Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

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

The vehicle should be driven at reduced speed in the following cases:

• When driving on uneven, gravel, or snow-covered roads
• When driving on roads with potholes or uneven road surfaces or height differences.

Driving in such conditions increases your vehicle's braking distance.

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 apply the brakes under conditions that may lock the wheels, you may hear a ticking sound from the brakes or feel a corresponding pulsation in the brake pedal. This is normal and means 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.

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 goes off if all is normal. If the light remains on, there may be a problem with your ABS, but your normal brakes will function normally. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

• When driving on a road with poor traction, such as an icy road, and applying the brakes continuously, the ABS will remain active constantly and the ABS warning light may illuminate. Move the vehicle to a safe location and turn off the engine.
• Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light goes off, the ABS is operating normally. 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 a jump start due to a discharged battery, the engine may run roughly, and the ABS warning light may come on at the same time. This is caused by low battery voltage. It does not mean that your ABS is malfunctioning.

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