First post - I've been poking around for the last week (just took delivery on Oct. 2), and thanks all for your collected wisdom so far!

I've got a 2008 Limited (Canadian model), and I can't seem to determine whether it has the TPMS on it, or not. The Canadian Owner's Manual has a helpful "If installed" comment in the section that deals with the TPMS, but I can't find any reference to the TPMS on the Hyundai Canada website in the features or specs section. I checked the internal fuse panel, and there is a 10 amp fuse in the spot reserved for TPMS, but there don't appear to be any TPMS-related warning lights in the dash on start-up.

Any ideas for how to figure this out? I'm actually hoping it's not TPMS-equipped, because of the extra hassle with winter wheels and tires...

Speaking of which, anyone have any tips on good winter tires for the SantaFe? I'm not yet familiar with the "Light SUV" class of tires. Tirerack.com seems to like Minus-sizing by 2, so 235/70R16 tires, and the reviews point to the Blizzak DM-Z3 or the Pirelli Scorpion Ice+Snows ...?

You don't have it.

Thank god there is no TPMS.

I had on my Toyota tundra and that was most irrating. You have to spend 120 per wheel for the sensors (unless you want one set of wheels).

:beer:

Congrats on your purchase, Marc, and welcome to the world of confusing Hyundai owners manuals! Apparently no Canadian models get TPMS, which as Santafehead says is a blessing in disguise. It was a constant nuisance on my previous Nissan - false alarms every time the temperature drops, and tire machines breaking sensors.

If you're willing to downsize to 16" rims, check out the Michelin Latitude X-Ice at Costco.ca (just search for a 2008 GLS model instead of Limited). That's what I'm looking at for my GLS. These are top-rated snow tires, and right now there's a $60 rebate in effect. Just do the math to ensure that the outer circumference is comparable. Good luck.

Thanks all for the confirmation and advice!

Thanks. I was wondering if I could downsize to 16 from 18 for snows. I have TPMS though as mine was imported.

This post has been edited by tkl: Oct 27 2008, 10:47 PM

If you have TPMS installed then switching over to 16" steel wheels and snows may be a problem. Not sure how or even if you will have to disable the TPMS system. Better check before you buy.

I put a set of Winterforce tires on - 225/75/16 on steel rims - speedo is fast 1km at 100km so not to bad. I like them! You can stud these if you need to.

I have a US purchased Santa Fe with TPMS and run winter tires and steel wheel with no issue.

I got my 2008 Santa Fe LTD (Canada) with 20" rims from the dealership. I worked those into the deal for free ($2800 value).

I bought a set of rims from CanadianTire for $99 (aloy rims, gunmetal 5 star).

if you are downsizing to a 16", you would need 235/70/16. I picked up a set of used Hakka's in excellent shape.

We dont' have the TPMS up here. Otherwise you'd have to buy the sensors and put them in....