Get Driving your vehicle -> Brake system Guide for Kia Picanto 4 Door First Generation (2004-2010)

Driving your vehicle

BRAKE SYSTEM

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In the event of brake failure

Power brakes

WARNING - Brakes

If service brakes fail to operate while the

vehicle is in motion, you can make an

emergency stop with the parking brake.

The stopping distance, however, will be

much greater than normal.

Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes

that adjust automatically through normal

usage.

• Do not drive with your foot rest-

ing on the brake pedal. This will

create abnormal high brake tem-

peratures, excessive brake lining

and pad wear, and increased

stopping distances.

In the event the power-assisted brakes

lose power because of a stalled engine

or some other reason, you can still stop

your vehicle by applying greater force to

the brake pedal than you normally would.

The stopping distance, however, will be

longer.

• When descending a long or steep

hill, shift to a lower gear and

avoid continuous application of

the brakes. Continuous brake

application will cause the brakes

to overheat and could result in a

temporary loss of braking per-

formance.

WARNING - Parking brake

Applying the parking brake while

the vehicle is moving at normal

speed can cause a sudden loss of

control of the vehicle. If you must

use the parking brake to stop the

vehicle, use great caution in apply-

ing the brake.

When the engine is not running, the

reserve brake power is partially depleted

each time the brake pedal is applied. Do

not pump the brake pedal when the

power assist has been interrupted.

• Wet brakes may impair the vehi-

cle’s ability to sefely slow down;

the vehicle may also pull to one

side when the brakes are applied.

Applying the brakes lightly will

indicate whether they have been

affected in this way. Always test

your brakes in this fashion after

driving through deep water. To

dry the brakes, apply them lightly

while maintaining a safe forward

speed until brake performance

returns to normal.

Pump the brake pedal only when neces-

sary to maintain steering control on slip-

pery surfaces.

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Driving your vehicle

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Disc brakes wear indicator

Your vehicle has disc brakes.

WARNING - Brake wear

This brake wear warning sound

means your vehicle needs service.

If you ignore this audible warning,

you will eventually lose braking

performance, which could lead to a

serious accident.

When your brake pads are worn and new

pads are required, you will hear a high-

pitched warning sound from your front

brakes or rear brakes. You may hear this

sound come and go or it may occur

whenever you depress the brake pedal.

Please remember that some driving con-

ditions or climates may cause a brake

squeal when you first apply (or lightly

apply) the brakes. This is normal and

does not indicate a problem with your

brakes.

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Rear drum brakes (if equipped)

Your rear drum brakes do not have wear

indicators.Therefore, have the rear brake

linings inspected if you hear a rear brake

rubbing noise. Also have your rear

brakes inspected each time you change

or rotate your tires and when you have

the front brakes replaced.

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Parking brake

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Applying the parking brake

CAUTION

To engage the parking brake, first apply

the foot brake and then without pressing

the release button in, pull the parking

brake lever up as far as possible. In addi-

tion it is recommended that when parking

the vehicle on a gradient, the shift lever

should be positioned in the appropriate

low gear on manual transaxle vehicles or

in the P (Park) position for automatic

transaxle vehicles.

• To avoid costly brake repairs, do

not continue to drive with worn

brake pads.

• Always replace brake pads as

complete front or rear axle sets.

CAUTION

Driving with the parking brake

applied will cause excessive brake

pad (or lining) and brake rotor wear.

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Driving your vehicle

WARNING

• To prevent unintentional move-

ment when stopped and leaving

the vehicle, do not use the shift

lever in place of the parking

brake. Set the parking brake AND

make sure the shift lever is

securely positioned in 1st (First)

gear or R (Reverse) for manual

transaxle equipped vehicles and

in P (Park) for automatic transaxle

equipped vehicles.

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• Never allow anyone who is unfa-

miliar with the vehicle to touch

the parking brake. If the parking

brake is released unintentionally,

serious injury may occur.

Check the brake warning light by turning

the ignition switch ON (do not start the

engine). This light will be illuminated when

the parking brake is applied with the igni-

tion switch in the START or ON position.

Releasing the parking brake

To release the parking brake, first apply

the foot brake and pull up the parking

brake lever slightly. Secondly press the

release button (1) and lower the parking

brake lever (2) while holding the button.

• All vehicles should always have

the parking brake fully engaged

when parking to avoid inadver-

tent movement of the car which

can injure occupants or pedestri-

ans.

Before driving, be sure the parking brake

is fully released and the brake warning

light is off.

If the brake warning light remains on after

the parking brake is released, there may

be a malfunction in the brake system.

Immediate attention is necessary.

If at all possible, cease driving the vehi-

cle immediately. If that is not possible,

use extreme caution while operating the

vehicle and only continue to drive the

vehicle until you can reach a safe loca-

tion or repair shop.

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Driving your vehicle

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The ABS continuously senses the speed

of the wheels. If the wheels are going to

lock, the ABS system repeatedly modu-

lates the hydraulic brake pressure to the

wheels.

(Continued)

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

(if equipped)

• On roads where the road surface

is pitted or has different surface

height.

WARNING

The safety features of an ABS (or

ESP) equipped vehicle should not

be tested by high speed driving or

cornering. This could endanger the

safety of yourself or others.

When you apply your brakes under con-

ditions 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.

ABS (or ESP) will not prevent acci-

dents due to improper or danger-

ous 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

in extreme road conditions.

In order to obtain the maximum benefit

from your ABS in an emergency situa-

tion, do not attempt to modulate your

brake pressure and do not try to pump

your brakes. Press your brake pedal as

hard as possible or as hard as the situa-

tion warrants and allow the ABS to con-

trol the force being delivered to the

brakes.

The braking distance for cars

equipped with an anti-lock braking

system (or Electronic Stability

Program System) may be longer

than for those without it in the fol-

lowing road conditions.

During these conditions the vehicle

should be driven at reduced speed:

• Rough, gravel or snow-covered

roads.

• With tire chains installed.

(Continued)

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Driving your vehicle

✽

NOTICE

CAUTION

A click sound may be heard in the

engine compartment when the vehicle

begins to move after the engine is start-

ed. These conditions are normal and

indicate that the anti-lock brake system

is functioning properly.

• When you drive on a road having

poor traction, such as an icy road,

and have to operate your brakes

continuously, the ABS will be

active continuously and the ABS

warning light may illuminate. Pull

your car over to a safe place and

stop the engine.

• Even with the anti-lock brake system,

your vehicle still requires sufficient

stopping distance. Always maintain a

safe distance from the vehicle in front

of you.

• Restart the engine. If the ABS

warning light is off, then your

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ABS

system

is

normal.

Otherwise, you may have a prob-

lem with the ABS. Contact an

authorized KIA dealer as soon as

possible.

• Always slow down when cornering.

The anti-lock brake system cannot pre-

vent accidents resulting from exces-

sive speeds.

CAUTION

• If the ABS warning light is on and

stays on, you may have a problem

with the ABS. In this case, howev-

er, your regular brakes will work

normally.

• On loose or uneven road surfaces,

operation of the anti-lock brake system

may result in a longer stopping dis-

tance than for vehicles equipped with a

conventional brake system.

✽

NOTICE

When you jump start your vehicle

because of a drained battery, the engine

may not run as smoothly and the ABS

warning light may turn on at the same

time. This happens because of low bat-

tery voltage. It does not mean your ABS

is malfunctioning.

• Do not pump your brakes!

• Have the battery recharged before

driving the vehicle.

• The ABS warning light will stay

on for approximately 3 seconds

after the ignition switch is ON.

During that time, the ABS will go

through self-diagnosis and the

light will go off if everything is

normal. If the light stays on, you

may have a problem with your

ABS. Contact an authorized KIA

dealer as soon as possible.

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Driving your vehicle

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

system is an electronic system designed

to help the driver maintain vehicle control

under adverse conditions. It is not a

substitute for safe driving practices.

Factors including speed, road conditions

and driver steering input can all affect

whether ESP will be effective in

preventing a loss of control. It is still your

responsibility to drive and corner at

WARNING

Never drive too fast according to

road conditions or too quickly when

cornering. Electronic stability pro-

gram (ESP) will not prevent acci-

dents. Excessive speed in turns,

abrupt maneuvers and hydroplan-

ing on wet surfaces can still result

in serious accidents. Only a safe

and attentive driver can prevent

accidents by avoiding maneuvers

that cause the vehicle to lose trac-

tion. Even with ESP installed,

always follow all the normal precau-

tions for driving - including driving

at safe speeds for the conditions.

reasonable speed and to leave

sufficient margin of safety.

a

When you apply your brakes under con-

ditions 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 ESP is active.

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Electronic stability program (ESP)

(If equipped)

The Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

system is designed to stabilize the vehicle

during cornering maneuvers. ESP checks

where you are steering and where the

vehicle is actually going. ESP applies the

brakes at individual wheels and

intervenes with the engine management

system to stabilize the vehicle.

✽

NOTICE

A click sound may be heard in the

engine compartment when the vehicle

begins to move after the engine is start-

ed. These conditions are normal and

indicate that the Electronic Stability

Program System is functioning proper-

ly.

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Driving your vehicle

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When operating

When the ESP is in operation,

ESP indicator light blinks.

ESP operation

ESP ON condition

ESP operation off

ESP OFF state

ESP

• When the Electronic Stability

Program is operating proper-

ly, you can feel a slight pulsa-

tion in the vehicle. This is only

the effect of brake control and

indicates nothing unusual.

• When the ignition is turned

ON, ESP and ESP OFF indi-

cator lights illuminate for

• To cancel ESP operation,

ESP

OFF

press the ESP OFF button

(ESP OFF indicator light illu-

minates).

-

approximately

then ESP is turned on.

3

seconds,

• If the ignition switch is turned

to LOCK position when ESP

is off, ESP remains off. Upon

restarting the engine, the

ESP will automatically turn on

again.

• Press the ESP OFF button for

at least half a second after

turning the ignition ON to turn

ESP off. (ESP OFF indicator

will illuminate). To turn the

ESP on, press the ESP OFF

button (ESP OFF indicator

light will go off).

• When moving out of the mud

or slippery road, pressing the

accelerator pedal may not

cause the engine rpm (revolu-

tions per minute) to increase.

• When starting the engine,

you may hear a slight ticking

sound. This is the ESP per-

forming an automatic system

self-check and does not indi-

cate a problem.

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Driving your vehicle

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■ ESP indicator light (blinks)

CAUTION

ESP OFF usage

When driving

• It’s a good idea to keep the ESP turned

on for daily driving whenever possible.

Driving with varying tire or wheel

sizes may cause the ESP system to

malfunction. When replacing tires,

make sure they are the same size as

your original tires.

ESP

• To turn ESP off while driving, press the

ESP OFF button while driving on a flat

road surface.

■ ESP OFF indicator light (comes on)

ESP

OFF

WARNING

The Electronic Stability Program

system is only a driving aid; use

precautions for safe driving by

slowing down on curved, snowy, or

icy roads. Drive slowly and don’t

attempt to accelerate whenever the

ESP indicator light is blinking, or

when the road surface is slippery.

Never press the ESP OFF button

while ESP is operating (ESP indica-

tor light blinks).

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Indicator light

When the ignition switch is turned ON,

the indicator light illuminates, then goes

off if ESP system is operating normally.

If ESP is turned off while ESP is

operating, the vehicle may slip out

of control.

The ESP indicator light blinks whenever

ESP is operating.

The ESP OFF indicator light comes on

when either the ESP is turned off with the

button, or ESP fails to operate when

turned on.

✽

NOTICE

• When operating the vehicle on a

dynamometer, ensure that the ESP is

turned off (ESP OFF light illuminat-

ed). If the ESP is left on, it may pre-

vent the vehicle speed from increas-

ing, and result in false diagnosis.

• Turning the ESP off does not affect

the ABS or brake system operation.

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Driving your vehicle

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• Don't coast down hills with the car out

of gear. This is extremely hazardous.

Keep the car in gear at all times, use

the brakes to slow down, then shift to a

lower gear so that engine braking will

help you maintain a safe speed.

• If your car is equipped with an auto-

matic transaxle, don't let your car

creep forward. To avoid creeping for-

ward, keep your foot firmly on the

brake pedal when the car is stopped.

Good braking practices

• Check to be sure the parking brake is

not engaged and the parking brake

indicator light is out before driving

away.

• Be cautious when parking on a hill.

Firmly engage the parking brake and

place the gear selector lever in P (auto-

matic transaxle) or in first or reverse

gear (manual transaxle). If your car is

facing downhill, turn the front wheels

into the curb to help keep the car from

rolling. If your car is facing uphill, turn

the front wheels away from the curb to

help keep the car from rolling. If there

is no curb or if it is required by other

conditions to keep the car from rolling,

block the wheels.

• Don't "ride" the brake pedal. Resting

your foot on the brake pedal while driv-

ing can be dangerous because the

brakes might overheat and lose their

effectiveness. It also increases the

wear of the brake components.

• Driving through water may get the

brakes wet. They can also get wet

when the car is washed. Wet brakes

can be dangerous! Your car will not

stop as quickly if the brakes are wet.

Wet brakes may cause the car to pull

to one side.

• If a tire goes flat while you are driving,

apply the brakes gently and keep the

car pointed straight ahead while you

slow down. When you are moving

slowly enough for it to be safe to do so,

pull off the road and stop in a safe

place.

To dry the brakes, apply the brakes

lightly until the braking action returns to

normal, taking care to keep the car

under control at all times. If the braking

action does not return to normal, stop

as soon as it is safe to do so and call

an authorized KIA dealer for assis-

tance.

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Driving your vehicle

• Under some conditions your parking

brake can freeze in the engaged posi-

tion.This is most likely to happen when

there is an accumulation of snow or ice

around or near the rear brakes or if the

brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the

parking brake may freeze, apply it only

temporarily while you put the gear

selector lever in P (automatic transaxle)

or in first or reverse gear (manual

transaxle) and block the rear wheels so

the car cannot roll. Then release the

parking brake.

• Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade

with the accelerator pedal. This can

cause the transaxle to overheat.

Always use the brake pedal or parking

brake.

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Driving your vehicle -> Brake system for Your Kia Picanto 4 Door First Generation (2004-2010)

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