Driving your vehicle -> Winter driving for Your Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 2023

Driving your vehicle  
WINTER DRIVING  
The severe weather conditions of winter quickly wear out tires and cause other  
problems. To minimize winter driving problems, you should take the following  
suggestions:  
Snow or icy conditions  
You need to keep sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of  
you.  
Apply the brakes gently. Speeding, rapid acceleration, 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 the vehicle to skid.  
To drive your vehicle in deep snow, it may be necessary to use snow tires or to install  
tire chains on your tires.  
Always carry emergency equipment. Some of the items you may want to carry include  
tire chains, tow straps or chains, a flashlight, emergency flares, sand, a shovel, jumper  
cables, a window scraper, gloves, ground cloth, coveralls, a blanket, etc.  
Snow tires  
WARNING  
Snow tires should be equivalent in size and type to the vehicle’s standard tires.  
Otherwise, the safety and handling of your vehicle may be adversely affected.  
We recommend that you use snow tires when road temperature is below 45°F (7°C).  
If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure to use the same Inflation pressure  
as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your vehicle’s  
handling in all weather conditions. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads  
may not be as high as your vehicle’s original equipment tires. Check with the tire dealer  
for maximum speed recommendations.  
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When using tire chains, attach them to  
the drive wheels as follows.  
2WD : Front wheels  
Tire chains  
„Type A  
4WD : All four wheels  
If a full set of chains is not  
available for an 4WD vehicle,  
chains may be installed on the  
front wheels only.  
WARNING  
The use of tire chains may adversely  
affect vehicle handling:  
OTM060025  
śꢀ Drive less than 20 mph (30 km/h)  
or the chain manufacturer’s  
recommended speed limit,  
whichever is lower.  
„Type B  
śꢀ Drive carefully and avoid bumps,  
holes, sharp turns, and other road  
hazards, which may cause the  
vehicle to bounce.  
śꢀ Avoid sharp turns or locked wheel  
braking.  
OTM060045  
Information  
Since the sidewalls of radial tires are  
thinner than other types of tires, they  
may be damaged by mounting some  
types of tire chains on them. Therefore,  
the use of snow tires is recommended  
instead of tire chains. If tire chains must  
be used, use genuine HYUNDAI Parts  
and install the tire chain after reviewing  
the instructions provided with the tire  
chains. Damage to your vehicle caused  
by improper tire chain use is not covered  
by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.  
śꢀ Install tire chains only in pairs and on  
the front tires. It should be noted that  
installing tire chains on the tires will  
provide a greater driving force, but will  
not prevent side skids.  
śꢀ Do not install studded tires without  
first checking local and municipal  
regulations for possible restrictions  
against their use.  
Fabric-type chains must be used on the  
vehicle with 19”/20” tires.  
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Driving your vehicle  
Chain Installation  
Winter precautions  
When installing tire chains, follow the  
manufacturer’s instructions and mount  
them as tightly possible. Drive slowly  
(less than 20 mph (30 km/h)) with  
chains installed. If you hear the chains  
contacting the body or chassis, stop and  
tighten them. If they still make contact,  
slow down until the noise stops. Remove  
the tire chains as soon as you begin  
driving on cleared roads.  
When mounting snow chains, park the  
vehicle on level ground away from traffic.  
Turn on the vehicle Hazard Warning  
Flasher and place a triangular emergency  
warning device behind the vehicle (if  
available). Always place the vehicle in P  
(Park), apply the parking brake and turn  
off the engine before installing snow  
chains.  
Use high quality ethylene glycol coolant  
Your vehicle 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 cooling  
system, lubricates the water pump and  
prevents freezing. Be sure to replace or  
replenish your coolant in accordance  
with the maintenance schedule in  
chapter 9. Before winter, have your  
coolant tested to assure that its freezing  
point is sufficient for the temperatures  
anticipated during the winter.  
Check battery and cables  
Winter temperatures affect battery  
performance. Inspect the battery and  
cables, as specified in chapter 9. The  
battery charging level can be checked  
by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer or in a  
service station.  
NOTICE  
When using tire chains:  
śꢀ Wrong size chains or improperly  
installed chains can damage your  
vehicle’s brake lines, suspension,  
body and wheels.  
Change to “winter weight” oil if  
necessary  
In some regions during winter, it is  
recommended to use the “winter  
weight” oil with lower viscosity In  
addition, replace the engine oil and filter  
if it is close to the next maintenance  
interval. Fresh engine oil ensures  
optimum engine operation during the  
winter months. For further information,  
refer to chapter 2. When you are not sure  
about a type of winter weight oil, consult  
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.  
śꢀ Use SAE “S” class or wire chains.  
śꢀ If you hear noise caused by chains  
contacting the body, retighten the  
chain to prevent contact with the  
vehicle body.  
śꢀ To prevent body damage, retighten  
the chains after driving 0.3~0.6 miles  
(0.5~1.0 km).  
śꢀ Do not use tire chains on vehicles  
equipped with aluminum wheels. If  
unavoidable, use a wire type chain.  
śꢀ Use wire chains less than 0.47 in.  
(12mm) thick to prevent damage to  
the chain’s connection.  
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Check spark plugs and ignition system  
Do not let your parking brake freeze  
Inspect the spark plugs, as specified in  
chapter 8. If necessary, replace them.  
Also check all ignition wirings and  
components for any cracks, wear-out,  
and damage.  
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. When there is the risk that your  
parking brake may freeze, temporarily  
apply it with the gear in P (Park). Also,  
block the rear wheels in advance, so the  
vehicle may not roll. Then, release the  
parking brake.  
To prevent locks from freezing  
To prevent the locks from being frozen,  
spray approved de-icing fluid or glycerin  
into key holes. When a lock opening is  
already covered with ice, spray approved  
de-icing fluid over the ice to remove it.  
When an internal part of a lock freezes,  
try to thaw it with a heated key. Carefully  
use the heated key to avoid an injury.  
Do not let ice and snow accumulate  
underneath  
Under some conditions, snow and ice  
can build up under the fenders and  
interfere with the steering. When driving  
in such conditions during the severe  
winter, you should check underneath  
the vehicle on a regular basis, to ensure  
that the front wheels and the steering  
components is unblocked.  
Use approved window washer anti-  
freeze solution in system  
To prevent the window washer from  
being frozen, add authorized window  
washer anti-freeze solution, as specified  
on the window washer container.  
Window washer anti-freeze solution is  
available from an authorized HYUNDAI  
dealer, and most vehicle accessory  
outlets. Do not use engine coolant or  
other types of anti-freeze solution, to  
prevent any damage to the vehicle paint.  
Carry emergency equipment  
In accordance with weather conditions,  
you should carry appropriate emergency  
equipment, while driving. Some of the  
items you may want to carry include tire  
chains, tow straps or chains, flashlight,  
emergency flares, sand, shovel, jumper  
cables, window scraper, gloves, ground  
cloth, coveralls, blanket, etc.  
Drive your vehicle when water vapor  
condenses and accumulates inside the  
exhaust pipes  
When the vehicle is stopped for a  
long time in winter while the engine is  
running, water vapor may condense and  
accumulate inside the exhaust pipes.  
Water in the exhaust pipes may cause  
noise, etc., but it is drained driving at  
medium to high speed.  
Do not place objects or materials in the  
engine compartment  
Putting objects or materials in the engine  
compartment may cause an engine  
failure or combustion, because they may  
block the engine cooling. Such damage  
will not be covered by the manufacturer’s  
warranty.  
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Driving your vehicle  
TRAILER TOWING  
If you are considering to tow with  
WARNING  
Take the following precautions:  
śꢀ If you don’t use the correct  
your vehicle, you should first know  
your country’s legal requirements. As  
laws vary the requirements for towing  
trailers, cars, or other types of vehicles or  
apparatus may differ. When you are not  
sure about a type of winter weight oil,  
consult an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.  
equipment and/or drive improperly,  
you can lose control of the vehicle  
when you are pulling a trailer. For  
example, if the trailer is too heavy,  
the braking performance may be  
reduced. You and your passengers  
could be seriously or fatally injured.  
Pull a trailer only if you have followed  
all the steps in this section.  
Remember that trailering is different  
than just driving your vehicle by  
itself. Trailering means changes in  
handling, durability, and fuel economy.  
Successful, safe trailering requires  
correct equipment, and it has to be used  
properly. Damage to your vehicle caused  
by improper trailer towing is not covered  
by your vehicle manufacturer’s warranty.  
This section contains time-tested,  
important trailering tips and safety  
rules. Many of these are important for  
your safety and that of your passengers.  
Please read this section carefully before  
you pull a trailer.  
śꢀ Before towing, make sure the  
total trailer weight, GCW (Gross  
Combination Weight), GVW (Gross  
Vehicle Weight), GAW (Gross Axle  
Weight) and trailer tongue load are  
all within the limits.  
śꢀ When you tow a trailer, make sure to  
turn off the Idle Stop and Go system.  
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Trailer weight  
If you decide to pull a trailer?  
Here are some important points if you  
decide to pull a trailer:  
śꢀ Consider using a sway control. You  
can ask a trailer hitch dealer about  
sway control.  
śꢀ Do not do any towing with your  
vehicle during its first 1,200 miles  
(2,000 km) in order to allow the  
engine to properly break in. Failure to  
heed this caution may result in serious  
engine or transmission damage.  
Tongue Load  
Total Trailer Weight  
OOSH069129L  
śꢀ When towing a trailer, consult an  
authorized HYUNDAI dealer for  
What is the maximum safe weight of a  
trailer? It should never weigh more than  
the maximum trailer weight with trailer  
brakes. But even that can be too heavy.  
It depends on how you plan to use your  
trailer. For example, speed, altitude,  
road grades, outside temperature and  
how often your vehicle is used to pull a  
trailer are all important. The ideal trailer  
weight can also depend on any special  
equipment that you have on your vehicle.  
further information on additional  
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.  
śꢀ Always drive your vehicle at a  
moderate speed (less than 60 mph  
(100 km/h)) or posted towing speed  
limit.  
śꢀ On a long uphill grade, do not exceed  
45 mph (70 km/h) or the posted  
towing speed limit, whichever is  
lower.  
śꢀ Carefully observe the weight and load  
limits provided in the following pages.  
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Driving your vehicle  
Tongue load  
WARNING  
Take the following precautions:  
śꢀ Never load a trailer with more weight  
in the rear than in the front. The front  
should be loaded with approximately  
60% of the total trailer load; the rear  
should be loaded with approximately  
40% of the total trailer load.  
śꢀ Never exceed the maximum weight  
limits of the trailer or trailer towing  
equipment. Improper loading can  
result in damage to your vehicle and/  
or personal injury. Check weights  
and loading at a commercial scale or  
highway patrol office equipped with  
scales.  
Gross Axle Weight  
Gross Vehicle Weight  
OOSH069130L  
The tongue load is an important weight  
to measure because it affects the  
total Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of  
your vehicle. The trailer tongue should  
weigh a maximum of 10% of the total  
loaded trailer weight, within the limits  
of the maximum trailer tongue load  
permissible.  
Information  
With increasing altitude the engine  
performance decreases. From 1,000 m  
above sea level and for every 1,000 m  
thereafter 10% of vehicle/trailer weight  
(trailer weighter + gross vehicle weight)  
must be deducted.  
After you’ve loaded your trailer,  
weigh the trailer and then the tongue,  
separately, to see if the weights are  
proper. If they aren’t, you may be able  
to correct them simply by moving some  
items around in the trailer.  
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Reference weight and distance when towing a trailer  
Smartstream  
G2.5 GDI  
A/T  
Smartstream  
G2.5 TGDI  
DCT  
Item  
Maximum trailer  
weight  
Without brake system  
1,653 (750)  
2,000 (907)  
2,800 (1,270)  
1,653 (750)  
2,000 (907)  
3,500 (1,588)  
With brake system (PKG OPT)  
With brake system (STD)  
lbs. (kg)  
Maximum permissible static vertical load on the  
coupling device  
lbs. (kg)  
280 (127)  
350 (159)  
Recommended distance from rear wheel center  
to coupling point  
inch (mm)  
49.1 (1,248)  
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Driving your vehicle  
śꢀ Any part of the rear number plate or  
lighting devices of the vehicle must  
not be obscured by the mechanical  
coupling device.  
Trailer towing equipment  
Hitches  
If the rear number plate and/or  
lighting devices can be obscured  
partially by any part of the mechanical  
coupling device, mechanical coupling  
devices that can not be easily  
removed or repositioned without use  
of any tools, except an easily operated  
(for example, an effort not exceeding  
20Nm) release key which is supplied  
by the manufacturer of the coupling  
device, are not permitted for use.  
OTM060050L  
Please note that the mechanical  
coupling device that is fitted and  
not in use must always be removed  
or repositioned if the rear number  
plate and/or rear lighting devices  
are obscured by any part of the  
mechanical coupling device.  
Information  
The mounting hole for hitches are located  
on both sides of the underbody behind the  
rear tires.  
It’s important to have the correct hitch  
equipment. Crosswinds, large trucks  
going by, and rough roads are a few  
reasons why you’ll need the right hitch.  
Here are some rules to follow:  
śꢀ A HYUNDAI trailer hitch accessory is  
available at an authorized HYUNDAI  
dealer.  
śꢀ Do you have to make any holes in  
the body of your vehicle when you  
install a trailer hitch? If you do, then  
be sure to seal the holes later when  
you remove the hitch. If you don’t seal  
them, carbon monoxide (CO) from  
your exhaust can get into your vehicle,  
as well as dirt and water.  
śꢀ The bumpers on your vehicle are not  
intended for hitches. Do not attach  
rental hitches or other bumper-type  
hitches to them. Use only a frame-  
mounted hitch that does not attach to  
the bumper.  
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Safety chains  
You should always attach chains between  
your vehicle and your trailer.  
Instructions about safety chains may  
be provided by the hitch manufacturer  
or trailer manufacturer. Follow the  
manufacturer’s recommendation for  
attaching safety chains. Always leave just  
enough slack so you can turn with your  
trailer. And, never allow safety chains to  
drag on the ground.  
Driving with a trailer  
Towing a trailer requires a certain  
amount of experience. Before setting  
out for the open road, you must get to  
know your trailer. Acquaint yourself with  
the feel of handling and braking with the  
added weight of the trailer. And always  
keep in mind that the vehicle you are  
driving is now longer and not nearly as  
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.  
Before you start, check the trailer hitch  
and platform, safety chains, electrical  
connector(s), lights, tires and brakes.  
Trailer brakes  
If your trailer is equipped with a braking  
system, make sure it conforms to  
your country’s regulations and that  
it is properly installed and operating  
correctly.  
If your trailer weighs more than the  
maximum trailer weight without trailer  
brakes loaded, then it needs its own  
brakes and they must be adequate. Be  
sure to read and follow the instructions  
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able  
to install, adjust and maintain them  
properly. Be sure not to modify your  
vehicle’s brake system.  
During your trip, occasionally check  
to be sure that the load is secure, and  
that the lights and trailer brakes are still  
working.  
Distance  
Stay at least twice as far behind the  
vehicle ahead as you would when driving  
your vehicle without a trailer. This can  
help you avoid situations that require  
heavy braking and sudden turns.  
Passing  
You will need more passing distance up  
ahead when you’re towing a trailer. And,  
because of the increased vehicle length,  
you’ll need to go much farther beyond  
the passed vehicle before you can return  
to your lane.  
WARNING  
Do not use a trailer with its own brakes  
unless you are absolutely certain that  
you have properly set up the brake  
system. This is not a task for amateurs.  
Use an experienced, competent trailer  
shop for this work.  
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Driving your vehicle  
Backing up  
WARNING  
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel  
with one hand. Then, to move the trailer  
to the left, move your hand to the left. To  
move the trailer to the right, move your  
hand to the right. Always back up slowly  
and, if possible, have someone guide  
you.  
Do not connect a trailer lighting system  
directly to your vehicle’s lighting  
system. Use an approved trailer wiring  
harness. Failure to do so could result  
in damage to the vehicle electrical  
system and/or personal injury. Consult  
an authorized HYUNDAI dealer for  
assistance.  
Making turns  
When you’re turning with a trailer, make  
wider turns than normal. Do this so your  
trailer won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs,  
road signs, trees, or other objects. Avoid  
jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in  
advance.  
Driving on hills  
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear  
before you start down a long or steep  
downgrade. If you don’t shift down, you  
might have to use your brakes so much  
that they would get overheated and may  
not operate efficiently.  
On a long uphill grade, shift down and  
reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70  
km/h) to reduce the possibility of engine  
and transmission overheating.  
If your trailer weighs more than the  
maximum trailer weight without trailer  
brakes and you have a automatic  
transmission, you should drive in D  
(Drive) when towing a trailer.  
Turn signals  
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle has  
to have a different turn signal flasher and  
extra wiring. The green arrows on your  
instrument panel will flash whenever you  
signal a turn or lane change. Properly  
connected, the trailer lights will also flash  
to alert other drivers you’re about to turn,  
change lanes, or stop.  
When towing a trailer, the green arrows  
on your instrument panel will flash for  
turns even if the bulbs on the trailer  
are burned out. Thus, you may think  
drivers behind you are seeing your  
signals when, in fact, they are not. It’s  
important to check occasionally to be  
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.  
You must also check the lights every time  
you disconnect and then reconnect the  
wires.  
Operating your vehicle in D (Drive)  
when towing a trailer will minimize heat  
build-up and extend the life of your  
transmission.  
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NOTICE  
Parking on hills  
Generally, if you have a trailer attached  
to your vehicle, you should not park your  
vehicle on a hill.  
To prevent engine and/or transmission  
overheating:  
śꢀ 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 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.  
However, if you ever have to park your  
trailer on a hill, here’s how to do it:  
1. Pull the vehicle into the parking space.  
Turn the steering wheel in the  
direction of the curb (right if headed  
down hill, left if headed up hill).  
2. Shift the gear to P (Park).  
3. Set the parking brake and shut off the  
vehicle.  
śꢀ If you tow a trailer with the maximum  
gross vehicle weight and maximum  
trailer weight, it can cause the  
engine or transmission to overheat.  
When driving in such conditions,  
allow the engine to idle until it cools  
down. You may proceed once the  
engine or transmission has cooled  
sufficiently.  
4. Place wheel chocks under the trailer  
wheels on the down hill side of the  
wheels.  
5. Start the vehicle, hold the brakes, shift  
to neutral, release the parking brake  
and slowly release the brakes until the  
trailer chocks absorb the load.  
6. Reapply the brakes and parking  
brakes.  
śꢀ When towing a trailer, your vehicle  
speed may be much slower than the  
general flow of traffic, especially  
when climbing an uphill grade. Use  
the right hand lane when towing a  
trailer on an uphill grade. Choose  
your vehicle speed according to the  
maximum posted speed limit for  
vehicles with trailers, the steepness  
of the grade, and your trailer weight.  
7. Shift the gear to P (Park) when the  
vehicle is parked on a uphill grade and  
in R (Reverse) on a downhill.  
8. Shut off the vehicle and release the  
vehicle brakes but leave the parking  
brake set.  
WARNING  
To prevent serious or fatal injury:  
śꢀ Do not get out of the vehicle without  
the parking brake firmly set. If you  
have left the engine running, the  
vehicle can move suddenly. You and  
others could be seriously or fatally  
injured.  
śꢀ Do not apply the accelerator pedal to  
hold the vehicle on an uphill.  
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Driving your vehicle  
NOTICE  
To prevent vehicle damage:  
śꢀ Due to higher load during trailer  
usage, overheating might occur on  
hot days or during uphill driving.  
If the coolant gauge indicates  
Driving the vehicle after it has been  
parked on a hill  
1. With the gear in P (Park), apply your  
brakes and hold the brake pedal down  
while you:  
śꢀStart your engine;  
over-heating, switch off the air  
conditioner and stop the vehicle in a  
safe area to cool down the engine.  
śꢀShift into gear; and  
śꢀRelease the parking brake.  
2. Slowly remove your foot from the  
brake pedal.  
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of  
the chocks.  
śꢀ Do not switch off the engine while  
the coolant gauge indicates over-  
heating.  
(Keep the engine idle to cool down  
the engine)  
4. Stop and have someone pick up and  
store the chocks.  
śꢀ When towing check transmission  
fluid more frequently.  
Maintenance when towing a  
trailer  
Your vehicle will need service more  
often when you regularly pull a trailer.  
Important items to pay particular  
attention to include engine oil,  
śꢀ If your vehicle is not equipped with  
an air conditioner, you should install  
a condenser fan to improve engine  
performance when towing a trailer.  
transmission fluid, axle lubricant and  
cooling system fluid. Brake condition  
is another important item to frequently  
check. If you’re trailering, it’s a good  
idea to review these items before  
you start your trip. Don’t forget to  
also maintain your trailer and hitch.  
Follow the maintenance schedule that  
accompanied your trailer and check it  
periodically. Preferably, conduct the  
check at the start of each day’s driving.  
Most importantly, all hitch nuts and bolts  
should be tight.  
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