Care of seat belts
Seat belt systems should never be disassembled or modified. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that seat belts and belt hardware are not damaged by seat hinges, doors, or other abuse.
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When you return the rear seatback to its upright position after the rear seatback was folded down, be careful not to damage the seat belt webbing or buckle. Be sure that the webbing or buckle does not get caught or pinched in the rear seat. A seat belt with damaged webbing or buckle will not be as strong and could possible fail during a collision or sudden stop, resulting in serious injury. If the webbing or buckles are damaged, get them replaced immediately.
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Seat belts can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather. They could burn infants and children.
Infant or small child
You should be aware of the specific requirements in your country. Child and/or infant seats must be properly placed and installed in the rear seat.
Refer to Child restraint system (CRS) .
Every person in your vehicle needs to be properly restrained at all times, including infants and children. Never hold a child in your arms or lap when riding in a vehicle. The violent forces created during a crash will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the interior. Always use a child restraint appropriate for your child's height and weight.
Small children are best protected from injury in an accident when properly restrained in the rear seat by a child restraint system that meets the requirements of the Safety Standards of your country. Before buying any child restraint system, make sure that it has label certifying that it meets Safety Standards of your country. The restraint must be appropriate for your child's height and weight. Check the label on the child restraint for this information. Refer to Child restraint system (CRS) .
Larger children
Children who are too large for child restraint systems should always occupy the rear seat and use the available lap/shoulder belts. The lap portion should be fastened in such a way that it is snug on the hips and as low as possible. Periodically check whether the belt is properly fastened. A child's squirming could put the belt out of position. In the event of an accident, children are afforded the most safety when they are restrained by a proper restraint system in the rear seat. If a larger child (over age 13) must be seated in the front seat, the child should be securely restrained by the available lap/shoulder belt and the seat should be placed in the rearmost position. Children aged 13 and under should be restrained securely in the rear seat. NEVER place a child aged 13 or under in the front seat. NEVER place a rear facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle.
If the shoulder belt portion slightly touches the child's neck or face, try placing the child closer to the center of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still touches their face or neck they need to be returned to a child restraint system.
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Never allow a shoulder belt to be in contact with a child's neck or face while the vehicle is in motion.
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If seat belts are not properly worn and adjusted on children, there is a risk of death or serious injury.
Pregnant women
The use of a seat belt is recommended for pregnant women to lessen the chance of injury in an accident. When a seat belt is used, the lap belt portion should be placed as low and as snugly as possible on the hips, not across the abdomen. For specific recommendations, consult a physician.
Pregnant women must never place the lap portion of the safety belt over the area of the abdomen where the fetus in located or above the abdomen where the belt could crush the fetus during an impact.
Injured person
A seat belt should be used when an injured person is being transported. When this is necessary, you should consult a physician for recommendations.
One person per belt
Two people (including children) should never attempt to use a single seat belt. This could worsen the injuries in the event of an accident.
Do not lie down
To reduce the chance of injuries in the event of an accident and to achieve maximum effectiveness of the restraint system, all passengers should be sitting up and the front seats should be in an upright position when the car is moving. A seat belt cannot provide proper protection if the person is lying down in the rear seat or if the front seat is in a reclined position.
Riding with a reclined seatback increases your chance of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop. The protection of your restraint system (seat belts and air bags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seat. Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly. The more the seatback is reclined, the greater the chance that an occupant's hips will slide under the lap belt causing serious internal injuries or the occupant's neck could strike the shoulder belt. Drivers and passengers should always sit well back in their seats, properly belted, and with the seatbacks upright.
Periodic inspection
It is recommended that all seat belts be inspected periodically for wear or damage of any kind. Any damaged parts should be replaced as soon as possible.
Keep belts clean and dry
If belts become dirty, they can be cleaned by using a mild soap solution and warm water. Bleach, dye, strong detergents, or abrasives should not be used since they may damage and weaken the fabric.
When to replace seat belts
The entire in-use seat belt assembly or assemblies should be replaced if the vehicle has been involved in an accident. This should be done even if no damage is visible. In such case, have the system replaced by a professional workshop. Kia recommends to consult an authorized Kia dealer/service partner.
