Engine Coolant

The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled year-round with antifreeze engine coolant. The reservoir is filled at the factory.

Check the freeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, at the beginning of the winter season, and before driving in a colder climate.

Engine Coolant Level Inspection

Check the condition and connections of all cooling system hoses and heater hoses. Replace any hoses that are swollen or worn.

With the engine cold, the coolant level should be between the F and L marks on the coolant reservoir.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) water to bring the level to the F mark, but do not overfill. If frequent addition is required, have the cooling system checked by an official HYUNDAI dealer.

Recommended Engine Coolant

• When adding coolant, use only distilled (deionized) water for your vehicle and never add hard water to coolant filled at the factory.
• An incorrect coolant mixture may cause serious malfunction or engine damage.
• Your vehicle's engine is made of aluminum. Engine parts must be protected with phosphate-based ethylene glycol coolant to prevent corrosion and freezing.
• Do not use alcohol or methanol coolant or mix them with the specified coolant.
• Do not use a solution containing more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, as this will reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

Refer to the following table for mixing percentages:

Information

If you are unsure of the mixture ratio, use a 50% water and 50% antifreeze mixture. It is easiest to mix them together in equal amounts. Suitable for use in most temperature ranges down to -31°F (-35°C).

WARNING

Never remove the radiator cap or drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may be under pressure and can cause serious injury.

Turn off the engine and wait until the engine cools. Be extremely careful when removing the radiator cap. Wrap a thick towel around it and slowly turn it counterclockwise to the first stop.

Step back while pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all pressure has been released, press down on the cap using a thick towel and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.

WARNING

The cooling fan motor may continue to run or start when the engine is off and may cause serious injury. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the rotating cooling fan blades.

Always turn off the engine unless the vehicle must be checked with the engine running. Be careful, as the cooling fan may operate if the negative (-) battery terminal is not disconnected.

Engine Coolant Replacement

Have the engine coolant replaced by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule at the beginning of this chapter.

WARNING

Do not use engine coolant or antifreeze in the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

Engine coolant may cause severely reduced visibility if sprayed on the windshield and may result in loss of vehicle control due to an accident.

Engine coolant may also damage the paint and trim of the vehicle body.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to engine components, cover the radiator cap with a thick towel before filling with coolant to prevent components such as the alternator from getting coolant.