The Hyundai Sonata ranks among the most popular cars in the Raleigh area. Drivers love its smooth performance and great everyday comfort. When serviced at the recommended intervals, this sedan tends to be quite reliable. Several Sonata owners have surpassed the 300,000-mile mark. Here’s how to keep your Sonata running strong for years to come.
If you want your Hyundai Sonata to withstand the test of time, be sure to get regular oil changes. This is among the easiest ways to keep the car performing at its best. Not only does dirty oil gum up the engine’s internals, but it also leads to premature wear and tear.
Late-model Sonatas feature a “Serviced Required” indicator, which lets you know that it’s time for an oil change. Under normal driving conditions, Hyundai recommends getting an oil change every 7,500 miles. However, drivers who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic may need to have their car serviced more frequently.
It’s important to keep your car’s cooling system intact. The last thing you want to experience is overheating, which can cause severe engine damage. As soon as your temperature gauge starts to approach the danger zone, immediately pull over and shut off the engine.
Ideally, you should have the system inspected at least once a year. The rubber coolant hoses can dry out over time, which makes leaks more likely to occur. When there’s a low level of coolant, engine temperatures can rise quickly.
Many modern Hyundai vehicles, including the Sonata, feature a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine. Not only does direct injection technology improve fuel economy, but it also boosts performance. However, there is a potential downside to a GDI engine. Because fuel is not sprayed directly onto the engine valves, carbon deposits are more likely to form.
Among the symptoms of carbon buildup include rough running, a loss of power, and cold stalling. You may also notice that your check engine light is on. To help prevent this problem, it’s recommended to only use Top Tier gasoline. A Top Tier gas is formulated with extra detergent additives that help keep engines clean.
It’s a good idea to install Hyundai OEM parts on your Sonata. Although these parts are more expensive, they are well worth the extra cash. Genuine OEM parts typically last a lot longer. They are also less prone to having manufacturing defects.
While you can always opt to use cheaper aftermarket parts, don’t expect your vehicle to be as reliable in the long run. In terms of overall quality, genuine OEM parts are usually superior.
If your Hyundai Sonata begins to make strange noises or run poorly, don’t wait to take action. Small problems can eventually grow into a much more serious issue. It could be only a matter of time before you break down.
Preventative maintenance is always a good thing. Among the best ways to keep your Sonata running strong is to get regular check-ups. Mechanics are trained to detect potential problems, which can be nipped in the bud ahead of time.
