Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking so your Kia remains stable and can still be steered.

ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents due to improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Even though vehicle control is improved during emergency braking, always maintain a safe distance between you and objects ahead. Vehicle speeds should always be reduced during extreme road conditions. Your Kia should be driven at reduced speeds in the following circumstances:

  • When driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads

  • When driving with tire chains installed

  • When driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or has different surface heights.

Driving in these conditions increases the stopping distance for your vehicle.

The ABS continuously senses the speed of the wheels. If the wheels are going to lock, the ABS repeatedly modulates the hydraulic brake pressure to the wheels.

When you apply your brakes under conditions which may lock the wheels, you may hear a "tik-tik'' sound from the brakes or feel a corresponding sensation in the brake pedal. This is normal and it means your ABS is active.

To obtain the maximum benefit from your ABS in an emergency, do not attempt to modulate your brake pressure and do not try to pump your brakes. Press your brake pedal as hard as possible to allow the ABS to control the force being delivered to the brakes.

NOTE

A click sound may be heard in the engine compartment when your Kia begins to move after your Kia is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the Anti-lock Brake System is functioning properly.

Even with the ABS, your vehicle still requires sufficient stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from a your Kia.

Always slow down when cornering. The ABS cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speeds.

On loose or uneven road surfaces, operation of the ABS may result in a longer stopping distance than for vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.

The ABS warning light will stay on for approximately 3 seconds after the ENGINE START/STOP button is ON.

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The ABS will go through self-diagnosis and the light will turn off if everything is normal. If the light stays on, there may be a problem with the ABS. Contact and visit an authorized Kia dealer.

When you drive on a road having poor traction, such as an icy road, and have operated your brakes continuously, the ABS will be continuously active and the ABS warning light may appear. Pull your vehicle over to a safe place and stop your Kia.

Restart your Kia. If the ABS warning light turns off, then your ABS is normal. If it remains on you may have a problem with the ABS. Contact and visit an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTE

When you jump start your vehicle because of a drained battery, your Kia may not run as smoothly and the ABS warning light may turn on at the same time. This happens because of low battery voltage. It does not mean the ABS has malfunctioned.

  • Do not pump your brakes!

  • Have the battery recharged before driving your Kia.