Kia Optima: Brake system / Vehicle stability management (VSM)

This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detects changes in coefficient of friction between right wheels and left wheels when braking.

WARNING - Tire/ Wheel size

When replacing tires and wheels, make sure they are the same size as the original tires and wheels installed. Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may diminish any supplemental safety benefits of the VSM system.

VSM operation

When the VSM is in operation, ESC indicator light () blinks.

When the vehicle stability management is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle and/or abnormal steering responses (EPS- Electric Power Steering). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing unusual.

The VSM does not operate when:

• Driving on a sloping road such as a gradient or incline
• Driving in reverse
• ESC OFF indicator light () remains on the instrument cluster
• EPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster

VSM operation off

If you press the ESC OFF button to turn off the ESC, the VSM will also cancel and the ESC OFF indicator light () illuminates.

To turn on the VSM, press the button again. The ESC OFF indicator light goes out.

WARNING - Vehicle stability management

Drive carefully even though your vehicle has Vehicle stability management. It can only assist you in maintaining control under certain circumstances.

Malfunction indicator

The VSM can be deactivated even if you don’t cancel the VSM operation by pressing the ESC OFF button. It indicates that a malfunction has been detected somewhere in the Electric Power Steering system or VSM system. If the ESC indicator light () or EPS warning light remains on, take your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealer and have the system checked.

✽ NOTICE

• The VSM is designed to function above approximately 22 km/h (13 mph) on curves.
• The VSM is designed to function above approximately 10 km/h (6 mph) when a vehicle is braking on a split-mu surface. A split-mu surface is made of two surfaces which have different friction forces.
• The Vehicle Stability Management system is not a substitute for safe driving practices but a supplementary function only. It is the responsibility of the driver to always check the speed and the distance to the vehicle ahead. Always hold the steering wheel firmly while driving.
• Your vehicle is designed to activate according to the driver’s intention, even with installed VSM. Always follow all the normal precautions for driving at safe speeds for the conditions – including driving in inclement weather and on a slippery road.

WARNING

For maximum protection, always wear your seat belt. No system, no matter how advanced, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving conditions. Always drive responsibly.