Question about Normal or Severe driving conditions

[eric]

I went to the Hyundai-USA website to look at a maintenance schedule for my 2005 Elantra… and it had two different schedules, one for “Normal”and one for “Severe”driving conditions. Obviously with the severe conditions, there were more scheduled inspections and replacements. Well, I had always thought that severe conditions might mean constant desert driving or Alaska weather driving or things of that nature, then I read somewhere on a forum that “Normal” driving conditions meant going 60+mph for 60 minutes several times a week or something similar.

This is impossible to do here on the island I live on as my top speed might be 50-55 mph for very short intervals, but mostly at 45mph, occasionally 25mph on curvy roads. No real stop and go driving, except of course when maybe once a week I go shopping in town. So, is my vehicle being run during “Normal” or “Severe” driving conditions.

Topic

[Richard Kirshy]

Not set in stone but a good general guideline:

Driving conditions are considered severe:
• For repeated short distances.
• In dusty or sandy areas, in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used.
• On rough or muddy roads.
• In mountainous areas.
• For extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
• For prolonged periods in cold or extremely humid climates.
• More than 50% of driving in heavy city traffic in temperatures above 90°F.
• If using brakes extensively.

Driving conditions are considered normal:
• If your car did not fall into the previous severe category.

[eric]

[quote=”nightflyr” post=194111]Not set in stone but a good general guideline:

Driving conditions are considered severe:
• For repeated short distances.
• In dusty or sandy areas, in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used.
• On rough or muddy roads.
• In mountainous areas.
• For extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
• For prolonged periods in cold or extremely humid climates.
• More than 50% of driving in heavy city traffic in temperatures above 90°F.
• If using brakes extensively.

Driving conditions are considered normal:
• If your car did not fall into the previous severe category.[/quote]

Let’s see:

Not exactly sure what short distances mean. 40 miles R/T to town… once a week, Or a 20 mile trip to a shopping area, once or twice a week. Occasionally a 10 mile trip to see a family member.
An island in mid-Pacific has salt in the air. It ruins computers sometimes.
And never use brakes. Really.

[Richard Kirshy]

OK, hows about this……
Severe driving can include:
Frequent idling for long periods of time
Stop-and-go driving in heavy traffic
Sustained highway driving in hot temperatures
Sustained highway driving in freezing temperatures
Short trips (less than 5 miles) in normal temperatures
Long-distance trips at speeds of 50mph or less
Regular trips along steep hills or mountains
Any trips along dusty, muddy, salted, sanded, or gravel roads
Any trips that involve towing a trailer or a camper
Any trips that involve transporting items via roof rack or car-top carrier

[Author]

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