The Seat Belt System

The seat belt system of the Kia Opirus (2003–2012) features three-point automatic belts, inertia locks, and load limiters. This sophisticated system adapts dynamically to the driving situation. It is especially important to route the belt correctly and to check regularly for damage. The well-designed warnings and monitoring systems ensure that protection and comfort are provided at all times.

To minimize the risk of serious or fatal injury in a collision, both the driver and all passengers should use restraint systems appropriate to their age and size. The presence of airbags in no way removes the need to wear seat belts properly or to use child restraint systems that match the child's age and size. Airbags can only provide proper support when seat belts or child seats are used correctly. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the information in this chapter as well as the instructions from the child seat manufacturers. Also observe the safety instructions in the section 'AIRBAGS'.

Please observe our strong recommendation that both the driver and all passengers always use the seat belts installed in the vehicle. Proper use of the seat belts reduces the risk of serious or fatal injury in a collision or during emergency braking.

All seats (center rear seat depending on equipment variant) are equipped with three-point belts.

Inertia locks in the retractors allow the seat belts to remain fastened during normal vehicle use. The design gives occupants a certain freedom of movement and sufficient comfort while the seat belts are worn. In the event of hard braking, sharp cornering, or a collision, the inertia locks lock the retractors automatically.

Since the inertia locks do not respond only in a collision, you may also feel the function of the inertia locks during braking or sharp cornering.

Install child seats and other child restraint systems only on the rear seats of your vehicle.

Never use the front passenger seat for child seats or other child restraint systems, as a child in the front passenger seat could be seriously or fatally injured by the deploying airbag.

Seat belts can provide their optimum effect under the following conditions.

• The seat back is adjusted as upright as possible.
• The occupant sits as upright as possible.
• The lap belt runs snugly, but not restrictively, across the hips.
• The shoulder belt runs snugly, but not restrictively, across the chest.
• The knees point straight ahead.

A warning lamp and an audible signal are activated to remind you to fasten your seat belt.

• Seat belts of any type may be stretched or damaged if they have held the weight of a vehicle occupant during a collision.
• After a collision, have the entire restraint system inspected. All belts, retractors, belt anchorages, and other components damaged in the accident should be replaced before the vehicle is returned to service.

Twisted or jammed seat belts cannot restrain you properly.

If you are unable to remove the twist in a belt webbing or the cause of the jam, have the affected seat belts inspected by an authorized KIA dealer immediately.

Never drive with a twisted or jammed seat belt.

Seat belts must be worn correctly so that they can work properly in the event of a collision.

Each seat in your vehicle is equipped with its own seat belt. Insert the belt tongue into the matching buckle until it latches.

For the best seat belt effectiveness, observe the following instructions for using the seat belts:

• Route the shoulder belt only over your outer shoulder. Never route the shoulder belt under your arm.
• Never route the shoulder belt behind your neck to place it over your inner shoulder.
• Never route the shoulder belt along your neck or face.
• Position the lap belt as low as possible over your hips. Keep the lap belt snug but not constricting across your hips. Never route the lap belt over your waist. The lap belt should always cross the stronger part of the hips.
• Never use a single seat belt for more than 1 person.
• Keep the seatbacks of the front seats in a comfortable but as upright a position as possible while driving.

• A damaged seat belt may not provide adequate protection in a collision.
• Check your seat belts regularly for excessive wear and damage. Fully pull out all belts from the retractor and check the webbing for fraying, cracks, fire damage and other damage. Pull the webbing out of the retractor several times and let it retract. Make sure the webbing retracts evenly and smoothly.
• Also check the seat belt buckles and tongues. Make sure the tongues latch properly and can be released with a press of a button.
• Make sure seat belt components are not trapped when closing the doors.
• Have seat belts whose condition or function is not perfect replaced immediately.

Make sure seat belt components are not trapped when closing the doors. This could damage the webbing or the buckle, which could increase the risk of injury in a collision.

The seat belt system of the Kia Opirus 2003–2011 meets the highest standards of safety and comfort. Three-point seat belts, inertia locks and precisely adjustable belt guides ensure the best possible protection for occupants in any accident.

The combination with modern restraint systems such as airbags and seat belt pretensioners shows the well-thought-out safety concept of the Kia Opirus. This ensures that all occupants are optimally protected, whether on short or long journeys.

What is the advantage of three-point seat belts in the Kia Opirus 2003–2011?
They distribute restraint forces evenly, which increases safety in the event of a collision.

Why must child seats not be installed on the front passenger seat?
The airbag could injure the child if it deploys. The rear seats are therefore the safe place for child seats.