Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

WARNING

ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents caused by improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Although control of the vehicle during emergency braking is improved, always maintain a safe distance between you and objects ahead. Vehicle speed must always be reduced in extreme road conditions. The braking distance for vehicles equipped with an anti-lock brake system (or electronic stability control) may be longer than for those without it in the following road conditions.

Under these conditions, the vehicle should be driven at reduced speed:

• 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 ABS in an emergency, do not attempt to modulate brake pressure or pump the brakes. Press the brake pedal as hard as possible, or as hard as the situation requires. ABS controls the 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 sufficient braking distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Always reduce speed when cornering. The anti-lock brake system cannot prevent accidents caused by excessive speed.
• On loose or uneven road surfaces, ABS activation may increase the braking distance compared with 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 lamp will illuminate for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned on. During this time the ABS performs a self-diagnosis, and the lamp will go off if everything is normal. If the lamp remains on, there may be a problem with the ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION

• When driving on a road with poor traction, such as an icy road, and if you have been applying the brakes continuously, the ABS will remain active and the ABS warning lamp may illuminate. Move your vehicle to a safe place and stop the engine.
• Restart the engine. If the ABS warning lamp goes off, the ABS system is normal. Otherwise, there may be a problem with the ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

✽ 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.