Eco HYUNDAI SONATA 2021 Owners Manual

Maintenance
8-24
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
8-27
1. Pull up the lever (1) on the air cleaner
cover and release the lock.
2.

Pull up the air cleaner co
ver (2) and
open.
3.

R
otate the fixed lever (3) on the filter
and loosen the lock.
4.
R

eplace the air cleaner filter.
5.

Assemble in r
everse order.
Information
If the vehicle is operated in extremely
dusty or sandy areas, replace the element
more often than the usual recommended
intervals (refer to “Maintenance Under
Severe Usage Conditions” in this chapter).
NOTICE
• Do not drive with the air cleaner filter
removed. This will result in excessive
engine wear.
• When removing the air cleaner filter,
be careful that dust or dirt does not
enter the air intake, or damage may
result.
• Use HYUNDAI genuine parts. Use of
non-genuine parts could damage the
air flow sensor.

08
8-29
wipEr BladES
Blade Inspection
Contamination of either the windshield
or the wiper blades with foreign matter
can reduce the effectiveness of the
windshield wiper functionality. Common
sources of contamination are insects,
tree sap, and hot wax treatments used
by some commercial car washes. If the
blades are not wiping properly, clean
both the window and the blades with a
clean cloth dampened with washer fluid.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the wiper blades,
arms or other components, do not:
• Use gasoline, kerosene, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.
• Attempt to move the wipers
manually.
• Use non-specified wiper blades.
Information
Commercial hot waxes applied by
automatic car washes have been known to
make the windshield difficult to clean.
Blade Replacement
When the wipers no longer clean
adequately, the blades may be worn or
cracked, and require replacement.
NOTICE
• In order to prevent damage to the
hood and the wiper arms, the wiper
arms should only be lifted when in
the top wiping position.
• Always return the wiper arms to the
windshield before driving.
NOTICE
The use of a non-specified wiper blade
could result in wiper malfunction and
failure.
Front windshield wiper service
positions
ODN8089013K
1. Within 20 seconds o f turning off the
engine, lift and hold the wiper lever
up to the MIST position for about 2
seconds until the wipers move to the
top wipe position.
2.

A
t this time you can lift the wipers off
the windshield.
3.

Gen
tly put the wipers back down onto
the windshield.
4.
T

urn the wipers to any ON position
to return the wipers to the bottom
resting position.

Maintenance
8-34
WARNING
Tire failure may cause loss of
vehicle control resulting in an
accident. To reduce risk of SERIOUS
INJURY or DEATH, take the
following precautions:
• 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 can cause loss of
braking effectiveness, steering
control, or traction.
• ALWAYS replace tires with
the same type, size, brand,
construction and tread pattern
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.
Tire Care
For proper maintenance, safety, and
maximum fuel economy, you must
always maintain recommended
tire inflation pressures and stay
within the load limits and weight
distribution recommended for your
vehicle.
ODN8H019025L
All specifications (sizes and
pressures) can be found on a label
attached to the driver’s side center
pillar.
Recommended Cold Tire
Inflation Pressures
All tire pressures (including the
spare) should be checked when the
tires are cold. “Cold tires” means the
vehicle has not been driven for at
least three hours or has been driven
for less than one mile (1.6 km).
Warm tires normally exceed
recommended cold tire pressures
by 4 to 6 psi (28 to 41 kPa). Do not
release air from warm tires to adjust
the pressure or the tires will be
under-inflated. For recommended
inflation pressure, refer to “Tire and
Wheels” in chapter 2.
tirES and whEElS

08
8-35
WARNING
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 could result
in loss of vehicle control resulting in
an accident.
Severe under-inflation can lead
to severe heat build-up, causing
blowouts, tread separation and
other tire failures that can result in
the loss of vehicle control resulting
in an accident. This risk is much
higher on hot days and when
driving for long periods at high
speeds.
CAUTION
• Under-inflation results in
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 checked 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.
Check Tire Inflation Pressure
Check your tires, including the spare
tire, once a month or more.
How to check
Use a good quality tire pressure
gauge to check tire pressure. You
can not tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them.
Radial tires may look properly
inflated when they are under-
inflated.
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
label located on the driver’s side
center pillar or in this manual. No
further adjustment is necessary. If
the pressure is low, add air until you
reach the recommended pressure.
Make sure to put the valve caps
back on the valve stems. Without
the valve cap, dirt or moisture could
get into the valve core and cause
air leakage. If a valve cap is missing,
install a new one as soon as possible.
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. Be
sure to put the valve caps back on
the valve stems. Without the valve
cap, dirt or moisture could get into
the valve core and cause air leakage.
If a valve cap is missing, install a new
one as soon as possible.

Maintenance
8-36
A cold tire means the vehicle has
been sitting for 3 hours and driven
for less than 1 mile (1.6 km) in that 3
hour period.
Allow the tire to cool before
measuring the inflation pressure.
Always be sure the tire is cold before
inflating to the recommended
pressure.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
lug nut tightness (proper torque is
79~94 lbf·ft [11~13 kgf·m]).
„„Without a spare tire
ODH073802
Disc brake pads should be inspected
for wear whenever tires are rotated.

Maintenance
8-38
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 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) 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.

08
8-41
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 tires. 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 1420 represents that
the tire was produced in the 14th
week of 2020.
4.

Tir
e 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.

M
aximum 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.
M
aximum 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.
U

niform 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

Maintenance
8-44
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.
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.

08
8-45
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.