HYUNDAI SANTA FE 2023 Owners Manual

09
9-35
Tire rotation
To equalize tread wear, HYUNDAI
recommends that the tires
be rotated according to the
maintenance schedule or sooner if
irregular wear develops.
During rotation, check the tires for
correct balance.
When rotating tires, check for
uneven wear and damage. Abnormal
wear is usually caused by incorrect
tire pressure, improper wheel
alignment, out-of-balance wheels,
severe braking or severe cornering.
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. After rotation, be
sure to bring the front and rear tire
pressures to specification and check
wheel bolt tightness (proper torque
is 101~116 lbf.ft [14~16 kgf.m]).
OHI078078
Disc brake pads should be inspected
for wear whenever tires are rotated.
Information
The outside and inside of the
unsymmetrical tire is distinguishable.
When installing an unsymmetrical
tire, be sure to install the side marked
“outside” face the outside. If the side
marked “inside” is installed on the
outside, it will have a negative effect
on vehicle performance.
WARNING

[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 resulting in
an accident.

Maintenance9-36
Wheel alignment and tire
balance
The wheels on your vehicle were
aligned and balanced carefully at the
factory to give you the longest tire
life and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to
have your wheels aligned again.
However, if you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling one way
or the other, the alignment may need
to be reset.
If you notice your vehicle vibrating
when driving on a smooth road, your
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
NOTICE
Incorrect wheel weights can
damage your vehicle’s aluminum
wheels. Use only approved wheel
weights.
Tire replacement
Tread wear indicatorTread wear indicator
OHI078080
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 1/16 inch (1.6mm) 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.
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.

[ 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 can 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 of normal service.

[ 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.

09
9-37
Compact spare tire replacement
(if equipped)
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 50 mph
(80 km/h) when using the compact
spare tire.
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 tread wear indicators
appear. 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.

Maintenance9-38
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.
OHI078081
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.)
235/60R18 102H
235 - Tire width in millimeters.
60 - Aspect ratio. The tire’s section
height as a percentage of its
width.
R - Tire construction code (Radial).
18 - Rim diameter in inches.
102 - 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. The
following explains what the letters
and numbers in the wheel size
designation mean.
Example wheel size designation:
7.5J X 18
7.5 - Rim width in inches.
J - Rim contour designation.
18 -
Rim diameter in inches.

09
9-39
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 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)
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 ones. 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 1522 represents that
the tire was produced in the 15th
week of 2022. 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.
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.

Maintenance9-40
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:
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 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.
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. Grades
B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required
by law.

09
9-41
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 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.

Maintenance9-42
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
pounds (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.

09
9-43
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 lb.
(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 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 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.

Maintenance9-44
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.
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 4
psi (28 kPa) 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 75 mph (120 km/h) 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.