Hyundai Tiburon 2008 Owner's Manual

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
12
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ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)C120A03A-AAT(If installed)The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) is designed
to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking
or on hazardous road surfaces. The ABS con-
trol module monitors the wheel speed and con-
trols the pressure applied to each brake. Thus,
in emergency situations or on slick roads, ABS
will increase vehicle control during braking.NOTE:o A click sound may be heard in the engine
compartment when the vehicle begins
to move after the engine is started. These
conditions are normal and indicate that
the anti-lock brake system (Electronic
Stability Program) is functioning prop-
erly.
o During ABS operation, a slight pulsation
may be felt in the brake pedal when the
brakes are applied. Also, a noise may be
heard in the engine compartment while
braking. These conditions are normal
and indicate that the anti-lock brake
system is functioning properly.
WARNING:
ABS will not prevent accidents due to im-
proper or dangerous driving maneuvers.
Even though vehicle control is improved
during emergency braking, always main-
tain a safe distance between you and ob-
jects ahead. Vehicle speeds should always
be reduced during extreme road condi-
tions.
The braking distance for cars equipped
with an anti-lock braking system may be
longer than for those without it in the
following road conditions.
During these conditions the vehicle should
be driven at reduced speeds.
o Rough, gravel or snow-covered roads.
o With tire chains installed.
o Roads where the road surface is pitted or
has different surface height.
The safety features of an ABS equipped
vehicle should not be tested by high speed
driving or cornering. This could endanger
the safety of yourself or others.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY
CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEMC310A04JM-AAT(If installed)
!
WARNING:
Never drive too fast for the road conditions
or too quickly when cornering. Electronic
stability control (ESC) will not prevent ac-
cidents. Excessive speed in turns, abrupt
maneuvers and hydroplaning on wet sur-
faces can still result in serious accidents.
Only a safe and attentive driver can prevent
accidents by avoiding maneuvers that
cause the vehicle to lose traction. Even with
ESC installed, always follow all the normal
precautions for driving - including driving
at safe speeds for the conditions.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
13
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OGK056303N
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system
is designed to stabilize the vehicle during cor-
nering manuevers. ESC checks where you are
steering and where the vehicle is actually going.
ESC applies the brakes at individual wheels and
intervenes in the engine management system
to stabilize the vehicle.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system
is an electronic system designed to help the
driver maintain vehicle control under adverse
conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving
practices.
Factors including speed, road conditions and
driver steering input can all affect whether ESC
will be effective in preventing a loss of control.
It is still your responsibility to drive and corner
at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient
margin of safety.
CAUTION:
Driving with varying tire or wheel size may
cause the ESC system to malfunction. When
replacing tires, make sure they are the same
size as your original tires.
!
WARNING:
Electronic stability control is only a driving
aid; all normal precautions for driving in
inclement weather and on slippery road
surfaces should be observed.
C310B01JM-AATESC ON/OFF ModeWhen the ESC is operating, the ESC indicator
in the instrument cluster will blink.
If you turn the system off by pressing the ESC
switch, the ESC-OFF indicator will come on and
stay on. In the ESC-OFF mode, the stability
control will be deactivated. Adjust your driving
accordingly. To turn the system back on, press
the switch again. The ESC-OFF indicator should
go off.NOTE:The ESC mode will automatically be turned
ON after the engine is turned off and re-
started.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
14
GOOD BRAKING PRACTICES!
C130A02A-AAT
WARNING:
o Whenever leaving vehicle or parking,
always set the parking brake as far as
possible and fully engage the vehicle's
transaxle into the park position. Ve-
hicles not fully engaged in park with the
parking brake set are at risk for moving
inadvertently and injuring yourself or
others.
o All vehicles should always have the park-
ing brake fully engaged when parking to
avoid inadvertent movement of the car
which can injure occupants or pedestri-
ans.
o Nothing should be carried on top of the
shelf panel behind the rear seat. If there
were an accident or a sudden stop, such
objects could move forward and cause
damage to the vehicle or injure the occu-
pants.o After being parked, check to be sure the
parking brake is not engaged and that the
parking brake indicator light is out before
driving away.
o Driving through water may get the brakes
wet. They can also get wet when the car is
washed. Wet brakes can be dangerous!
Your car will not stop as quickly if the brakes
are wet. Wet brakes cause the car to pull to
one side. To dry the brakes, apply the
brakes lightly while driving slowly until the
braking action returns to normal, taking care
to keep the car 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 your
Hyundai dealer for assistance.
o Don’t coast down hills with the car out of gear.
This is extremely hazardous. Keep the car
in gear at all times, use the brakes to slow
down, then shift to a lower gear so that engine
braking will help you maintain a safe speed.
o Don’t "ride" the brake pedal. Resting your
foot on the brake pedal while driving can be
dangerous because it can result in the brakes
overheating and losing their effectiveness. It
also increases the wear of the brake com-
ponents.
o If a tire goes flat while you are driving, apply
the brakes gently and keep the car 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
place.
C310D01JM-AATIndicators and WarningThe indicators should illuminate when the igni-
tion key is turned to ON or START but should
go out after three seconds.
If the indicators do not illuminate, or the ESC or
ESC-OFF indicator does not go out after 3
seconds, have the vehicle checked by an
authorized dealer.
Should there be any unusual conditions in the
device while driving, ESC-OFF indicator illumi-
nates as a warning.
If ESC-OFF indicator illuminates, pull your car
to a safe place and stop the engine.
Then, start the engine again to check if the ESC-
OFF indicator goes out.
If the indicator remains lit even after the engine
has been started, have your car checked by an
authorized Hyundai dealer.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
15
DRIVING FOR ECONOMYC140A02A-AATYou can save fuel and get more miles from your
car if you follow these suggestions:
o Drive smoothly. Accelerate at a moderate
rate. Don't make "jack-rabbit" starts or full-
throttle shifts and maintain a steady cruising
speed. Don't race between stoplights. Try to
adjust your speed to that of the other traffic
so you don't have to change speeds unnec-
essarily. Avoid heavy traffic whenever pos-
sible. Always maintain a safe distance from
other vehicles so you can avoid unneces-
sary braking. This also reduces brake wear.
o Drive at a moderate speed. The faster you
drive, the more fuel your car uses. Driving at
a moderate speed, especially on the high-
way, is one of the most effective ways to
reduce fuel consumption.
o Don't "ride" the brake or clutch pedal. This
can increase fuel consumption and also
increase wear on these components. In
addition, driving with your foot resting on the
brake pedal may cause the brakes to over-
heat, which reduces their effectiveness and
may lead to more serious consequences.
o Take care of your tires. Keep them inflated
to the recommended pressure. Incorrect
inflation, either too much or too little, results
in unnecessary tire wear. Check the tire
pressures at least once a month.o Be sure that the wheels are aligned cor-
rectly. Improper alignment can result from
hitting curbs or driving too fast over irregular
surfaces. Poor alignment causes faster tire
wear and may also result in other problems
as well as greater fuel consumption.
o Keep your car in good condition. For better
fuel economy and reduced maintenance
costs, maintain your car in accordance with
the maintenance schedule in Section 5. If
you drive your car in severe conditions,
more frequent maintenance is required (see
Section 5 for details).
o Keep your car clean. For maximum service,
your Hyundai should be kept clean and free
of corrosive materials. It is especially impor-
tant that mud, dirt, ice, etc. not be allowed to
accumulate on the underside of the car. This
extra weight can result in increased fuel
consumption and also contribute to corro-
sion.
o Travel lightly. Don't carry unnecessary
weight in your car. Weight reduces fuel
economy.
o Don't let the engine idle longer than neces-
sary. If you are waiting (and not in traffic),
turn off your engine and restart only when
you're ready to go.
o Remember, your Hyundai does not require
extended warm-up. After the engine has
started, allow the engine to run for 10 to 20
seconds prior to placing the vehicle in gear.
In very cold weather, however, give your
engine a slightly longer warm-up period. o If your car is equipped with an automatic
transaxle, don’t let your car creep forward.
To avoid creeping forward, keep your foot on
the brake pedal when the car is stopped.
o Use caution when parking on a hill. Firmly
engage the parking brake and place the gear
selector lever in "P" (automatic transaxle) or
in first or reverse gear (manual transaxle).
If your car is facing downhill, turn the front
wheels into the curb to help keep the car from
rolling. If your car is facing uphill, turn the front
wheels away from the curb to help keep the
car from rolling. If there is no curb or if it is
required by other conditions to keep the car
from rolling, block the wheels.
o Under some conditions your parking brake
can freeze in the engaged position. This is
most likely to happen when there is an
accumulation of snow or ice around or near
the rear brakes or if the brakes are wet. If
there is a risk that the parking brake may
freeze, apply it only temporarily while you put
the gear selector lever in "P" (automatic) or
in first or reverse gear (manual transaxle)
and block the rear wheels so the car cannot
roll. Then release the parking brake.
o Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade with
the accelerator pedal. This can cause the
transmission to overheat. Always use the
brake pedal or parking brake.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
16
o Don't "lug" or "over-rev" the engine. Lugging
is driving too slowly in too high a gear result-
ing in the engine bucking. If this happens,
shift to a lower gear. Over-revving is racing
the engine beyond its safe limit. This can be
avoided by shifting at the recommended
speeds.
o Use your air conditioning sparingly. The air
conditioning system is operated by engine
power so your fuel economy is reduced
when you use it.
SMOOTH CORNERINGC150A01A-AATAvoid braking or gear changing in corners,
especially when roads are wet. Ideally, corners
should always be taken under gentle accelera-
tion. If you follow these suggestions, tire wear
will be held to a minimum.
WINTER DRIVINGC160A01A-AATThe more severe weather conditions of winter
result in greater wear and other problems. To
minimize the problems of winter driving, you
should follow these suggestions:C160B01A-AATSnowy or Icy ConditionsTo drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be
necessary to use snow tires or to install tire
chains on your tires. If snow tires are needed,
it is necessary to select tires equivalent in size
and type to the original equipment tires. Failure
to do so may adversely affect the safety and
handling of your car. Speeding, rapid accelera-
tion, 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 skids to occur.
You need to keep sufficient distance between
the vehicle in front and your vehicle. Also, apply
the brake gently. It should be noted that installing
tire chains on the tire will provide a greater
driving force, but will not prevent side skids.NOTE:Tire chains are not legal in all states. Check
state laws before fitting tire chains.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
17
C160H02A-AATUse Approved Window Washer Anti-
Freeze in SystemTo keep the water in the window washer system
from freezing, add an approved window washer
anti-freeze solution in accordance with instruc-
tions on the container. Window washer anti-
freeze is available from Hyundai dealers and
most auto parts outlets. Do not use engine
coolant or other types of anti-freeze as these
may damage the paint finish.C160I01A-AATDon’t Let Your Parking Brake FreezeUnder some conditions your parking brake can
freeze in the engaged position. This is most
likely to happen when there is an accumulation
of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes
or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk the
parking brake may freeze, apply it only tempo-
rarily while you put the gear selector lever in "P"
(automatic) or in first or reverse gear (manual
transaxle) and block the rear wheels so the car
cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.
C160C01A-AATUse High Quality Ethylene Glycol Cool-
antYour Hyundai is delivered with high quality
ethylene glycol coolant in the cooling system. It
is the only type of coolant that should be used
because it helps prevent corrosion in the cool-
ing system, lubricates the water pump and
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or replen-
ish your coolant in accordance with the main-
tenance schedule in Section 5. Before winter,
have your coolant tested to assure that its
freezing point is sufficient for the temperatures
anticipated during the winter.C160D01F-AATCheck Battery and CablesWinter puts additional burdens on the battery
system. Visually inspect the battery and cables
as described in Section 6 (See page 6-19). The
level of charge in your battery can be checked
by your Hyundai dealer or a service station.
C160E01A-AATChange to "Winter Weight" Oil if Neces-
saryIn some climates it is recommended that a lower
viscosity "winter weight" oil be used during cold
weather. See Section 9 for recommendations.
If you aren’t sure what weight oil you should use,
consult your Hyundai dealer.C160F01F-AATCheck Spark Plugs and Ignition SystemInspect your spark plugs as described in Sec-
tion 6 (See page 6-10) and replace them if
necessary. Also check all ignition wiring and
components to be sure they are not cracked,
worn or damaged in any way.C160G01A-AATTo Keep Locks from FreezingTo keep the locks from freezing, squirt an
approved de-icer fluid or glycerine into the key
opening. If a lock is covered with ice, squirt it with
an approved de-icing fluid to remove the ice. If
the lock is frozen internally, you may be able to
thaw it out by using a heated key. Handle the
heated key with care to avoid injury.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
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HIGHER SPEED MOTORING
C160J01A-AATDon’t Let Ice and Snow Accumulate
UnderneathUnder some conditions, snow and ice can build
up under the fenders and interfere with the
steering. When driving in severe winter condi-
tions where this may happen, you should peri-
odically check underneath the car to be sure the
movement of the front wheels and the steering
components is not obstructed.C160K01A-AATCarry Emergency EquipmentDepending on the severity of the weather where
you drive your car, you should carry appropri-
ate emergency equipment. Some of the items
you may want to carry include tire chains, tow
straps or chains, flashlight, emergency flares,
sand, a shovel, jumper cables, a window scraper,
gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.
C170A02A-AATPre-Trip Inspections1. Tires:
Adjust the tire inflation pressures to specifica-
tion. Low tire inflation pressures will result in
overheating and possible failure of the tires.
Avoid using worn or damaged tires which may
result in reduced traction or tire failure.NOTE:Never exceed the maximum tire inflation
pressure shown on the tires.2. Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil:
High speed travel consumes more fuel than
urban motoring. Do not forget to check both
engine coolant and engine oil.
3. Drive belt:
A loose or damaged drive belt may result in
overheating of the engine.
!
WARNING:
o Underinflated or overinflated tires can
cause poor handling, loss of vehicle
control, and sudden tire failure leading
to accidents, injuries, and even death.
Always check tires are properly inflated
before driving. Refer to pages 8-2~8-3
for proper tire pressures and further
information.
o Driving on tires with no or insufficient
tread is dangerous. Worn-out tires can
result in loss of vehicle control, colli-
sions, injury, and even death. Worn-out
tires should be replaced as soon as
possible and should never be used for
driving. Always check tire tread before
driving your car.

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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
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C190C03S-AATTrailer BrakesIf your trailer is equipped with a braking system,
make sure it conforms to federal and/or local
regulations and that it is properly installed and
operating correctly.NOTE:If you tow a trailer or vehicle, your car will
require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. See "Maintenance Un-
der Severe Usage Conditions" on page 5-6.
TRAILER OR VEHICLE TOWINGC190A01S-AATIf you are considering towing with your car, you
should first check with your State's Department
of Motor Vehicles to determine their legal re-
quirements.
Since laws vary from State to State, the require-
ments for towing trailers, cars, other types of
vehicles, or apparatus may differ. Ask your
Hyundai dealer for further details before towing.
CAUTION:
Do not do any towing with your car during
its first 1,200 miles (2,000 km) in order to
allow the engine to properly break in. Fail-
ure to heed this caution may result in seri-
ous engine or transaxle damage.
!
C190B01S-AATTrailer HitchesSelect the proper hitch and ball combination,
making sure that its location is compatible with
that of the trailer or vehicle being towed. Use a
quality non-equalizing hitch which distributes
the tongue load uniformly throughout the chas-
sis.
The hitch should be bolted securely to the car
and installed by a qualified technician. DO NOT
USE A HITCH DESIGNED FOR TEMPORARY
INSTALLATION AND NEVER USE ONE THAT
ATTACHES ONLY TO THE BUMPER.
C180A01A-AATCheck your lights regularly for correct opera-
tion and always keep them clean. When driving
during the day in conditions of poor visibility, it
is helpful to drive with headlights on low beam.
This enables you to be seen, as well as to see.USE OF LIGHTS

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C190D01S-AATSafety ChainsShould the hitch connection between your
vechile and the trailer or vehicle you are towing
fail, the trailer or vehicle could wander danger-
ously across other lanes of traffic and ultimately
leave the roadway. To eliminate this potentially
dangerous situation, safety chains, attached
between your car and the trailer or towed
vehicle, are required in most states.
C190E02GK-AATTrailer Weight Limit
C190E01L
Tongue load Total trailer weight
Tongue loads can be increased or decreased
by redistributing the load in the trailer.
This can be verified by checking the total weight
of the loaded trailer and then checking the load
on the tongue.
NOTE:1. Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front. About 60% of
the trailer load should be in the front half
on the trailer and the remaining 40% in
the rear.
2. The total gross vehicle weight with trailer
must not exceed the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) shown on the
vehicle identification plate (see page 8-
1). The total gross vehicle weight is the
combined weight of the vehicle, driver,
all passengers and their luggage, cargo,
hitch, trailer tongue load and other op-
tional equipment.
3. The front or rear axle weight must not
exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) shown on the vehicle identifi-
cation plate (see page 8-2). It is possible
that your towing package does not ex-
ceed the GVWR but exceeds the GAWR.
Improper trailer loading and/or too much
luggage in the trunk can overload the
rear axle. Redistribute the load and check
the axle weight again.
C190E02L
Gross axle weight Gross vehicle weight
CAUTION:
o Never connect a trailer brake system
directly to the vehicle brake system.
o When towing a trailer on steep grades (in
excess of 6%) pay close attention to the
engine coolant temperature gauge to
ensure the engine does not overheat. If
the needle of the coolant temperature
gauge moves across the dial towards
"H" (HOT), pull over and stop as soon as
it is safe to do so, and allow the engine
to idle until it cools down. You may
proceed once the engine has cooled
sufficiently.
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DRIVING YOUR HYUNDAI
21
(automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks
at each of the trailer's tires.
9. If the trailer has electric brakes, start your
vehicle and trailer moving, and then apply the
trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This lets you check
your electrical connection at the same time.
10.During your trip, occasionally check to be
sure that the load is secure, and that the
lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
11.Avoid jerky starts, sudden acceleration or
sudden stops.
12.Avoid sharp turns and rapid lane changes.
13.Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long
or too frequently. This could cause the brakes
to overheat, resulting in reduced braking
efficiency.
14.When going down a hill, shift into a lower gear
and use the engine braking effect.
When ascending a long grade, downshift the
transaxle to a lower gear and reduce speed
to reduce chances of engine overloading
and/or overheating.
15.If you have to stop while going uphill, do not
hold the vehicle in place by pressing on the
accelerator. This can cause the automatic
transaxle to overheat. Use the parking brake
or footbrake.
NOTE:When towing check transaxle fluid more
frequently.
CAUTION:
The following specifications are recom-
mended when towing a trailer. The loaded
trailer weight cannot safely exceed the val-
ues in the chart below.
!!
WARNING:
o Improperly loading your vehicle and
trailer can seriously affect its steering
and braking performance causing a
crash which could cause serious injury
or death.
o Towing a trailer affected vehicle han-
dling and braking.
o Drive more slowly when towing a trailer
and allow more distance when braking.
o Be careful when driving in slippery and
windy conditions.
o Be careful when turning and while driv-
ing up and down hills.Lbs. (kg)
Maximum Towable Weight
Trailer
1000 (453)Tongue
100 (45)
C190F01S-AATTrailer or Vehicle Towing Tips1. Before towing, check hitch and safety chain
connections as well as proper operation of
the trailer running lights, brake lights, and
turn signals.
2. Always drive your vehicle at a moderate
speed. (Less than 60 mph)
3. Trailer towing requires more fuel than normal
conditions.
4. To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
fifth gear (manual transaxle) or overdrive
(automatic transaxle).
5. Always secure items in the trailer to prevent
load shift while driving.
6. Check the condition and air pressure of all
tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire
pressure can seriously affect the handling.
Also check the spare tire.
7. The vehicle/trailer combination is more af-
fected by crosswind and buffeting.
When being passed by a large vehicle, keep
a constant speed and steer straight ahead.
If there is too much wind buffeting, slow down
to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.
8. When parking your car and trailer, especially
on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal
precautions. Turn your front wheel into the
curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the
transaxle in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park