Hyundai Sonata

545
Driving your vehicle
Tire and loading information label
The label located on the driver's door
sill gives the original tire size, cold
tire pressures recommended for your
vehicle, the number of people that
can be in your vehicle and vehicle
capacity weight.Vehicle capacity weight:904 lbs. (410 kg)
Vehicle capacity weight is the maxi-
mum combined weight of occupants
and cargo.
Seating capacity:Total : 5 persons (Front seat : 2 persons, Rear seat : 3 persons)
Seating capacity is the maximum
number of occupants including a
driver, your vehicle may carry.
However, the seating capacity may
be reduced based upon the weight of
all of the occupants, and the weight
of the cargo being carried.
Do not overload the vehicle as there
is a limit to the total weight, or load
limit including occupants and cargo,
the vehicle can carry.
VEHICLE LOAD LIMIT

OYF059100N/OYF059101N/OYF059102N

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:50 PM Page 45

Driving your vehicle46
5Towing capacity:We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.Cargo capacity:The cargo capacity of your vehicle
will increase or decrease depending
on the weight and the number of
occupants.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit -1. Locate the statement "The com- bined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX
kg or XXX lbs.'' on your vehicle's
placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity. For example, if
the "XXX" amount equals 1400
lbs. and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.) 5. Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trail- er, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.
✽NOTICEWe do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:50 PM Page 46

547
Driving your vehicle

C190F03JM
Item Description TotalA Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs
Weight (635 kg)
Subtract Occupant
B Weight 860 lbs
172 lbs (78 kg) × 5 (390 kg)
C
Available Cargo and
540 lbs
Luggage weight (245 kg)
ABC
Example 3
Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about your vehicle's capacity weight
and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers and cargo should never exceed your vehicle's
capacity weight.

C190F01JM
Item Description Total A Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs
Weight (635 kg)
Subtract Occupant
B Weight 300 lbs
150 lbs (68 kg) × 2 (136 kg)
C
Available Cargo and
1100 lbs
Luggage weight (499 kg)
Example 1
ABC

C190F02JM
Item Description TotalA Vehicle Capacity 1400 lbs
Weight (635 kg)
Subtract Occupant
B Weight 750 lbs
150 lbs (68 kg) × 5 (340 kg)
C
Available Cargo and
650 lbs
Luggage weight (295 kg)
ABC
Example 2

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:51 PM Page 47

Driving your vehicle48
5Certification label
The certification label is located on
the driver's door sill at the center pil-
lar.
This label shows the maximum
allowable weight of the fully loaded
vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The
GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel and
cargo.
This label also tells you the maxi-
mum weight that can be supported
by the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your
front and rear axles, you need to go
to a weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can help you with
this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the center-
line.
The label will help you decide how
much cargo and installed equipment
your vehicle can carry.
If you carry items inside your vehicle
- like suitcases, tools, packages, or
anything else - they are moving as
fast as the vehicle. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a crash,
the items will keep going and can
cause an injury if they strike the driv-
er or a passenger.
OBH059070
WARNING -
Over loading
• Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, the GAWR for
either the front or rear axle
and vehicle capacity weight.
Exceeding these ratings can
cause an accident or vehicle
damage. You can calculate the
weight of your load by weigh-
ing the items (or people)
before putting them in the
vehicle. Be careful not to over-
load your vehicle.
(Continued)
(Continued)
• Do not load your vehicle anyheavier than the GVWR, either
the maximum front or rear
GAWR and vehicle capacity
weight. If you do, parts,
including tires on your vehicle
can break, and it can change
the way your vehicle handles
and braking ability. This could
cause you to lose control and
crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehi-
cle.

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:51 PM Page 48

549
Driving your vehicle
WARNING
• Overloading your vehicle cancause heat buildup in your
vehicle's tires and possible
tire failure that could lead to a
crash.
• Overloading your vehicle can cause increased stopping dis-
tances that could lead to a
crash.
• A crash resulting from poor handling, vehicle damage, tire
failure, or increased stopping
distances could result in seri-
ous injury or death.
WARNING
- Loose cargo
Items you carry inside your
vehicle can strike and injure
occupants in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
• Put items in the cargo area of your vehicle. Try to spread the
weight evenly.
• Never stack items, like suit- cases, inside the vehicle
above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle.
• When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it.
• Do not drive with a seat folded down unless necessary.
CAUTION
• Overloading your vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs wouldnot be covered by your warran-ty. Do not overload your vehicle.
• Using heavier suspension com- ponents to get added durabilitymight not change your weightratings. Ask your dealer to helpyou load your vehicle the right
way.

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:51 PM Page 49

Driving your vehicle50
5This section will guide you in the proper
loading of your vehicle, to keep your
loaded vehicle weight within its design
rating capability. Properly loading your
vehicle will provide maximum return of
the vehicle design performance. Before
loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself
with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, from the
vehicle's specifications and the certifica-
tion label:
Base curb weight
This is the weight of the vehicle including
a full tank of fuel and all standard equip-
ment. It does not include passengers,
cargo, or optional equipment.
Vehicle curb weight
This is the weight of your new vehicle
when you picked it up from your dealer
plus any aftermarket equipment. Cargo weight
This figure includes all weight added to
the Base Curb Weight, including cargo
and optional equipment.
GAW (Gross axle weight)
This is the total weight placed on each
axle (front and rear) - including vehicle
curb weight and all payload.
GAWR (Gross axle weight rating)This is the maximum allowable weight
that can be carried by a single axle (front
or rear). These numbers are shown on
the certification label.
The total load on each axle must never
exceed its GAWR.
GVW (Gross vehicle weight)
This is the Base Curb Weight plus actual
Cargo Weight plus passengers.
GVWR (Gross vehicle weight rating)
This is the maximum allowable weight of
the fully loaded vehicle (including all
options, equipment, passengers and
cargo). The GVWR is shown on the cer-
tification label located on the driver’s
door sill.
VEHICLE WEIGHT

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:51 PM Page 50

551
Driving your vehicle
We do not recommend using this
vehicle for trailer towing.TRAILER TOWING

YF hma 5.qxp 11/25/2009 5:51 PM Page 51

6
Road warning / 6-2
In case of an emergency while driving / 6-2
If the engine will not start / 6-3
Emergency starting / 6-4
If the engine overheats / 6-6
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) / 6-7
If you have a flat tire / 6-12
Towing / 6-20
What to do in an emergency

YF HMA 6.QXP 11/25/2009 1:57 PM Page 1

What to do in an emergency2
6ROAD WARNING Hazard warning flasher The hazard warning flasher serves as a
warning to other drivers to exercise
extreme caution when approaching,
overtaking, or passing your vehicle. It should be used whenever emergency
repairs are being made or when the vehi-
cle is stopped near the edge of a road-
way.
Depress the flasher switch with the igni-
tion switch in any position. The flasher
switch is located in the center console
switch panel. All turn signal lights will
flash simultaneously.
• The hazard warning flasher operates
whether your vehicle is running or not.
• The turn signals do not work when the hazard flasher is on.
• Care must be taken when using the hazard warning flasher while the vehi-
cle is being towed.
If the engine stalls at a crossroad
or crossingIf the engine stalls at a crossroad or
crossing, set the shift lever in the N
(Neutral) position and then push the vehi-
cle to a safe place.If you have a flat tire while drivingIf a tire goes flat while you are driving:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedaland let the car slow down while driving
straight ahead. Do not apply the brakes
immediately or attempt to pull off the
road as this may cause a loss of con-
trol. When the car has slowed to such
a speed that it is safe to do so, brake
carefully and pull off the road. Drive off
the road as far as possible and park on
firm, level ground. If you are on a divid-
ed highway, do not park in the median
area between the two traffic lanes.IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
WHILE DRIVING

OYF049084N

YF HMA 6.QXP 11/25/2009 1:57 PM Page 2

63
What to do in an emergency
2. When the vehicle is stopped, turn onyour emergency hazard flashers, set
the parking brake and put the transaxle
in P (automatic transaxle) or reverse
(manual transaxle).
3. Have all passengers get out of the car. Be sure they all get out on the side of
the car that is away from traffic.
4. When changing a flat tire, follow the instruction provided later in this sec-
tion.If engine stalls while driving1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move cautiously off the
road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try to start the engine again. If your vehicle will not start, contact an
authorized HYUNDAI dealer or seek
other qualified assistance.
If engine doesn't turn over or
turns over slowly1. If your vehicle has an automatictransaxle, be sure the shift lever is in N
(Neutral) or P (Park) and the emer-
gency brake is set.
2. Check the battery connections to be sure they are clean and tight.
3. Turn on the interior light. If the light dims or goes out when you operate the
starter, the battery is discharged.
4. Do not push or pull the vehicle to start it. See instructions for "Jump starting".
If engine turns over normally but
does not start1. Check fuel level.
2. With the ignition switch in the LOCK position, check all connectors at igni-
tion coils and spark plugs. Reconnect
any that may be disconnected or
loose.
3. If the engine still does not start, call an authorized HYUNDAI dealer or seek
other qualified assistance.
IF THE ENGINE WILL NOT START
WARNING
If the engine will not start, do not
push or pull the vehicle to start it.
This could result in a collision or
cause other damage. In addition,
push or pull starting may cause the
catalytic converter to be over-
loaded and create a fire hazard.

YF HMA 6.QXP 11/25/2009 1:58 PM Page 3