Hyundai Tucson: All Wheel Drive (AWD) / AWD Operation

Four Wheel Drive (AWD) mode selection

WARNING

If the AWD warning light () stays illuminated on the instrument cluster, your vehicle may have a malfunction with the AWD system. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE

• Maintain the AWD Auto mode when driving on roads in normal conditions.
• Driving on normal roads with the AWD Lock mode on, especially when cornering may cause mechanical noise or vibration. Driving in this mode for prolonged periods may damage parts of the power train. The noise and vibration disappear when the AWD Lock mode is deactivated.

Information

When the AWD Lock mode is deactivated, a sensation may be felt as the driving power is delivered entirely to the front wheels.

For safe AWD operation

Before driving

Make sure all passengers always wear their seat belts.

Driving on snow-covered or icy roads

• Start off slowly by applying the accelerator pedal gently.
• Use snow tires or tire chains.
• Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
• Use engine braking during deceleration.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent skids.

Information

When using Snow Tires, mount them on all four wheels.

When using tire chains, install them on the rear tires. However, driving speed must be below 20 mph (30 km/h) and minimize the driving distance. Highspeed or long term driving with tire chains installed may malfunction or damage the AWD system.

For more information on Snow Tires and Tire Chains, refer to the "Winter Driving" section later in this chapter.

Driving in sand or mud

• Maintain slow and constant speeds.
• Use tire chains when driving in mud if necessary.
• Keep a sufficient distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
• Reduce the vehicle speed and always check the road condition.
• Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden brake applications, and sharp turns to prevent getting stuck.

NOTICE

When the vehicle is stuck in snow, sand, or mud, place a non-slip material under the drive wheels to provide traction OR slowly spin the wheels in forward and reverse causing a rocking motion that may free the vehicle. Avoid running the engine continuously at high RPM to prevent damage to the AWD system.

Driving up or down hills

• Driving uphill
  - Before starting off, check if it is possible to drive uphill.
  - Drive as straight as possible.
• Driving downhill
  - Do not change gears while driving downhill. Select a gear before driving downhill.
  - Drive slowly when using engine braking while driving downhill.
  - Drive straight as possible.

WARNING

• Exercise extreme caution driving up or down steep hills. The vehicle may roll over in the grade, terrain, and water/ mud conditions.
• Do not drive across steep hills. A slight change in the wheel angle may destabilize the vehicle. A stable vehicle may lose stability if the vehicle stops its forward motion. Your vehicle may roll over, resulting in a serious injury or death.

Driving through water

• Try to avoid driving in deep standing water. It may stall your engine and clog your exhaust pipes.
• If you need to drive in water, stop your vehicle, set the vehicle in AWD Lock mode, and drive under 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Do not change gears while driving in water.

Additional driving conditions

• Become familiar with the off-road conditions before driving.
• Always pay attention when driving offroad and avoid dangerous areas.
• Drive slowly when driving in heavy wind.
• Reduce vehicle speed when cornering. The center of gravity of AWD vehicles is higher than conventional 2WD vehicles. The vehicle is more likely to roll over if you turn the steering wheel too quickly.
• Always hold the steering wheel firmly when you are driving off-road.

WARNING

Do not grab the inside of the steering wheel when you are driving off-road. You may hurt your arm by a sudden steering maneuver or from steering wheel rebound due to an impact with objects on the ground. You may lose control of the steering wheel that may lead to serious injury or death.