Kia Optima: Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

WARNING - ABS Brakes

Your ABS is not a substitute for good driving judgement. You can still have an accident. In fact, your ABS system will probably not be able to prevent an accident in the following driving conditions:

• Dangerous driving, such as neglecting safety precautions, speeding, or driving too close to the vehicle in front of you.
• Driving at high speed in situations providing considerably less traction, such as wet conditions where hydroplaning could occur.
• Driving too fast on poor road surfaces. The ABS is designed to improve maximum braking effectiveness on typical highways and roads in good condition. On poor road surfaces in poor condition, the ABS may actually reduce braking effectiveness.

The ABS system continuously senses the speed of the wheels. If the wheels are going to lock, the ABS system 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 system is active.

In order to obtain the maximum benefit from your ABS system in an emergency situation, 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 situation warrants and allow the ABS system to control the force being delivered to the rear brakes.

• 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.
• Always slow down when cornering. The antilock brake system cannot prevent accidents resulting from excessive speeds.
• On loose or uneven road surfaces, operation of the anti-lock brake system may result in a longer stopping distance than for vehicles equipped with a conventional brake system.

✽ NOTICE

• If the ABS warning light is on and stays on, you may have a problem with the ABS system. In this case, however, your regular brakes will work normally.
• The ABS warning light will stay on for 2-3 seconds after the engine starts. During that time, the ABS will go through selfdiagnosis and the light will go off if everything is normal. If the light stays on, you may have a problem with your ABS system. Contact an authorized Kia dealer or another competent service center as soon as possible.
• When you drive on a road having poor traction, such as an icy road, and 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.
• Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light is off, then your ABS system is normal. Otherwise, you may have a problem with the ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer or another competent service center as soon as possible.

✽ 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 blink at the same time. This happens because of the low battery voltage. It does not mean your ABS is malfunctioning.

• Do not pump your brakes!
• Have the battery recharged before driving the vehicle.