2023 HYUNDAI SONATA air condition

08
8-29
Checking the Brake Fluid Level
ODN8089005
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 mileage. This is a
normal condition associated with the
wear of the brake linings. If the fluid level
is excessively low, have the brake system
checked by an authorized HYUNDAI
dealer.
WARNING
If the brake system requires frequent
additions of fluid this could indicate
a leak in the brake system. Have the
vehicle inspected by an authorized
HYUNDAI dealer.
WARNING
Do not allow brake fluid to come in
contact with your eyes. If brake fluid
comes in contact with 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 paint
damage will result.
• Brake fluid, which has been exposed
to open air for an extended time should NEVER be used as its quality
cannot be guaranteed. It should be
disposed of properly.
• Do not use the wrong kind of brake
fluid. A few drops of mineral based
oil, such as engine oil, in your brake
system can damage brake system parts.
Information
Use only the specified brake fluid (refer to “Recommended Lubricants and
Capacities” in chapter 2).
BraKE fLUiD

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
8-44
5. 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.
6. 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.
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:TREAD WEAR 200
TRACTION AA
TEMPERATURE A
Tread wear
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.

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.

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.

08
8-67
NOTICE
• Do not use abrasive cleaner,
polishing compound, solvent, or wire brushes on aluminum wheels.
• Clean the wheel when it has cooled.
• Use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent, and rinse thoroughly with
water. Also, clean the wheels after
driving on salted roads.
• Do not wash the wheels with high-
speed car wash brushes.
• Do not use any cleaners containing
acid or alkaline detergents.
Corrosion protection
Protecting your vehicle from corrosion
By using the most advanced design
and construction practices to combat
corrosion, HYUNDAI produces vehicles
of the highest quality. However, this is
only part of the job. To achieve the long-
term corrosion resistance your vehicle
can deliver, the owner’s cooperation and
assistance is also required.
Common causes of corrosion
The most common causes of corrosion
on your vehicle are: • Road salt, dirt and moisture that is
allowed to accumulate underneath
the vehicle.
• Removal of paint or protective
coatings by stones, gravel, abrasion
or minor scrapes and dents which
leave unprotected metal exposed to
corrosion.
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 car 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 the
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.

Maintenance
8-72
•
Do not operate the engine in confined
or closed areas (such as garages) any
more than what is necessary to move
the vehicle in or out of the area.
• When the vehicle is stopped in an
open area for more than a short time
with the engine running, adjust the
ventilation system (as needed) to draw
outside air into the vehicle.
• Never sit in a parked or stopped
vehicle for any extended time with the engine running.
• When the engine stalls or fails to
start, excessive attempts to restart
the engine may cause damage to the
emission control system.
Operating precautions for catalytic
converters (if equipped)
WARNING
The exhaust system and catalytic
converter are very hot during and
immediately after the engine has been
running. To avoid SERIOUS INJURY or
DEATH: • Do not park, idle, or drive the vehicle
over or near flammable objects, such
as grass, vegetation, paper, leaves,
etc. A hot exhaust system can ignite
flammable items under your vehicle.
• Keep away from the exhaust system
and catalytic converter or you may
get burned.
Also, do not remove the heat sink
around the exhaust system, do not
seal the bottom of the vehicle, and
do not coat the vehicle for corrosion
control. It may present a fire risk
under certain conditions. Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter emission control device.
To prevent damage to the catalytic
converter and to your vehicle, take the
following precautions: •
Use only UNLEADED FUEL for gasoline engines.
• Do not operate the vehicle when
there are signs of engine malfunction,
such as misfire or a noticeable loss of
performance.
• Do not misuse or abuse the engine.
Examples of misuse are coasting with
the engine off and descending steep
grades in gear with the engine off.
• Do not operate the engine at high
idle speed for extended periods (5
minutes or more).
• Do not modify or tamper with any
part of the engine or emission
control system. All inspections and
adjustments must be made by an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
• Avoid driving with extremely low
fuel level. If you run out of gasoline,
it could cause the engine to misfire
and result in excessive loading of the
catalytic converter.