Get Maintenance -> Tires and wheels Guide for Hyundai Kona SUV Second Generation (2023-2026)

Tires And Wheels

WARNING

Tire failure may cause loss of vehicle control and result in a collision. To reduce risk of

serious injury or death:

• 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 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 may 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, always maintain

recommended tire inflation pressures and stay within the load limits and weight

distribution recommended for your vehicle.

2C_TireLabel

All specifications (sizes and pressures) can be found on a label attached to the driver's

side center pillar.

Recommended cold tire inflation pressures

Check all tire pressures (including the spare) when the tires are cold. “Cold tires” mean

the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km).

Warm tires normally exceed the recommended cold tire pressures by 4 to 6 psi (28 to

41 kPa). Do not release air from warm tires to adjust the pressure. The tires are under-

inflated. For recommended inflation pressure, refer to the "Tires and wheels" section in

chapter 2.

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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 may result in loss of vehicle control resulting in a

collision.

• Severe under-inflation may lead to severe heat build-up, causing blowouts, tread

separation, and other tire failures that may result in loss of vehicle control resulting

in a collision. This risk is much higher on hot days and when driving for a long time at

high speeds.

• Under-inflation may cause 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 your vehicle inspected 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(if equipped), at least once a month.

How to check

Use a good quality tire pressure gauge to check the tire pressure. You cannot tell if

your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly

inflated when they are underinflated.

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 it reaches the recommended pressure.

Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. Without the valve cap, dirt or

moisture may 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 may get into the valve core and

cause air leakage. If a valve cap is missing, install a new one as soon as possible.

Tire rotation

To equalize tread wear, have the tires 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 nut torque (proper torque is 79-94 lbf·ft [11-13 kgf·m]).

Maintenance 659

2C_TireRotation

Disc brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever tires are rotated.

Information

When installing an unsymmetrical tire, install the side marked “outside” facing out.

WARNING

• Do not use the compact spare tire for tire rotation.

• 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 and result in a

collision.

Wheel alignment and tire balance

The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the factory, and you

may not need to have your wheels aligned again. If you notice unusual tire wear or your

vehicle pulling to one side, the alignment may need to be adjusted.

If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels may need

to be rebalanced.

NOTICE

Only use approved wheel weights or your vehicle's aluminum wheels may be damaged.

Tire replacement

2C_TireWareIndicator

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[A] Tread wear indicator

If the tire is worn evenly, a tread wear indicator appears as a solid band across the tread.

This shows there is less than 1/16 inches (1.6 mm) 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.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of death or serious injury:

• Replace tires that are worn, show uneven wear, or are damaged. Worn tires may 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 may

cause unusual handling characteristics, poor vehicle control, or negatively affect your

vehicle's Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).

• 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 may seriously affect your vehicle's

handling.

• Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used. Regardless of the

remaining tread, have the tires replaced after 6 years of normal service.

• Driving in hot climates or excessive loading may accelerate the tire aging process.

Compact spare tire replacement

if equipped

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 vehicle and

must 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.

WARNING

The normal size tire should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to avoid failure of

the spare and loss of vehicle control resulting in a collision.

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.

Wheel replacement

When replacing the metal wheels 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 or the tires that are improperly

inflated, or on slippery road surfaces. Replace the tires when tread wear indicators

appear. To reduce the possibility of losing control, slow down whenever there is rain,

snow, or ice on the road.

Maintenance 661

Tire maintenance

In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps decrease the 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 may increase ride comfort and

tire life. Additionally, a tire must always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel.

Tire sidewall labeling

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.

2C_TireSideWallLabelling

1. Manufacturer or brand name

Manufacturer or brand name is shown.

2. Tire size designation

A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You need this information when

selecting replacement tires for your vehicle. The following explains what the letters and

numbers in the tire size designation mean.

Example tire size designation:

(These numbers are provided as an example only. Your tire size designator may vary

depending on your vehicle.)

215/60 R17 98W

215: Tire width in millimeters.

60: Aspect ratio. The tire's section height as a percentage of its width.

R: Tire construction code (Radial).

17: Rim diameter in inches.

98: Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.

W: Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional

information.

Wheel size designation

Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to

replace one.

Example wheel size designation:

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7.5J X 19

7.5: Rim width in inches.

J: Rim contour designation.

19: Rim diameter in inches.

Tire speed ratings

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.

Speed Rating Symbol

Maximum Speed

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)

S

T

H

V

W

Y

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) must 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.

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 1524 represents that the tire was produced in the 15th week of 2024.

4. Tire 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. 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.

Maintenance 663

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.

7. DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also

graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department

of Transportation (DOT) standards.

Uniform tire quality grading

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 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.

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 depending on the grade.

Traction - AA, A, B & C

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.

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.

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 may cause the material of the tire to degenerate and

reduce tire life, and excessive temperature may lead to sudden tire failure. The grade

C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet the

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Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades A and B represent higher levels of

performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING

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, may cause heat build-up and possible sudden tire failure.

Tire terminology and definitions

Air pressure

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.

DOT markings

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.

GVWR

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Maintenance 665

GAWR FRT

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Front Axle.

GAWR RR

Gross Axle Weight Rating for the Rear axle.

Intended outboard sidewall

The side of an asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when mounted on a

vehicle.

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.

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 lbs. (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.

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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 lbs. (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.

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 inches 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.

Maintenance 667

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.

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.

Summer tires

HYUNDAI specifies summer tires on some models to provide superior performance on dry

roads. Summer tire performance is substantially reduced in snow and ice. Summer tires

do not have the tire traction rating M+S (Mud and Snow) on the tire side wall. If you plan

to operate your vehicle in snowy or icy conditions, use snow tires or all season tires on all

four wheels.

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.

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 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

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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.

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

Low aspect wheels and tires are easily damaged. To reduce the risk of damage:

• When driving on rough roads, passing over a pothole, speed bump, manhole, or curb

stone, drive the vehicle slowly not to damage the tires and wheels. Damage is not

covered by your vehicle warranty.

• Inspect the tire condition and pressure every 3,000 km / 1,800 mi.

• It is difficult to visually inspect for tire damage with your eyes. If any damage is found,

contact your authorized HYUNDAI dealer to replace the tire.

Maintenance 669

Maintenance -> Tires and wheels for Your Hyundai Kona SUV Second Generation (2023-2026)

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