Tires and Wheels

Tire failure may cause loss of vehicle control and result in a collision. To reduce risk of serious injury or death:

Inspect your tires monthly for proper inflation as well as wear and damage.
The recommended cold tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in this manual and on the tire label located on the driver's side center pillar. Always use a tire pressure gauge to measure tire pressure. Tires with too much or too little pressure wear unevenly causing poor handling.
Check the pressure of the spare every time you check the pressure of the other tires on your vehicle.
Replace tires that are worn, show uneven wear, or are damaged. Worn tires may cause loss of braking effectiveness, steering control, or traction.
Always replace tires with the same size, type, construction, and tread pattern as each tire that was originally supplied with this vehicle. Using tires and wheels other than the recommended sizes may cause unusual handling characteristics, poor vehicle control, or negatively affect your vehicle's Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).

Tire Care

For proper maintenance, safety, and maximum fuel economy, always maintain the recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the load limits and weight distribution recommended for your vehicle.

All specifications (sizes and pressures) can be found on a label attached to the driver's side center pillar.

For more information on the label, refer to The Loading Information Label.

Recommended cold tire inflation pressures

Check all tire pressures (including the spare) when the tires are cold. 'Cold tires' mean the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Recommended pressures must be maintained for the best ride, vehicle handling, and minimum tire wear.
Over-inflation or under-inflation can reduce tire life, adversely affect vehicle handling, and lead to sudden tire failure that may result in loss of vehicle control resulting in a collision.
Severe under-inflation may lead to severe heat build-up, causing blowouts, tread separation, and other tire failures that result in loss of vehicle control resulting in a collision. This risk is much higher on hot days and when driving for a long time at high speeds.
Under-inflation may cause excessive wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel economy. Wheel deformation is also possible. Keep your tire pressures at the proper levels. If a tire frequently needs refilling, have it inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Over-inflation produces a harsh ride, excessive wear at the center of the tire tread, and a greater possibility of damage from road hazards.

Warm tires normally exceed the recommended cold tire pressures by 4 to 6 psi (28 to 41 kPa). Do not release air from warm tires to adjust the pressure. The tires are under-inflated. For the recommended inflation pressure, refer to Tires and Wheels.

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.

Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or brand name is shown.

Tire size designation

A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You need this information when selecting replacement tires for your vehicle.

Example tire size designation:

(These numbers are provided as an example only. Your tire size designator may vary depending on your vehicle.)

235/65 R18 106H
- 235 - Tire width in millimeters.
- 65 - Aspect ratio. The tire's section height as a percentage of its width.
- R - Tire construction code (Radial).
- 18 - Rim diameter in inches.
- 106 - 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.

Wheel size designation

Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one.

Example wheel size designation:

8.0J X 18
- 8.0 - Rim width in inches.
- J - Rim contour designation.
- 18 - Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed ratings

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	112 mph (180 km/h)
T	118 mph (190 km/h)
H	130 mph (210 km/h)
V	149 mph (240 km/h)
W	168 mph (270 km/h)
Y	186 mph (300 km/h)

Checking tire life (TIN)

Any tires that are over six years old, based on the manufacturing date, (including the spare tire) must be replaced by new ones. You can find the manufacturing date on the tire sidewall (possibly on the inside of the wheel), displaying the DOT Code. The manufacturing date is designated by the last four digits (characters) of the DOT code. The front part of the DOT shows a plant code number, tire size, and tread pattern and the last four numbers indicate the week and year manufactured.

Example DOT:

DOT XXXX XXXX 1525

15: the week of manufacture
25: the year of manufacture

Tire ply composition and material

This indicates 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.

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.

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.

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to DOT standards.

Uniform tire quality grading

Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width.

Example tire quality grading:

TREADWEAR 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 depending on the 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.

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 may cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature may lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

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, may cause heat build-up and possible sudden tire failure.

Check tire inflation pressure

Check your tires, including the spare tire (if equipped), at least once a month. Use a good quality tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated when they are under- inflated.

How to check

Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gauge firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement.
- If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the tire and loading information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
- If the pressure is low, add air until it reaches the recommended pressure.
- If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gauge.
Put the valve caps back on the valve stems. Without the valve cap, dirt or moisture may get into the valve core and cause air leakage. If a valve cap is missing, install a new one as soon as possible.

Wheel alignment and tire balance

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory, and you may not need to have your wheels aligned again. If you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling to one side, the alignment may need to be adjusted.

If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need to be rebalanced.

Only use approved wheel weights or your vehicle's aluminum wheels may be damaged.

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps decrease the 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 may increase ride comfort and tire life. Additionally, a tire must always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel.

Tire replacement

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator appears 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.

Tire traction

Tire traction can be reduced if you drive on worn tires or the tires that are improperly inflated, or on slippery road surfaces. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators appear. To reduce the possibility of losing control, slow down whenever there is rain, snow, or ice on the road.

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death:

Replace tires that are worn, show uneven wear, or are damaged. Worn tires may 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 may cause unusual handling characteristics, poor vehicle control, or negatively affect your vehicle's Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).
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 may seriously affect your vehicle's handling.
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.
Driving in hot climates or excessive loading may accelerate the tire aging process.

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 rotation

To equalize tread wear, HYUNDAI recommends that the tires be rotated according to the maintenance schedule or sooner if irregular wear develops.

When rotating tires, check for correct balance, uneven wear, and damage.

Look for bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find any of these conditions. Replace the tire if fabric or cord is visible. Disc brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever tires are rotated.

After rotation, be sure to bring the front and rear tire pressures to specification and check wheel nut torque (proper torque is 79.6-94.0 lbf.ft [11.0-13.0 kgf.m]).

Do not use the compact spare tire for tire rotation.
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 and result in a collision.

When installing an unsymmetrical tire, install the side marked 'outside' facing out.

Understanding Tires

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.

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.

Snow tires

If you plan to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, HYUNDAI recommends the use of snow tires on all four wheels.

If you use 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 located on the driver's side 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.

Snow tires have better snow traction than all season tires and may be more appropriate in some areas.

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 to use identical radial-ply tires as a pair for the front tires and 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.

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 and result in a collision.

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.

Low aspect wheels and tires are easily damaged. To reduce the risk of damage:

When driving on rough roads, passing over a pothole, speed bump, manhole, or curb stone, drive the vehicle slowly not to damage the tires and wheels. Damage is not covered by your vehicle warranty.
Inspect the tire condition and pressure every 1,800 mi. (3,000 km).
It is difficult to visually inspect for tire damage with your eyes. If any damage is found, contact your authorized HYUNDAI dealer to replace the tire.

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.
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 pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) 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.
DOT markings: A code molded into the sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front Axle.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle.
Intended outboard sidewall: The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT) tire: A tire designated by its manufacturer as primarily intended for use on lightweight trucks or multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load ratings: The maximum load that a tire is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
Load index: An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum inflation pressure: The maximum air pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum load rating: The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum loaded vehicle weight: The sum of curb weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight; and production options weight.
Normal occupant weight: The number of occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg).
Occupant distribution: Designated seating positions.
Outward facing sidewall: An asymmetrical tire has a particular side that faces outward when mounted on a vehicle. The outward facing sidewall bears white lettering or bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on the inner facing sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) tire: A tire used on passenger cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Ply: A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.
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 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) 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 1/16 in. 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 150 lbs. (68 kg) 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.