Kia Picanto: Brake system / Good braking practices

WARNING

• Whenever parking or leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake fully and, on vehicles with a P (Park) position, make sure the transmission is securely engaged in Park. A vehicle that is not properly secured with both the transmission and parking brake can move unexpectedly and injure you or someone nearby.

• Always engage the parking brake fully when parking, regardless of the transmission fitted. This helps prevent unintended movement that could injure occupants, pedestrians or other people around the vehicle.

• Before driving your Kia Picanto away after parking, release the parking brake completely and check that its indicator light has gone out. Confirm both before allowing the vehicle to move.

• Driving through water or washing the vehicle can leave the brakes wet. Wet brakes may take longer to stop the car and can cause it to pull to one side during braking. Treat any change in braking response carefully, as reduced or uneven braking can be dangerous.

• To dry wet brakes, apply them lightly until normal braking response returns, keeping the vehicle under control throughout the process. If braking does not return to normal, stop as soon as you can safely do so and arrange an inspection by a professional workshop.

  Kia recommends contacting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner for assistance and inspection.

• Never coast downhill with the transmission out of gear. This is extremely hazardous because it removes the benefit of engine braking. Keep the vehicle in gear, use the brakes to reduce speed, then select a lower gear so that engine braking helps maintain a safe speed throughout the descent.

• Do not “ride” the brake pedal by resting your foot on it while driving. Continuous pressure can overheat the brakes and reduce their effectiveness, even when the pressure feels light. It also causes unnecessary wear to braking components.

• If a tyre goes flat while you are driving, brake gently and keep the vehicle pointing straight ahead as you reduce speed. Once you are travelling slowly enough to manoeuvre safely, pull off the road and stop in a safe location.

• If your Kia Picanto has an automatic transmission, prevent it from creeping forwards when stopped. Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal to hold the vehicle stationary until you are ready to move.

• Take particular care when parking on a hill. Apply the parking brake firmly and select P (Park) if your transmission has this position. When facing downhill beside a kerb, turn the front wheels towards it to help prevent the vehicle from rolling. When facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the kerb. If there is no kerb, or conditions require additional protection against movement, secure the wheels with chocks.

• In some conditions, the parking brake can freeze in the applied position. This is most likely when snow or ice has accumulated around the rear brakes, or when the brakes are wet. If freezing is a concern, apply the parking brake temporarily while selecting P (Park), where fitted, and securely chocking the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Release the parking brake only after the vehicle has been secured against movement.

• Never use the accelerator to hold the vehicle stationary on an uphill slope. Maintaining position with engine power can overheat the transmission. Use the brake pedal or parking brake to keep the vehicle stopped.