Kia EV6: Driving your vehicle / Vehicle stability management (VSM) operation

Contents:

• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• Brake Assistant System (BAS)
• Good braking practices

When the VSM system is actively operating, the ESC indicator light ( ) blinks on the instrument cluster.

While the Vehicle Stability Management system is functioning properly, the driver may occasionally notice slight steering corrections, mild pulsation through the vehicle chassis, or subtle steering wheel feedback from the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system. These sensations are normal operating characteristics caused by automatic brake and steering assistance intervention.

The VSM system in the Kia EV6 may not operate under the following conditions:

• When driving on steep slopes, gradients, or inclines.

• While reversing the vehicle.

• When the ESC OFF indicator light ( ) remains illuminated on the instrument cluster.

• When the MDPS warning light remains illuminated on the Kia EV6 dashboard.

Vehicle stability management (VSM) operation off

If the ESC OFF button is pressed to deactivate the Electronic Stability Control system, the Vehicle Stability Management system in the Kia EV6 will also be disabled automatically. At this time, the ESC OFF indicator light ( ) will appear on the instrument cluster.

To reactivate the VSM system, press the ESC OFF button once again. The warning indicator will turn off, confirming that the system has returned to normal operation.

WARNING

Malfunction indicator

The VSM system in the Kia EV6 may automatically deactivate even if the driver has not manually switched the system off using the ESC OFF button. This indicates that a malfunction has been detected within either the MDPS system or the Vehicle Stability Management system itself.

If the ESC indicator light ( ) or the MDPS warning light remains illuminated, have the Kia EV6 inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible.

The Vehicle Stability Management system is designed only as a supplemental driving assistance feature and is not a replacement for attentive and safe driving practices. Drivers remain fully responsible for maintaining safe speed, steering control, and sufficient distance from surrounding traffic.

Always keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel while driving the Kia EV6, especially under difficult weather or road conditions.

The Kia EV6 is engineered to respond according to driver steering input, even while VSM assistance is active. Drivers should continue following all standard safe driving precautions, including reducing speed during rain, snow, icy conditions, or on slippery roads.

WARNING

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)

When starting from a complete stop on a steep incline, vehicles naturally tend to roll backward. The Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) system in the Kia EV6 helps prevent rollback by automatically maintaining brake pressure for approximately 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released.

The brake pressure is automatically released either when the accelerator pedal is pressed or after approximately 2 seconds have elapsed.

The HAC feature in the Kia EV6 operates only briefly during hill starts, so the driver should depress the accelerator pedal promptly when beginning to move uphill.

WARNING

Brake Assistant System (BAS)

The Brake Assistant System (BAS) in the Kia EV6 provides additional hydraulic braking pressure whenever the brake pedal is pressed suddenly and forcefully during emergency braking situations.

The BAS system helps reduce overall stopping distance by shortening the time required for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) to reach full braking intervention. Additional brake pressure is applied automatically until ABS control begins operating.

This advanced safety feature improves emergency braking response and helps the Kia EV6 achieve faster deceleration during sudden hazard situations.

WARNING

Good braking practices

Following proper braking practices in the Kia EV6 improves overall driving safety, enhances vehicle control, and helps extend the service life of brake components and related systems.

• Before driving the Kia EV6, always confirm that the parking brake is fully released and that the parking brake warning indicator is no longer illuminated on the instrument cluster.

• Driving through standing water or using an automatic car wash may cause the brake components to become wet. Wet brakes can reduce braking effectiveness and may cause the Kia EV6 to pull slightly to one side during braking.

  To dry wet brake components, apply the brakes gently several times while maintaining safe vehicle control until normal braking performance returns. If braking performance does not improve, stop the Kia EV6 as soon as safely possible and contact an authorized Kia dealer for inspection.

• Never coast downhill with the Kia EV6 out of gear. This practice is extremely dangerous and may reduce vehicle control. Always keep the vehicle in gear, use regenerative braking and conventional braking together, and shift to an appropriate drive mode to help maintain a safe speed while descending hills.

• Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. Constant brake pedal pressure may overheat the braking system, reduce braking efficiency, and accelerate wear of brake pads, discs, and related components in the Kia EV6.

• If a tire becomes flat while driving, apply the brakes gradually and keep the Kia EV6 pointed straight ahead while reducing speed. Once it is safe, carefully pull over and stop in a secure location away from traffic.

• Use extra caution when parking the Kia EV6 on steep hills or inclines. Firmly apply the parking brake and place the shifter dial into P (Park).

  If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb to help prevent unintended movement.

  If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb. If no curb is available, use wheel blocks or other safety measures to prevent the Kia EV6 from rolling.

• Under certain winter conditions, the parking brake may freeze in the engaged position. This is more likely when snow, slush, or ice accumulates around the rear brakes or if the brake components are wet.

  If freezing conditions are possible, apply the parking brake only temporarily while placing the Kia EV6 in P (Park) and securing the rear wheels with wheel chocks. Then release the parking brake to reduce the risk of freezing.

• Do not hold the Kia EV6 stationary on an incline using only the accelerator pedal. This may overheat the electric power system and reduce drivetrain efficiency. Always use the brake pedal or Electronic Parking Brake when stopped on hills.

• Do not pump the brake pedal while braking because the Kia EV6 is equipped with an advanced Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).

• The Kia EV6 uses an electronic hydraulic braking system. In the event of a malfunction or electrical instability, the brake booster may not operate normally, causing the brake pedal to feel unusually firm or stiff and increasing braking distance.

  If this occurs, apply stronger brake pedal pressure than usual and have the system inspected immediately by an authorized Kia dealer.

• The sound of the electronic hydraulic braking system or brake motor may occasionally be heard temporarily under the following conditions:

  • Repeatedly pressing the brake pedal.

  • Opening the driver’s door while the Kia EV6 systems are active.