Service Tips & Tricks

Hyundai Car Care Tips from Webb Hyundai Merrillville

Hyundai Maintenance Schedule at a Glance

Every Hyundai model has its own schedule, and your owner's manual or the MyHyundai app has the exact intervals for your vehicle. Here's a general guide to what usually comes due and when:

Intervals vary by model, engine and driving conditions. Always follow the schedule for your specific Hyundai.

How Often Should I Change the Oil in My Hyundai?

Follow the oil change interval in your owner's manual. Hyundai lists two schedules: normal and severe. Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extreme cold, dusty roads and towing all count as severe driving. If your daily drive includes Route 30 traffic or short hops around Merrillville, you may be on the severe schedule without realizing it. Our service advisors can tell you which one fits.

• Use the oil grade and specification listed for your engine.
• Check your oil level between visits, especially on higher-mileage vehicles.
• Pair every oil change with a tire rotation and multi-point inspection to catch small problems early.

Tire Tips: Pressure, Rotation and Tread

Your tires do all the work of keeping you on the road, and Lake County potholes give them plenty of it.

• Check pressure monthly. Use the numbers on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not the number on the tire sidewall. Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, so check more often in fall and winter.
• Rotate regularly. Rotating at each oil change helps tires wear evenly and last longer.
• Watch your tread. Try the penny test: put Lincoln's head upside down in the tread. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires.
• Hit a pothole? If the steering wheel is off-center or the car pulls to one side, get an alignment check.

Warning Signs You Need Brake Service

Brake pads wear gradually, so the signs can sneak up on you. Schedule a brake inspection if you notice:

• Squealing or squeaking when you brake
• Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
• A pulsing or vibrating brake pedal
• A soft or spongy pedal, or a pedal that sinks toward the floor
• The vehicle pulling to one side when you stop
• A brake warning light on your dash

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, so it also needs to be replaced at the interval in your maintenance schedule.

Battery Care Before Winter in Merrillville

Freezing temperatures drain a 12-volt battery's cranking power. One that feels fine in the fall can quit on the first single-digit morning in January.

• Many car batteries last roughly three to five years. Get yours tested before the first deep freeze.
• Slow cranking, dim headlights or a battery warning light usually mean it's time for a test.
• Keep terminals clean and free of corrosion.
• Electrified Hyundais have a 12-volt battery too, and it still needs attention.

Filters, Fluids and Wiper Blades

• Cabin air filter: Filters the air you breathe inside the car. Replace it about once a year, or sooner if airflow feels weak or you notice odors.
• Engine air filter: Helps protect the engine and fuel economy. Replace it at your scheduled interval, or sooner if you drive on dusty roads.
• Coolant: Protects against freezing in winter and overheating in summer.
• Wiper blades and washer fluid: Streaking or chattering blades should be replaced. Use winter-rated washer fluid from fall through spring.
• Transmission fluid: Service it as listed in your schedule, especially if you tow or drive in heavy traffic.

IONIQ EV and Hyundai Hybrid Maintenance Tips

Electric models like the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 9 don't need oil changes, but they still need regular care. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid Hyundais still have a gas engine, so they follow an oil change schedule too.

• Tires: EVs are heavy and deliver instant torque, so rotation and pressure checks matter even more.
• Brakes: Regenerative braking reduces pad wear, but pads, rotors and brake fluid still need to be inspected, and calipers can corrode from road salt.
• Cabin air filter and wipers: Same as any other vehicle.
• Battery cooling system: Your high-voltage battery has its own coolant, and it's serviced at the interval in your schedule.
• Winter range tip: Precondition the cabin while plugged in to save range on cold mornings.

Seasonal Car Care Checklist for Merrillville and Lake County Drivers

Hyundai Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

New Hyundai vehicles are backed by America's Best Warranty, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty for original owners. Eligible model year 2020–2025 Hyundai vehicles also include Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. It covers scheduled oil and filter changes and tire rotations for original owners. Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance is not offered on model year 2026 and newer vehicles.

Not sure what's covered on your vehicle? Our service team can look it up by VIN, and you can also check coverage in the MyHyundai app or at owners.hyundaiusa.com. See Hyundai for complete warranty and program terms and eligibility. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance at an authorized Hyundai dealer, using Hyundai Genuine Parts, helps keep your records in order if you ever need warranty work.

Hyundai Service FAQ

How often should I rotate my Hyundai's tires?

Most drivers rotate their tires at every oil change. Your owner's manual lists the exact interval for your model.

Does my Hyundai qualify for free maintenance?

Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance covers eligible model year 2020–2025 Hyundai vehicles for 3 years or 36,000 miles for original owners. It isn't offered on model year 2026 and newer vehicles. Call Webb Hyundai Merrillville at (219) 738-3781 and we'll check your VIN.

Do Hyundai EVs need maintenance?

Yes. IONIQ EVs don't need oil changes, but they still need tire rotations, brake and brake fluid service, cabin air filters and battery cooling system service on schedule.

What does the tire pressure light mean?

One or more tires is significantly low. Check all four with a gauge and fill to the pressure on the driver's door jamb sticker. If the light stays on or keeps coming back, you may have a slow leak. Stop by and we'll take a look.

Can I schedule Hyundai service online?

Yes. You can book online anytime or call our Service Department at (219) 738-3781. Service hours are Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM–7 PM, Friday 7:30 AM–6 PM and Saturday 8 AM–3 PM.