How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata has undergone multiple redesigns, including a new aluminum engine in the 2005 and onward models. These steps directly apply to the 1998 to 2004 model years, and generally apply to later models with the possible exception of different antifreeze because of the aluminum engine.

Instructions

1

Run SAE 10W30, 10W40 or 10W50 engine oil in normal temperatures. Cold climates may require 5W30 or 5W40, while hot climates need 20W40 or 20W50.

2

Maintain your transmission at regular intervals with Hyundai Genuine Parts automatic transmission fluid, Diamond ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III for automatic transmissions. In a manual transmission, use Hyundai Genuine Parts manual transmission fluid, 75W90 API GL-4 viscosity.

3

Mix one part clean, distilled water with one part ethylene glycol antifreeze. Using antifreeze with a non-ethylene glycol base may lead to premature corrosion.

4

Top off your power steering fluid reservoir with PSF-3 type fluid.

5

Refill both brake fluid and hydraulic clutch fluid with DOT or DOT 4 brake fluid, or equivalent. For your own safety, don't use non-recommended brake fluids, and remember that vehicle fluids such as transmission fluid, brake fluid and antifreeze are generally not interchangeable.