Driving Tips

Parking Brake

~3min read

Applying the Parking Brake

To apply the parking brake, first depress the brake pedal and then pull the parking brake lever as far as it will go.

When parking the vehicle on a slope, it is advisable to additionally engage a low gear for a manual transmission vehicle, and move the selector lever to the Park (P) position for an automatic transmission / dual clutch transmission vehicle.

DANGER

  • Driving with the parking brake applied causes excessive wear of the brake pads and brake discs.
  • The parking brake should only be used in an emergency while driving. Otherwise, it may damage the vehicle's system, and safe travel is then not guaranteed.

Releasing the Parking Brake

To release the parking brake, first depress the brake pedal and pull the parking brake lever slightly. Now press and hold the release button (1) and push the parking brake lever (2) down.

If the parking brake does not release completely, or may not release completely, it is recommended to have the system checked at a specialist workshop. Kia recommends visiting a Kia dealer or authorized service partner.

  • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic or dual clutch transmission, do not allow it to creep forward. To prevent creeping, firmly depress the brake pedal after the vehicle has come to a stop.
  • Be careful when parking on a downhill slope. Apply the parking brake and set the selector lever to the P position for an automatic / dual clutch transmission vehicle, or engage first or reverse gear for a manual transmission vehicle. If your vehicle is parked on a slope, turn the front wheels toward the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If your vehicle is parked on an upslope, turn the front wheels away from the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb or if the vehicle may roll for other reasons, block the wheels to prevent rolling.
  • Under certain conditions, the parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This is most likely when there is snow or ice accumulated on the rear brakes or when the brakes are wet. When there is a risk of the parking brake freezing, apply only the parking brake temporarily; instead, place the selector lever in Park (P) (automatic transmission / dual clutch transmission) or engage first gear (manual transmission), and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.
  • Do not stop the vehicle on slopes by using the accelerator. This may cause the drive gears to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake.

WARNING

  • Do not move the selector lever while the vehicle is stationary or parked. Make sure the parking brake is applied and that Park (P) is engaged on automatic transmission / dual clutch transmission vehicles.
  • Persons unfamiliar with your vehicle must not operate the parking brake lever. If the parking brake is accidentally released, it may result in serious injury.
  • When parking the vehicle, always fully apply the parking brake so that the vehicle does not move unintentionally, cause injury to occupants or pedestrians.

Check the operation of the brake warning light by turning the ignition switch to the ON position (do not start the engine). The light illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON or START position with the parking brake applied.

Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off.

If the brake system warning light does not turn off after releasing the parking brake while the vehicle is moving, there may be a malfunction in the brake system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected immediately.

If possible, drive the vehicle no further. If this is not possible, drive with extreme caution and only until you find a safe place to park or reach a workshop.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Stonic quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.