All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Using All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system transmits engine power to the front and rear wheels for maximum traction. AWD is useful when additional traction is required, such as when driving on slippery, muddy, wet, or snow-covered roads.

If the system determines that all-wheel drive is needed, engine power is distributed to all four wheels automatically.

WARNING

If the all-wheel drive indicator light () stays on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction in the all-wheel drive system.

When the all-wheel drive indicator light () illuminates, have your vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH:

• Do not operate the vehicle in conditions that exceed the vehicle's design, such as off-road conditions.
• Avoid high speeds in curves or turns.
• Do not make sudden steering movements, such as abrupt lane changes or quick, sharp turns.
• The risk of rollover greatly increases if you lose control of your vehicle at highway speeds.
• Loss of control often occurs when two or more wheels leave the roadway and the driver overcorrects to re-enter the roadway.
• If your vehicle leaves the roadway, do not steer sharply. Instead, slow down gradually before returning to the roadway.
• Always drive safely and use caution when driving an all-wheel drive vehicle.

✽ NOTICE

• Do not drive through water deeper than the bottom of the vehicle.
• Check the brakes after leaving mud or water. Apply the brake pedal several times while driving slowly until normal braking response returns.
• Shorten the scheduled maintenance interval if you drive in off-road conditions such as sand, mud, or water (see "Severe Conditions Maintenance" in Chapter 7).
• Make sure an all-wheel drive vehicle is towed with all four wheels off the ground (by a flatbed tow truck).

For Safe All-Wheel Drive Operation

Before Driving

• Make sure all passengers are wearing their seat belts.
• Sit upright and adjust the steering wheel to a position comfortable for you to drive.

Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads

• Start slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gradually.
• Winter tires are recommended. For more information on snow tires, refer to "Winter Driving" in this chapter.
• Maintain a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Use engine braking when decelerating.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns to prevent skidding.

Driving on Sand or Mud

• Maintain a slow and steady speed.
• Maintain a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
• Reduce vehicle speed and always check road conditions.
• Avoid excessive speed, rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns to avoid getting stuck.

CAUTION

If the vehicle becomes stuck in snow, sand, or mud, avoid running the engine continuously at high speed, as this may damage the tires, transmission, differential, or all-wheel drive system.

Driving Uphill or Downhill

• Driving Uphill

- Before starting, check whether you can drive uphill.
- Drive as straight as possible.

• Driving Downhill

- Do not shift gears while driving downhill. Select the gear before starting downhill.
- Drive slowly, using engine braking when driving downhill.
- Drive as straight as possible.

WARNING

Exercise extreme caution when driving up or down steep slopes. The vehicle may roll over depending on the incline, terrain, and water/mud conditions.