Hyundai Tucson: Maintenance / Engine Coolant

The high-pressure cooling system has a reservoir filled with year-round antifreeze coolant.

Check the antifreeze protection and coolant level at least once a year, before the winter season or before traveling to a colder climate.

Checking the Coolant Level

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

The coolant level should be filled between the MAX and the MIN marks on the side of the coolant reservoir when the engine is cool.

If the coolant level is low, add enough distilled (deionized) water mixed with antifreeze to bring the level to the MAX mark. If frequent additions are required, contact an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

WARNING

Never remove the engine coolant cap or the drain plug while the engine and radiator are hot. Hot coolant and steam may blow out under pressure, causing serious injury.

Turn the vehicle off and wait until the engine cools down. Use extreme care when removing the engine coolant cap. Wrap a thick towel around it, and turn it counterclockwise slowly to the first stop. Step back while the pressure is released from the cooling system. When you are sure all the pressure has been released, press down on the cap using a thick towel, and continue turning counterclockwise to remove it.

Information

The coolant level is influenced by the engine temperature. Before checking or refilling the coolant, turn off the engine and allow the engine to cool.

WARNING

Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the rotating fan blades of the cooling fan.

Always turn off the vehicle unless the vehicle has to be inspected with the engine on. The cooling fan may operate automatically if the negative (-) battery terminal is not disconnected.

WARNING

Make sure the coolant cap is properly closed after refilling coolant. Otherwise, the engine may be overheated while driving.

1. Check if the coolant cap label is straight in front.

2. Make sure that the tiny protrusions inside the coolant cap is securely interlocked.

Recommended coolant

• When adding coolant, use only deionized water, distilled water, or soft water for your vehicle and never mix hard water in the coolant filled at the factory.
• An incorrect coolant mixture may result in severe malfunction or engine damage.
• The engine in your vehicle has aluminum engine parts and must be protected by an 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 that contains more than 60% antifreeze or less than 35% antifreeze, which could reduce the effectiveness of the solution.

For mixing percentage, refer to the following table:

Information

If in doubt about the mix ratio, a 50% water and 50% antifreeze mix is the easiest to mix together because it is the same quantity for each.

Changing Coolant

Have the coolant changed by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer according to the Maintenance Schedule.

NOTICE

To prevent damage to engine parts, put a thick towel around the engine coolant cap before refilling the coolant to prevent the coolant from overflowing into engine parts, such as the alternator.