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Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system

The Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses under the following condition:

  • when driving on a slippery road or

  • when a change in the coefficient of friction between left and right wheels is detected.

WARNING

Tyre/Wheel size

When replacing tyres and wheels, make sure they are the same size as the original tyres and wheels installed. Driving with varying tyre or wheel sizes may diminish any supplemental safety benefits of the VSM system.

VSM operation

When the VSM is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (Electric Power Steering (EPS)). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing unusual.

The VSM does not operate when:
  • Driving on a sloping road such as a gradient or incline

  • Driving in reverse

  • ESC OFF indicator light () remains on the instrument cluster

  • EPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster

VSM operation off

If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel and the ESC OFF indicator light () appears.

To turn on the VSM, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator light goes out.

WARNING

Vehicle Stability Management

Drive carefully even though your vehicle has Vehicle Stability Management. It can only assist you in maintaining control of the vehicle under certain circumstances.

Malfunction indicator

The VSM can be deactivated even if you don't cancel the VSM operation by pressing the ESC OFF button. It indicates that a malfunction has been detected somewhere in the Electric Power Steering system or VSM system. If the ESC indicator light () or EPS warning light remains on, take your vehicle to a professional workshop and have the system checked. Kia recommends to visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.

The VSM is not a substitute for safe driving practices but a supplementary function only. It is the responsibility of the driver to always check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead. Always hold the steering wheel firmly whilst driving.

Your vehicle is designed to activate according to the driver's intention, even with installed VSM. Always follow all the normal precautions for driving at safe speeds for the conditions – including driving in clement weather and on a slippery road.

WARNING

For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.