Kia Rio: Brake system / Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents due to improper or dangerous driving
maneuvers. Even though ABS (or ESC) helps improve vehicle control during emergency
braking, always maintain a safe distance between you and objects ahead. Vehicle
speeds should always be reduced during extreme road conditions.
The vehicle should be driven at reduced speeds in the following circumstances:
- When driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads
- 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 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 means your ABS is active.
In order to obtain the maximum benefit from your ABS 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 allows the
ABS to control the force being delivered to the brakes.
✽ NOTICE
A click sound may be heard in the engine compartment when the vehicle begins
to move after the engine is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that
the anti-lock brake system is functioning properly.
- 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 anti-lock 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.

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 selfdiagnosis and the light
will go off if everything is normal. If the light stays on, you may have a problem
with your ABS but your regular brakes will work normally. Contact an authorized
Kia dealer as soon as possible.
- When you drive on a road with poor traction, such as an icy road, and operated
your brakes continuously, the ABS will be active continuously and the ABS warning
light may illuminate. Pull your vehicle over to a safe place and stop the engine.
- Restart the engine. If the ABS warning light goes off, then your ABS system
is normal. Otherwise, you may have a problem with the ABS. Contact an authorized
Kia dealer 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 turn on at the same time. This
happens because of the low battery voltage. It does not mean your ABS has malfunctioned.
- Do not pump your brakes!
- Have the battery recharged before driving the vehicle.
Applying the parking brake
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 addition ...
The Electronic Stability control (ESC) system is designed to stabilize the vehicle
during cornering maneuvers. ESC checks where you are steering and where the vehicle
is actually going. ESC appl ...
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Each of these factors affects how many miles (kilometers) you can get from a
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Pressing or pulling up the power window switch momentarily to the second detent
position (6) completely lowers or lifts the window even when the switch is released.
To stop the window at the desired position while the window is in operation, pull
up or press and release the switch to the opp ...