Kia Seltos: Air bag - advanced Supplemental Restraint System / How does the air bag system operate?

Contents:

• Noise and smoke

• Air bags in the Kia Seltos are activated and able to inflate only when the ENGINE START/STOP button has been turned to the ON position.

• The appropriate air bags inflate instantly during a serious frontal collision or side collision to help protect occupants from severe physical injury.

• There is no single fixed speed at which the air bags will inflate. In general, air bag deployment depends on the severity of the collision, the direction of impact, and other crash conditions. Several factors determine whether the sensors send an electronic deployment signal.

• Air bags will not deploy in every collision. Deployment depends on several factors, including vehicle speed, impact angle, and the density and stiffness of the vehicle or object involved in the crash. The determining factors are not limited only to these examples.

• The front air bags inflate and deflate in an instant. It is almost impossible to see the air bags inflating during an accident. In most cases, occupants will only see the deflated air bags hanging from their storage compartments after the collision.

• In addition to deploying during serious side collisions, the side and/or curtain air bags in the Kia Seltos may inflate if the sensing system detects a rollover.

• When a rollover is detected, the side and/or curtain air bags may remain inflated longer. This helps provide protection against occupant ejection, especially when seat belts are worn correctly.

• To help protect occupants, air bags must inflate extremely quickly. The air bag expands between the occupant and the vehicle structure before the occupant can strike hard interior parts. This rapid inflation helps reduce the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries, which is why it is a necessary part of air bag design.

• Because air bags inflate with significant force, they can also cause injuries such as facial abrasions, bruising, burns, or broken bones. The risk is higher when an occupant is sitting too close to the steering wheel, dashboard, or air bag cover.

• In some circumstances, direct contact with the steering wheel air bag or passenger air bag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is positioned excessively close to the air bag at the moment of deployment.

WARNING

Airbag inflation

Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of the Kia Seltos. A distance of at least 10 in (25 cm) from your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to keep a safe seating position can result in serious injuries from air bag inflation.

For the best protection, always wear the seat belt properly, sit upright, and make sure all passengers in the Kia Seltos are correctly restrained before driving.

Noise and smoke

When the air bags inflate in the Kia Seltos, they may produce a loud noise and release smoke-like powder inside the vehicle. This is normal and occurs as part of the air bag inflator operation. After deployment, you may feel discomfort while breathing because of contact between your chest, the seat belt, and the air bag, as well as from breathing the released powder.

Open the doors and/or windows as soon as it is safe after the impact to help reduce discomfort and avoid prolonged exposure to the smoke-like residue and powder.

Although the smoke and powder are generally non-toxic, they may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or breathing passages. Wash and rinse exposed areas with cold water immediately, and consult a doctor if symptoms continue.

WARNING

Hot components

Do not touch the internal components of the air bag storage areas immediately after air bag inflation. Components in the steering wheel, instrument panel, and roof rails above the front and rear doors can become very hot and may cause burns.

WARNING

Do not install, attach, or place accessories near air bag deployment areas, including the instrument panel, windows, pillars, doors, and roof rails. Objects in these areas may interfere with deployment or be thrown toward occupants when an air bag inflates.