Get Maintenance -> Tires and wheels Guide for Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 2023

09

TIRES AND WHEELS

Tire care

WARNING

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.

Tire failure may cause loss of

vehicle control resulting in an

accident. To reduce risk of SERIOUS

INJURY or DEATH, take the

following precautions:

śꢀ Inspect your tires monthly for

proper inflation as well as wear

and damage.

śꢀ 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.

OTM078063L

śꢀ Check the pressure of the

spare every time you check the

pressure of the other tires on

your vehicle.

śꢀ Replace tires that are worn, show

uneven wear, or are damaged.

Worn tires can cause loss of

braking effectiveness, steering

control, or traction.

śꢀ ALWAYS replace tires with the

same size, type, 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

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 driven less than 1

mile (1.6km).

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” section in chapter 2.

handling characteristics, poor

vehicle control, or negatively

affect your vehicle’s Anti-Lock

Brake System (ABS) resulting in a

serious accident.

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Maintenance

Check tire inflation pressure

Check your tires, including the spare

tire, once a month or more.

WARNING

Recommended pressures must be

maintained for the best ride, vehicle

handling, and minimum tire wear.

How to check

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.

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

and loading information label, 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.

CAUTION

śꢀ 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 be checked by an authorized

HYUNDAI dealer.

śꢀ Over-inflation produces a harsh

ride, excessive wear at the center

of the tire tread, and a greater

possibility of damage from road

hazards.

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09

Tire rotation

Information

The outside and inside of the

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.

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.

When rotating tires, check for

uneven wear and damage. Abnormal

wear is usually caused by incorrect

tire pressure, improper wheel

WARNING

śꢀ Do not use the compact spare

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]).

tire for tire rotation.

śꢀ 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.

OHI078078

Disc brake pads should be inspected

for wear whenever tires are rotated.

9-35

Maintenance

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.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of DEATH or

SERIOUS INJURY:

śꢀ Replace tires that are worn, show

uneven wear, or are damaged.

Worn tires can cause loss of

braking effectiveness, steering

control, and traction.

śꢀ 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.

NOTICE

Incorrect wheel weights can

damage your vehicle’s aluminum

wheels. Use only approved wheel

weights.

śꢀ 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.

Tire replacement

Tread wear indicator

śꢀ 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.

śꢀ 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.

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.

9-36

09

Compact spare tire replacement

(if equipped)

Wheel replacement

When replacing the metal wheels

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.

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

WARNING

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.

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.

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Maintenance

Example tire size designation:

Tire sidewall labeling

(These numbers are provided as

an example only; your tire size

designator could vary depending on

your vehicle.)

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.

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.

OHI078081

1. Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or brand name is

shown.

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.

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.

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09

Tire speed ratings

4. Tire ply composition and material

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.

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.

Speed Rating

Maximum Speed

Symbol

S

T

H

V

W

Y

112 mph (180 km/h)

118 mph (190 km/h)

130 mph (210 km/h)

149 mph (240 km/h)

168 mph (270 km/h)

186 mph (300 km/h)

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.

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.

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.

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.

9-39

Maintenance

Traction - AA, A, B & C

7. Uniform tire quality grading

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

9-40

09

Tire Terminology and Definitions

WARNING

Air Pressure

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.

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.

9-41

Maintenance

DOT Markings

Maximum Inflation Pressure

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.

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.

GVWR

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

GAWR FRT

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front

Axle.

Normal Occupant Weight

The number of occupants a vehicle

is designed to seat multiplied by 150

pounds (68 kg).

GAWR RR

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear

axle.

Occupant Distribution

Designated seating positions.

Intended Outboard Sidewall

The side of an asymmetrical tire,

that must always face outward when

mounted on a vehicle.

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.

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.

Passenger (P-Metric) tire

A tire used on passenger cars and some

light duty trucks and multipurpose

vehicles.

Load ratings

The maximum load that a tire is rated to

carry for a given inflation pressure.

Ply

A layer of rubber-coated parallel cords.

Load Index

An assigned number ranging from 1 to

279 that corresponds to the load carrying

capacity of a tire.

9-42

09

Pneumatic tire

Traction

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Vehicle Capacity Weight

The number of designated seating

positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg)

plus the rated cargo and luggage load.

Rim

A metal support for a tire and upon

Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire

Load on an individual tire due to curb

and accessory weight plus maximum

occupant and cargo weight.

which the tire beads are seated.

Sidewall

The portion of a tire between the tread

and the bead.

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.

Speed Rating

An alphanumeric code assigned to a tire

indicating the maximum speed at which

a tire can operate.

Vehicle Placard

A label permanently attached to a vehicle

showing the original equipment tire size

and recommended inflation pressure.

9-43

Maintenance

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.

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

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.

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.

9-44

09

Low aspect ratio tires

(if equipped)

The aspect ratio is lower than 50 on

low aspect ratio tires.

Because low aspect ratio tires are

optimized for handling and braking,

their sidewall is a little stiffer than

a standard tire. Also low aspect

ratio tires tend to be wider and

consequently have a greater contact

patch with the road surface. In some

instances they may generate more

road noise compared with standard

tires.

CAUTION

śꢀ When driving on a rough road or

off road, drive cautiously because

tires and wheels may be damaged.

And after driving, inspect tires and

wheels.

śꢀ When passing over a pothole, speed

bump, manhole, or curb stone, drive

slowly so that the tires and wheels

are not damaged.

śꢀ If the tire is subjected to a severe

impact, have the tire and wheel

inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI

dealer.

śꢀ It is not easy to recognize tire

damage with your own eyes. But

if there is the slightest hint of tire

damage, have the tire checked or

replaced because the tire damage

may cause air leakage from the tire.

śꢀ If the tire is damaged by driving

on a rough road, off road,

pothole, manhole, or curb stone,

it will not be covered by the

warranty.

9-45

Maintenance

CAUTION

The side wall of a low aspect ratio

tire is shorter than the normal one.

Thus, the low-aspect wheel and

tire are easily damaged. Follow the

below instructions.

śꢀ When driving on a rough road or

driving off a road, be careful not

to damage the tires and wheels.

After driving, inspect the tires

and wheels.

śꢀ When passing over a pothole,

speed bump, manhole, or curb

stone, drive the vehicle slowly so

as not to damage the tires and

wheels.

śꢀ When there is an impact on a tire,

inspect the tire condition. Or,

you can contact an authorized

HYUNDAI dealer.

śꢀ Inspect the tire condition and

pressure every 1,800 miles (3,000

km) to prevent tire damage.

śꢀ It is difficult to recognize a tire

damage only with your eyes.

When there is a slight hint of a

tire damage, check and replace

the tire to prevent the damage

caused by air leakage.

śꢀ When a tire is damaged while

driving on a rough road, off a

road, or over obstacles, such as a

pothole, manhole, or curb stone,

your warranty does not cover the

damage.

śꢀ The tire information is specified

on the tire side wall.

9-46

Maintenance -> Tires and wheels for Your Hyundai Santa Fe SUV 2023

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