Kia EV6: Driving your vehicle / Brake disc cleaning

Contents:

• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
• AUTO HOLD
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

If surface rust develops on the brake discs or brake squeal becomes noticeable, the Kia EV6 includes a BDC (Brake Disc Cleaning) function designed to help reduce noise and remove rust buildup from the brake components.

While the BDC function is active, regenerative braking is temporarily disabled and overall energy efficiency may decrease slightly.

To activate the Brake Disc Cleaning function, press and hold the AUTO HOLD button for more than 3 seconds. Once activated, a confirmation message will appear on the instrument cluster display.

Depress the brake pedal approximately 10 times while driving. During this process, regenerative braking will remain temporarily deactivated while the system cleans the brake discs. The operating duration of the BDC function may vary depending on braking conditions and vehicle usage.

The BDC function automatically turns off once the cleaning cycle is complete. To manually deactivate the feature, either switch the Kia EV6 off or press and hold the AUTO HOLD button again for more than 3 seconds.

In the event of brake failure

If the primary service brakes fail while the Kia EV6 is in motion, the vehicle can still be brought to an emergency stop using the parking brake system. However, stopping distance will be significantly longer than under normal braking conditions.

WARNING

Disc brakes wear indicator

When the brake pads on your Kia EV6 become worn and replacement is necessary, a high-pitched warning sound may be heard from either the front or rear brakes. This warning noise may occur periodically or every time the brake pedal is pressed.

Always replace brake pads in axle pairs, meaning both front pads or both rear pads should be replaced together for balanced braking performance.

WARNING

WARNING

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) ➤

AUTO HOLD ➤

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) in the Kia EV6 helps prevent wheel lockup during heavy braking situations, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and overall vehicle stability.

ABS and ESC systems cannot prevent accidents caused by dangerous driving maneuvers, excessive speed, or poor driver judgment. Even with improved braking control, drivers should always maintain a safe following distance and reduce speed during difficult road conditions.

Operate the Kia EV6 at reduced speeds under the following conditions:

• When driving on rough, gravel-covered, icy, or snow-covered roads.

• When tire chains are installed.

• When traveling on roads with uneven surfaces, potholes, abrupt surface transitions, or varying road heights.

Driving under these conditions may significantly increase the stopping distance required for the Kia EV6.

The ABS system continuously monitors wheel speed. If wheel lockup is detected, the system rapidly modulates hydraulic brake pressure to individual wheels to maintain traction and steering response.

During emergency braking or low-traction conditions, you may hear a rapid “tik-tik” sound from the braking system or feel pulsation through the brake pedal. These sensations are completely normal and indicate that the Kia EV6 ABS system is actively operating.

To achieve maximum braking effectiveness during an emergency, do not pump the brake pedal or manually modulate brake pressure while ABS is active.

NOTE

Even with ABS equipped, the Kia EV6 still requires sufficient stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from vehicles traveling ahead.

Reduce speed before entering corners or curves. ABS cannot prevent accidents caused by excessive cornering speed or sudden loss of traction.

On loose gravel, uneven terrain, or slippery surfaces, ABS operation may sometimes result in longer stopping distances compared to vehicles equipped with conventional braking systems.

The ABS warning light in the Kia EV6 will remain illuminated for approximately 3 seconds after the EV button is switched to the POWER ON position.

During this period, the Kia EV6 ABS system performs a self-diagnostic check. If everything is operating normally, the warning light will turn off automatically. If the warning light remains illuminated, the ABS system may have malfunctioned. Contact an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

When driving on extremely slippery roads such as icy surfaces while repeatedly applying the brakes, the ABS system may remain continuously active and the ABS warning light could temporarily illuminate. Pull the Kia EV6 over to a safe location and stop the vehicle.

Restart the Kia EV6. If the ABS warning light turns off, the system is operating normally. If the warning light remains illuminated, the ABS system may require professional service.

NOTE

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in the Kia EV6 is engineered to help stabilize the vehicle during cornering, sudden steering maneuvers, and low-traction driving conditions.

The Kia EV6 ESC system continuously monitors steering input and compares it with the actual movement and direction of the vehicle. When instability is detected, the system automatically applies braking force to individual wheels and communicates with the vehicle management system to help maintain stability and traction.

Although the Electronic Stability Control system significantly improves handling safety, it cannot prevent every accident. Excessive speed during cornering, abrupt steering inputs, aggressive driving behavior, or hydroplaning on wet roads can still lead to loss of vehicle control and serious collisions.

Safe and attentive driving remains essential. Even with ESC equipped, Kia EV6 drivers should always maintain safe speeds appropriate for current road and weather conditions.

WARNING

The ESC system is an advanced electronic safety feature designed to assist the driver during unstable driving situations. However, it is not a replacement for safe driving habits. Vehicle speed, steering angle, road conditions, tire grip, and driver reaction all influence how effectively the Kia EV6 ESC system can help maintain control.

When braking under conditions that may cause wheel lockup, you may hear a rapid “tik-tik” sound from the braking system or feel vibration through the brake pedal. These sensations are completely normal and indicate that the ESC system is actively operating.

NOTE