Kia Soul 2022 Brake System User Manual

Introduction

The Kia Soul has long been regarded as a chic and useful compact car that combines versatility and affordability in a special way. The newest version of this well-liked car, the Kia Soul 2023, was recently unveiled, and Kia has once again raised the bar in terms of performance, safety, and the whole driving experience. The Kia Soul 2023’s innovative brake system, which has been created to deliver higher stopping power, superior control, and increased safety for both drivers and passengers, is an essential component of the performance of the vehicle. Another crucial part, the master cylinder, transforms the force from the brake booster into hydraulic pressure. The brake calipers, which are positioned at each wheel, receive this pressure through a system of brake lines. The brake callipers, which are attached to the car’s wheels and hold the brake pads, are in charge of applying friction to the braking rotors. The friction that results from the contact of the brake pads with the rotors gives the vehicle the stopping power it needs to slow down or stop.

The brake system on the Kia Soul 2023 uses cutting-edge features and technology to guarantee peak performance. Anti-lock braking system (ABS), which keeps the wheels from locking up during harsh braking or on slick conditions, is one prominent feature. By separately adjusting the brake pressure applied to each wheel, ABS improves stability and control while enabling the driver to continue to maneuver while braking.

Brake System

Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes, parking brakes, and various braking systems for safe driving.

Power brakes
Your vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal usage.
In the event that the power-assisted brakes lose power because of a stalled engine or some other reason, you can still stop your vehicle by applying greater force to the brake pedal than you normally would. The stopping distance, however, will be longer. When the engine is not running, the reserve brake power is partially depleted each time the brake pedal is applied. Do not pump the brake pedal when the power assist has been interrupted. Pump the brake pedal only when necessary to maintain steering control on slippery surfaces.

CAUTION
Brake Pedal
Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake pedal. This will create abnormally high brake temperatures which can cause excessive brake lining and pad wear.

WARNING
Steep hill braking
Avoid continuous application of the brakes when descending a long or steep hill by increasing the regeneration level. Continuous brake application will cause the brakes to overheat and could result in a temporary loss of braking performance.

Wet brakes may impair the vehicle’s ability to safely slow down; the vehicle may also pull to one side when the brakes are applied. Apply-ing the brakes lightly will indicate whether they have been affected in this way. Always test your brakes in this fashion after driving through deep water. To dry the brakes, apply them lightly while maintaining a safe forward speed until brake per-formance returns to normal.

In the event of brake failure
If service brakes fail to operate while the vehicle is in motion, you can make an emergency stop with the parking brake. The stopping dis-tance, however, will be much greater than normal.

WARNING
Parking brake
Avoid applying the parking brake to stop the vehicle while it is moving except in an emergency situation. Applying the parking brake while the vehicle is moving at normal speeds can cause a sudden loss of control of the vehicle. If you must use the parking brake to stop the vehicle, use great caution in applying the brake.

Disc brakes wear indicator
When your brake pads are worn and new pads are required, you will hear a high-pitched warning sound from your front brakes or rear brakes. You may hear this sound come and go or it may occur whenever you depress the brake pedal. Please remember that some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when you first apply (or lightly apply) the brakes. This is normal and does not indicate a problem with your brakes. Always replace the front or rear brake pads as pairs.

CAUTION
Replace brake pads
Do not continue to drive with worn brake pads. Continuing to drive with worn brake pads can damage the braking system and result in costly brake repairs, and can also lead to a serious accident.

WARNING
Brake wear
Do not ignore high-pitched wear sounds from your brakes. If you ignore this audible warning, you will eventually lose braking performance, which could lead to a serious accident.

Rear drum brakes
Your rear drum brakes do not have wear indicators. Therefore, have the rear brake linings inspected if you hear a rear brake rubbing noise? Also, have your rear brakes inspected each time you change or rotate your tires and when you have the front brakes replaced.

Parking brake
After parking the vehicle, apply the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from being moved by the external force.

Applying the Parking Brake

To engage the parking brake:
Apply the foot brake and then pull up the parking brake lever as far as possible.

In addition, it is recommended that when parking the vehicle on an incline, the shift lever should be in P (Park).

CAUTION

1. Driving with the parking brake applied will cause excessive brake pad and brake rotor wear.
2. Do not operate the parking brake while the vehicle is moving except in an emergency situation. It could damage the vehicle system and make endanger driving safety.

Releasing the Parking Brake

To release the parking brake:

1. Apply the foot brake and pull up the parking brake lever slightly.
2. Depress the release button (1) and lower the parking brake lever (2) while holding the button.

If the parking brake does not release or does not release all the way, have the system checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends visiting an authorized Kia dealer.

1. Be cautious when parking on a hill. Firmly engage the parking brake and place the shift lever in P (Park). If your vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels into the curb to help keep the vehicle from rolling. If your vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb to help keep the vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb or if it is required by other conditions to keep the vehicle from rolling, block the wheels.
2. Under some conditions, your parking brake can freeze in the engaged position. This is most likely to happen when there is an accumulation of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily while you put the shift lever in P (Park) and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.
3. Do not hold the vehicle on the upgrade with the accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.

WARNING

1. Never allow a passenger to touch the parking brake. If the parking brake is released unintentionally, serious injury may occur.
2. All vehicles should always have the parking brake fully engaged when parking to avoid inadvertent movement of the vehicle which can injure occupants or pedestrians.

Check the brake warning light by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). This light will be illuminated when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position.
Before driving, be sure the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off. If the brake warning light remains on after the parking brake is released while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction in the brake system. Immediate attention is necessary. If at all possible, cease driving the vehicle immediately. If that is not possible, use extreme caution while operating the vehicle and only continue to drive the vehicle until you can reach a safe location or repair shop.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking. So the vehicle remains stable and can still be steered. ABS (or ESC) will not prevent accidents due to improper or dangerous driving maneuvers. Even though vehicle control is improved 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:

1. When driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads
2. When driving with tire chains installed
3. 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 that 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 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 to allow 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 function-ing 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, the 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 or ENGINE START/STOP button is ON.

During that time, the ABS will go through self diagnosis and the light will go off if everything is normal. If the light stays on, you may have a problem with your ABS. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible. When you drive on a road having poor traction, such as an icy road, and have 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 vehicle. Restart the vehicle. 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 vehicle may not run as smoothly and the ABS warning light may turn on at the same time. This happens because of low battery voltage. It does not mean your ABS has mal-functioned.

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

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The 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 applies the brakes on individual wheels and intervenes with the vehicle management system to stabilize the vehicle.
ESC will not prevent accidents. Excessive speed in turns, abrupt maneuvers and hydroplaning on wet surfaces can still result in serious accidents. Only a safe and attentive driver can prevent accidents by avoiding maneuvers that cause the vehicle to lose traction. Even with ESC installed, always follow all the normal precautions for driving – including driving at safe speeds for the conditions.

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.

The ESC system is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain vehicle control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether ESC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety.
When you apply your brakes under conditions that 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 ESC is active.

NOTICE
A click sound may be heard in the vehicle compartment when the vehicle begins to move after the vehicle is started. These conditions are normal and indicate that the Electronic Stability Control System is functioning properly.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Operation

ESC ON Condition

1. When the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is turned ON, ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for approximately 3 seconds, then ESC is turned on.
2. Press the ESC OFF button for at least half a second after turning the vehicle ON to turn ESC off.
   (ESC OFF indicator will illuminate). To turn the ESC on, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF indicator light will go off).
3. When starting the vehicle, you may hear a slight ticking sound. This is the ESC performing an automatic system self-check and does not indicate a problem.

When operating
When the ESC is in operation, the ESC indicator light blinks. When the Electronic Stability Control is operating properly, you can feel a slight pulsation in the vehicle. This is only the effect of the brake control and indicates nothing unusual. When moving out of the mud or driving on a slippery road, pressing the accelerator pedal may not cause the vehicle rpm (revolutions per minute) to increase.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Operation Off
This car has 2 kinds of ESC off-states. If the vehicle stops when ESC is off, ESC remains off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the ESC will automatically turn on again.

ESC off State 1 – Traction Control Disabled
To turn off the traction control function and only operate the brake control function of the ESC, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF ) for less than 3 seconds and the ESC OFF indicator light (ESC OFF ) will illuminate.

ESC off State 2 – Traction & Stability Control Disabled
To turn off the traction control function and the brake control function of the ESC, press the ESC OFF button (ESC OFF ) for more than 3 seconds. ESC OFF indicator light (ESC OFF ) will illuminate and ESC OFF warning chime will sound. In this state, the car stability control function does not operate anymore.

Indicator Light

ESC indicator light

ESC OFF indicator light

When the ignition switch or ENGINE START/STOP button is turned to ON, the indicator light illuminates, then goes off if the ESC system is operating normally.
The ESC indicator light blinks whenever ESC is operating or illuminates when ESC fails to operate.
The ESC OFF indicator light comes on when the ESC is turned off with the button.

WARNING
Electronic Stability Control
Drive carefully even though your vehicle has Electronic Stability Control. It can only assist you in maintaining control under certain circumstances.

ESC OFF Usage
When driving

1. ESC should be turned on for daily driving whenever possible.
2. To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface.

WARNING
Operating ESC
Never press the ESC OFF button while ESC is operating (the ESC indicator light blinks).
If ESC is turned off while ESC is operating, the vehicle may slip out of control.

NOTICE

1. When operating the vehicle on a dynamometer, ensure that the ESC is turned off (ESC OFF light illuminated). If the ESC is left on, it may prevent the vehicle speed from increasing, and result in false diagnosis.
2. Turning the ESC off does not affect ABS or brake system operation.

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.

Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) Operation
When the VSM is in operation, the 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- Electronic Power Steering). This is only the effect of brake and EPS control and indicates nothing unusual.

The VSM does not operate when:

1. Driving on a sloping road such as a gradient or incline
2. Driving in reverse
3. ESC OFF indicator light ( ) remains on the instrument cluster
4. EPS indicator light remains on the instrument cluster

Vehicle Stability Management (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 of the vehicle 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

1. The VSM is designed to function above approximately 13 mph (22 km/h) on curves.
2. The VSM is designed to function above approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) 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 clement 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.

Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
A vehicle has the tendency to roll back on a steep hill when it starts to go after stopping. The Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) prevents the vehicle from rolling back by applying the brakes automatically for about 2 seconds. The brakes are released when the accelerator pedal is depressed or after about 2 seconds.
The HAC is activated only for about 2 seconds, so when the vehicle is starting off always depress the accelerator pedal.

WARNING
Maintaining Brake Pressure on the Incline
HAC does not replace the need to apply brakes while stopped on an incline. While stopped, make sure you maintain brake pressure sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from rolling backward and causing an accident. Don’t release the brake pedal until you are ready to accelerate forward.

Good Braking Practices
Good braking practices help keep occupants safe and extend brake life.

1. Check to be sure the parking brake is not engaged and the parking brake indicator light is out before driving away.
2. Driving through water may get the brakes wet. They can also get wet when the vehicle is washed. Wet brakes can be dangerous! Your vehicle will not stop as quickly if the brakes are wet. Wet brakes may cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
   To dry the brakes, apply the brakes lightly until the braking action returns to normal, taking care to keep the vehicle under control at all times. If the braking action does not return to normal, stop as soon as it is safe to do so and call an authorized Kia dealer for assistance.
3. Don’t coast down hills with the vehicle out of gear. This is extremely hazardous. Keep the vehicle in gear at all times, use the brakes to slow down, then shift to a lower gear so that vehicle brak-ing will help you maintain a safe speed.
4. Don’t “ride” the brake pedal. Resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving can be dangerous because the brakes might overheat and lose their effectiveness. It also increases the wear of the brake components.
5. If a tire goes flat while you are driving, apply the brakes gently and keep the vehicle pointed straight ahead while you slow down. When you are moving slowly enough for it to be safe to do so, pull off the road and stop in a safe place.
6. Be cautious when parking on a hill. Firmly engage the parking brake and place the shifter dial in P. If your vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels into the curb to help keep the vehicle from rolling.
   If your vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb to help keep the vehicle from rolling. If there is no curb or if it is required by other conditions to keep the vehicle from rolling, block the wheels.
7. Under some conditions, your parking brake can freeze in the engaged position. This is most likely to happen when there is an accumulation of snow or ice around or near the rear brakes or if the brakes are wet. If there is a risk that the parking brake may freeze, apply it only temporarily while you put the shifter dial in P and block the rear wheels so the vehicle cannot roll. Then release the parking brake.
8. Do not hold the vehicle on an incline with the accelerator pedal. This can cause the reduction gear to overheat. Always use the brake pedal or parking brake.

FAQs

1. What type of brake system does the Kia Soul 2023 have?
   The Kia Soul 2023 has hydraulic brakes as standard equipment.
2. Does the Kia Soul 2023 have anti-lock brakes (ABS)?
   To avoid wheel lock-up when braking, the Kia Soul 2023 is fitted with an anti-lock brake system (ABS).
3. How many brake discs does the Kia Soul 2023 have?
   Each wheel on the Kia Soul 2023 has a separate braking disc.
4. What is the braking mechanism in the Kia Soul 2023 called?
   The Kia Soul 2023’s braking system is usually referred to as a disc brake system.
5. Does the Kia Soul 2023 have brake assist?
   The Kia Soul 2023 does indeed have a brake assist system, which aids in supplying more braking power during emergency stops.
6. What is the purpose of the brake assist system?
   The Kia Soul 2023’s brake assist system is made to recognize when emergency braking is necessary and to apply the maximum amount of braking pressure to shorten stopping distances.
7. Are the brakes in the Kia Soul 2023 ventilated or solid?
   The Kia Soul 2023’s front brake discs are often vented, while the back brake discs are typically solid.
8. Does the Kia Soul 2023 have electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)?
   To provide the best possible braking force distribution between the front and rear wheels, the Kia Soul 2023 is equipped with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).
9. What is the purpose of electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)?
   The Kia Soul 2023’s EBD enhances stability and control while braking by dynamically altering brake force in accordance with the distribution of the vehicle’s weight.
10. Does the Kia Soul 2023 have a parking brake?
    The Kia Soul 2023 does indeed have a parking brake, which is normally applied manually to keep the car still when it is parked.
11. How do you engage the parking brake in the Kia Soul 2023?
    Depending on the model, you may need to lift up the parking brake lever or depress a button to activate the parking brake in the Kia Soul 2023.
12. Can the brake system in the Kia Soul 2023 be serviced or repaired?
    Authorized Kia service Centers or skilled mechanics can perform maintenance and repairs on the brake system in the Kia Soul 2023.
13. How often should the brake fluid be replaced in the Kia Soul 2023?
    According to Kia, the Kia Soul 2023 should have its brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles or as instructed in the owner’s manual, whichever occurs first.
14. What should I do if I experience brake-related issues in the Kia Soul 2023?
    It is suggested that you have the Kia Soul 2023 evaluated by a certified mechanic to diagnose and fix any brake-related issues you may be having.
15. Are there any special precautions to take when driving with the Kia Soul 2023’s brake system?
    To enable safe braking, it’s crucial to always drive defensively and keep a sufficient following distance. Additionally, it is advisable to have the car evaluated right away if you hear any strange brake noises, feel any unusual brake vibrations, or observe diminished braking efficiency.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: Kia Soul 2022 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Owner’s Manuals and Documents | Kia