Kia Picanto: Brake system / Hill-start assist control (HAC): (if equipped). Vehicle stability management (VSM): (if equipped)

Hill-start assist control (HAC): (if equipped)

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) is a convenience function that helps prevent your Kia Picanto from rolling backwards as you move away uphill. After you stop on an incline, HAC retains the brake pressure built up by your application of the brake pedal for approximately 2 seconds after you release it.

This brief holding period gives you time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator and begin pulling away.

As soon as the system detects your intention to move off, it reduces the retained brake pressure so the vehicle can begin moving.

WARNING

HAC normally holds the brakes for only approximately 2 seconds. Be prepared for the vehicle to roll backwards when this period ends, or if insufficient brake pressure was built up when you stopped. Unexpected backward movement while starting on a hill could cause a collision with a person, vehicle or object behind you. Do not assume that HAC will keep the vehicle stationary beyond its brief holding period.

NOTE

• HAC does not operate when the transmission shift lever is in P (Park) or N (Neutral).

• HAC can still activate when ESC has been switched off. However, it will not activate if the ESC system has malfunctioned.

Vehicle stability management (VSM): (if equipped)

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) provides additional support for vehicle stability and steering response on slippery roads. It also assists when braking if the system detects a difference in grip between the road surfaces beneath the left-hand and right-hand wheels.

VSM operation

When VSM is actively operating, the ESC indicator light () flashes to show that the system is intervening.

You may feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle during normal VSM operation. This sensation is produced by brake control intervention and does not, by itself, indicate a fault.

The VSM does not operate when:

• The vehicle is travelling on a banked road, gradient or incline.

• The vehicle is moving backwards.

• The ESC OFF indicator light () remains illuminated in the instrument cluster.

• The Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) indicator remains illuminated in the instrument cluster.

VSM operation off

Pressing the ESC OFF button to disable ESC also cancels VSM operation. The ESC OFF indicator light () illuminates to confirm the selected off state.

To restore VSM operation, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator goes out as the system is re-enabled.

Malfunction indicator

VSM may deactivate even when you have not pressed the ESC OFF button. This can indicate that a fault has been detected in either the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system or VSM itself. If the ESC indicator light () or the MDPS warning light remains illuminated, have your Kia Picanto inspected by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorised Kia dealer or service partner.

WARNING

• Vehicle Stability Management is a supplementary driving aid and cannot replace safe driving practices. You remain responsible for monitoring your speed, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and responding to road conditions. Always keep a firm hold on the steering wheel while driving.

• Your vehicle is designed to respond to your driving inputs, even with VSM fitted. Continue to observe all normal driving precautions and choose a speed appropriate for the conditions. Take particular care in poor weather and on slippery roads, where available grip may be reduced.

• Using tyres or wheels of different sizes may cause VSM to malfunction. When replacing the tyres on your Kia Picanto, make sure the replacement tyres match the size of the originals.