Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

WARNING

ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents resulting from improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Although vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and objects ahead. Vehicle speed should always be reduced in extreme road conditions.

The braking distance of a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock brake system (or electronic stability control) may be longer than that of a vehicle without it, depending on road conditions. Under these conditions, the vehicle should be driven at reduced speeds:

• Rough, gravel, or snow-covered roads.
• With snow chains installed.
• Roads with a damaged surface or uneven height.

The safety functions of a vehicle equipped with ABS (or ESC) must not be tested at high speed or while cornering. This may endanger you or others.

The ABS constantly monitors the rotational speed of the wheels. If the wheels tend to lock, the ABS repeatedly modulates the hydraulic brake pressure to the wheel.

When you depress the brake pedal in conditions that may lock the wheels, you may hear a "clicking" sound from the brakes or feel a corresponding pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and indicates that your ABS is active.

To get the maximum benefit from the ABS in an emergency, do not attempt to modulate the brake pressure or pump the brakes. Depress the brake pedal as firmly as possible, or as hard as the situation requires, and allow the ABS to control the braking force applied to the brakes.

✽ NOTICE

A clicking sound may be heard from the engine compartment when starting to move after the engine is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the anti-lock brake system is operating properly.

• Even with an anti-lock brake system, your vehicle still requires adequate braking distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Always reduce speed when cornering. The anti-lock brake system cannot prevent accidents caused by excessive speed.
• On loose or uneven road surfaces, operation of the anti-lock brake system may increase braking distance compared to vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.

CAUTION

• If the ABS warning light has come on and remains on, there may be a problem with the ABS. In this case, however, your conventional brakes will continue to function normally.
• The ABS warning light will illuminate for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON. During this time, the ABS performs a self-diagnosis, and the light will go off if everything is normal. If the light remains on, there may be a problem with your ABS. We recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.

CAUTION

• When driving on a road with poor traction, such as an icy road, and repeatedly depressing the brakes, the ABS will be constantly active and the ABS warning light may illuminate. Drive the vehicle to a safe place and stop the engine.
• Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light does not illuminate, your ABS system is functioning normally. Otherwise, you may have a problem with the ABS. We recommend that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.

✽ NOTICE

When you start the vehicle with an external power source due to a discharged battery, the engine may not run smoothly, and the ABS warning light may illuminate at the same time. This is caused by low battery voltage. It does not mean your ABS is malfunctioning.

• Do not pump the brakes!
• Charge the battery before driving the vehicle.