte paint finish vehicle (if equipped)
In case of matte paint finish vehicles,
it is impossible to modify only the
damaged area and repair of the whole
part is necessary. If the vehicle is
damaged and painting is required,
we recommend that you have your
vehicle maintained and repaired by
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. Take
extreme care, as it is difficult to restore
the quality after the repair.
Bright-metal maintenance • To remove road tar and insects, use
a tar remover, not a scraper or other sharp object.
• To protect the surfaces of bright metal
parts from corrosion, apply a coating
of wax or chrome preservative and rub
to a high luster.
• During winter weather or in coastal
areas, cover the bright metal parts
with a heavier coating of wax or
preservative. If necessary, coat the
parts with non-corrosive petroleum
jelly or other protective compound. Underbody maintenance
Corrosive materials used for ice and
snow removal and dust control may
collect on the underbody. If these
materials are not removed, accelerated
rusting can occur on underbody parts
such as the fuel lines, frame, floor pan
and exhaust system, even though they
have been treated with rust protection.
Thoroughly flush the vehicle underbody
and wheel openings with lukewarm or
cold water once a month, after off-road
driving and at the end of each winter. Pay
special attention to these areas because
it is difficult to see all the mud and dirt.
It will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it. The lower edges of doors, rocker
panels, and frame members have drain
holes that should not be allowed to clog
with dirt; trapped water in these areas
can cause rusting.
WARNING
After washing the vehicle, test the
brakes while driving slowly to see if
they have been affected by water. If
braking performance is impaired, dry
the brakes by applying them lightly
while maintaining a slow forward speed.
Aluminum wheel maintenance
The aluminum wheels are coated with a
clear protective finish.