2023 HYUNDAI SONATA tires

While Driving
6-40
ESC OFF condition
To cancel ESC operation: • State 1
Press the ESC OFF button briefly. The
ESC OFF indicator light and message
"Traction Control disabled" will
illuminate. In this state, the traction
control function of ESC (engine
management) is disabled, but the
brake control function of ESC (braking
management) still operates. • State 2
Press and hold the ESC OFF button
continuously for more than 3 seconds.
The ESC OFF indicator light and message
"Traction and Stability Control disabled"
illuminates and a warning chime sounds.
In this state, both the traction control
function of ESC (engine management)
and the brake control function of ESC
(braking management) are disabled.
If the ignition switch is placed to the
LOCK/OFF position when ESC is off, ESC
remains off. Upon restarting the engine,
the ESC will automatically turn on again.
Indicator lights
■ ESC indicator light (blinks)
■ ESC OFF indicator light (comes on)
When the ignition switch is placed to
the ON position, the ESC indicator light
illuminates, then goes off if the ESC
system is operating normally.
The ESC indicator light blinks whenever
the ESC is operating.
If ESC indicator light stays on, your
vehicle may have a malfunction with
the ESC system. When this warning light
illuminates have your vehicle checked by
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
The ESC OFF indicator light comes on
when the ESC is turned off.
WARNING
When the ESC is blinking, this indicates
the ESC is active:
Drive slowly and NEVER attempt to
accelerate. NEVER turn the ESC off
while the ESC indicator light is blinking
or you may lose control of the vehicle
resulting in an accident.
NOTICE
Driving with wheels and tires with
different sizes may cause the ESC
system to malfunction. Before replacing
tires, make sure all four tires and wheels
are the same size. Never drive the
vehicle with different sized wheels and
tires installed.

06
6-41
ESC OFF usage
When Driving
The ESC OFF mode should only be used
briefly to help free the vehicle if stuck in
snow by temporarily stopping operation
of the ESC to maintain wheel torque.
To turn ESC off while driving, press the
ESC OFF button while driving on a flat
road surface.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the transmission: • Do not allow wheel(s) of one axle to
spin excessively while the ESC, ABS,
and parking brake warning lights
are displayed. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Reduce engine power and do not
spin the wheel(s) excessively while
these lights are displayed.
• When operating the vehicle on
a dynamometer, make sure the
ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light
illuminated).
Information
Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS
or standard brake system operation.
Vehicle Stability Management
(VSM)
The Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
is a function of the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system. It helps ensure the
vehicle stays stable when accelerating
or braking suddenly on wet, slippery and
rough roads where traction over the four
tires can suddenly become uneven.
WARNING
Take the following precautions when
using the Vehicle Stability Management
(VSM): • ALWAYS check the speed and the
distance to the vehicle ahead. The
VSM is not a substitute for safe
driving practices.
• Never drive too fast for the road
conditions. The VSM system will not
prevent accidents. Excessive speed
in bad weather, slippery and uneven
roads can result in severe accidents.
VSM operation
VSM ON condition
The VSM operates when:
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is on.
When operating
When you apply your brakes under
conditions which may activate the ESC,
you may hear sounds from the brakes,
or feel a corresponding sensation in the
brake pedal. This is normal and it means
your VSM is active.
NOTICE
The VSM does not operate when: • Driving on a banked road such as
gradient or incline.
• Driving rearward.
• ESC OFF indicator light is on.
• EPS (Electric Power Steering)
warning light (
) is on or blinks.

While Driving
6-42
WARNING
If ESC indicator light (
) or EPS
warning light () stays on or blinks,
your vehicle may have a malfunction
with the VSM system. When the
warning light illuminates, have your
vehicle checked by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
Driving with wheels and tires with
different sizes may cause the ESC system
to malfunction. Before replacing tires,
make sure all four tires and wheels are
the same size. Never drive the vehicle
with different sized tires and wheels
installed.
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
The Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
helps prevent the vehicle from rolling
backwards when starting a vehicle from
a stop on a hill. The system operates the
brakes automatically for approximately
2 seconds and releases the brake after 2
seconds or when the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
WARNING
Always be ready to depress the
accelerator pedal when starting off on
a incline. The HAC activates only for
approximately 2 seconds.
NOTICE
• The HAC does not operate when
the shift button is in P (Park) or N
(Neutral)
• The HAC activates even though the
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is
off but does not activate when the ESC has malfunctioned.
Good Braking Practices
WARNING
Whenever leaving the vehicle or
parking, always come to a complete
stop and continue to depress the brake
pedal. Move the shift button into P
(Park) position, then apply the parking
brake, and place the ignition switch in
the LOCK/OFF position.
Vehicles parked with the parking brake
not applied or not fully engaged may
roll inadvertently and may cause injury
to the driver and others. ALWAYS apply
the parking brake before exiting the
vehicle.
Wet brakes can be dangerous! The
brakes may get wet if the vehicle is
driven through standing water or if it
is washed. Your vehicle will not stop as
quickly if the brakes are wet. Wet brakes
may cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
To dry the brakes, apply the brakes
lightly until the braking action returns to
normal, taking care to keep the vehicle
under control at all times. If the braking
action does not return to normal, stop
as soon as it is safe to do so and call
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for
assistance.
DO NOT drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal. Even light, but constant
pedal pressure can result in the brakes
overheating, brake wear, and possibly
even brake failure.
If a tire goes flat while you are driving,
apply the brakes gently and keep the
vehicle pointed straight ahead while you
slow down. When you are moving slowly
enough for it to be safe to do so, pull off
the road and stop in a safe location.
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal
when the vehicle is stopped to prevent
the vehicle from rolling forward.

06
6-121
WARNING
When using Smart Cruise Control take
the following precautions: • If an emergency stop is necessary,
you must apply the brakes. The
vehicle cannot be stopped at every
emergency situation by using Smart
Cruise Control system.
• Keep a safe distance according to
road conditions and vehicle speed. If
the vehicle to vehicle distance is too close during a high-speed driving, a
serious collision may result.
• Always maintain sufficient braking
distance and decelerate your vehicle
by applying the brakes if necessary.
• Smart Cruise Control system cannot
recognize a stopped vehicle,
pedestrians or an oncoming vehicle.
Always look ahead cautiously to
prevent unexpected and sudden
situations from occurring.
• Vehicles moving in front of you with
a frequent lane change may cause
a delay in the system's reaction or
may cause the system to react to a
vehicle actually in an adjacent lane.
Always drive cautiously to prevent
unexpected and sudden situations
from occurring.
• Always be aware of the selected
speed and vehicle to vehicle
distance. The driver should not solely
rely on the system but always pay
attention to driving conditions and
control your vehicle speed.
• Smart Cruise Control system may not
recognize complex driving situations
so always pay attention to driving
conditions and control your vehicle speed.• Smart Cruise Control system may
recognize a pedestrian, bicycle,
motorcycle, etc. as a vehicle. Always,
look ahead cautiously to prevent
unexpected and sudden situations
from occurring.
• Turn off Smart Cruise Control system
when the vehicle is being towed.
NOTICE
Smart Cruise Control system may not
operate temporarily due to: • Electrical interference
• Modifying the suspension
• Differences of tire abrasion or tire
pressure
• Installing different type of tires
The brake control using Smart Cruise
Control system may make a sound.
Information
This device complies with Industry Canada RSS-210 standard. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

While Driving
6-150
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 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 automatic
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 56 km/h (35
mph).
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.
special Driving conDitions

06
6-151
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 headlamps.
• Keep your headlamps clean and
properly aimed. Dirty or improperly
aimed headlamps will make it much
more difficult to see at night.
• Avoid staring directly at the
headlamps 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 1.6mm (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 replacement" in
chapter 8.
• Turn on your headlamps 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 replacement” in chapter 8.

While Driving
6-152
Driving in Flooded Areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas
unless you are sure the water is no
higher than the bottom of the wheel hub.
Drive through any water slowly. Allow
adequate stopping distance because
brake performance may be reduced.
After driving through water, dry the
brakes by gently applying them several
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
Highway Driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation, as specified.
Under-inflation may overheat or damage
the tires.
Do not install worn-out or damaged tires,
which may reduce traction or adversely
affect vehicle handling. This could lead
to sudden tire failure that may cause
loss of vehicle control resulting in an
accident.
Information
Never over-inflate your tires above the
maximum inflation pressure, as specified
on your tires.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
Driving at higher speeds on the highway
consumes more fuel and is less efficient
than driving at a slower, more moderate
speed. Maintain a moderate speed in
order to conserve fuel when driving on
the highway.
Be sure to check both the engine coolant
level and the engine oil before driving.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may
overheat the engine.

06
6-153
The severe weather conditions of winter
quickly wear out tires and cause other
problems. To minimize winter driving
problems, you should take the following
suggestions:
Snow or Icy Conditions
You need to keep sufficient distance
between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you.
Apply the brakes gently. Speeding, rapid
acceleration, sudden brake applications,
and sharp turns are potentially
very hazardous practices. During
deceleration, use engine braking to the
fullest extent. Sudden brake applications
on snowy or icy roads may cause the
vehicle to skid.
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it
may be necessary to use snow tires.
Always carry emergency equipment.
Some of the items you may want to carry
include tow straps or chains, a flashlight,
emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper
cables, a window scraper, gloves, ground
cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.
Snow tires
WARNING
Snow tires should be equivalent in size
and type to the vehicle’s standard tires.
Otherwise, the safety and handling of
your vehicle may be adversely affected.
If you mount snow tires on your vehicle,
make sure to use radial tires of the same
size and load range as the original tires.
Mount snow tires on all four wheels
to balance your vehicle’s handling in
all weather conditions. The traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your vehicle's
original equipment tires. Check with
the tire dealer for maximum speed
recommendations.
Information
Do not install studded tires without first checking local, country and municipal
regulations for possible restrictions against
their use.
winter Driving