Kia Picanto JA Quiz

Tips on Using the Brakes

In this manual: Tips on Using the Brakes
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WARNING

  • When parking or leaving the vehicle unattended, apply the parking brake by pulling the lever as far as it will go and fully engage the gear selector lever in the Park position. If the parking brake is not fully applied, the vehicle may move unintentionally, with a serious risk of injury to yourself and others.
  • On all vehicles, always fully apply the parking brake when parking to prevent accidental movement, which could cause injury to occupants or pedestrians.
  • After the vehicle has been parked, make sure the parking brake is released and the parking brake warning light is off before driving off.
  • Driving through relatively deep water may wet the brakes.

This may also happen when washing the car. Wet brakes can be dangerous! Braking distance increases with wet brakes, and the vehicle may pull to one side.

Allow the brakes to dry by applying them lightly until they return to normal braking efficiency, keeping full control of the vehicle at all times. If braking does not return to normal, stop as soon as it is safe to do so, and it is recommended that you contact an authorized Kia dealer.

  • Never descend hills in neutral. It is very dangerous. Always keep a gear engaged, use the brakes to slow down, and then shift to a lower gear so that engine braking helps maintain a safe speed.
  • Do not use the brakes excessively.

    • Resting your foot on the brake pedal can be dangerous because it may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness. This habit also causes premature wear of brake components.

  • If a tire blows out while driving, apply the brakes gently and try to keep the vehicle in a straight line while slowing down.

    • Pull over to the side of the road and stop in a safe place as soon as your speed is low enough to do so.

  • If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, do not allow the vehicle to creep forward.

    To prevent creeping, keep the brake pedal firmly depressed while the vehicle is stopped.

  • Take due care when parking on slopes. Fully apply the parking brake and move the selector lever to P (automatic transmission) or engage 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission). When parking downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. When parking uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb to prevent the vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb, or if other conditions require preventing the vehicle from moving, place suitable wheel chocks under the wheels.
  • Under some conditions the parking brake may freeze in the applied position. This is more likely if snow or ice has built up near the rear brakes, or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk of the parking brake freezing, apply it only temporarily while moving the selector lever to P (automatic transmission) or engaging 1st or reverse gear (manual transmission), and place suitable wheel chocks under the rear wheels to lock them. Then release the parking brake.
  • Do not hold the vehicle stationary on an uphill slope by using the accelerator pedal.

    • This may cause the transmission to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake.

    Test yourself

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