Kia Telluride: Driving your vehicle / Brake system
Your Kia Telluride is equipped with power-assisted brakes, a parking brake, and multiple advanced braking technologies designed to provide dependable stopping performance and enhanced vehicle control under a wide range of driving conditions.
Power-assisted brakes
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If brake assist is reduced because the engine stalls or another condition interrupts the power supply, you can still stop the vehicle by applying greater pressure to the brake pedal. Keep in mind that increased pedal effort will be required and stopping distances may become longer.
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When the engine is not operating, the reserve brake assist gradually decreases each time the brake pedal is pressed. Avoid repeatedly pressing the brake pedal after power assistance has been lost unless it is necessary to maintain control of the vehicle.
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On slippery road surfaces, apply the brake pedal only as needed to maintain vehicle stability and steering control.
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Driving through standing water may temporarily reduce braking efficiency and cause the Kia Telluride to pull slightly to one side during braking. After passing through deep water, lightly apply the brakes while maintaining a safe speed to confirm proper operation and help dry the brake components until normal braking performance is restored.
WARNING
Steep hill braking
When descending long or steep grades, shift to a lower gear to take advantage of engine braking. Continuous or excessive brake pedal application can overheat the braking system, reducing braking effectiveness until the components have cooled.
NOTE
Brake pedal
Avoid resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving. Even slight, continuous brake application can create excessive heat, accelerate brake pad and lining wear, and reduce overall braking efficiency.
TIP
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Under certain weather or driving conditions, you may occasionally hear brake-related noises while applying the brakes. These sounds are generally considered normal and do not indicate a malfunction.
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When driving on roads treated with de-icing chemicals, you may notice temporary brake noise or increased tire abrasion. When traffic conditions safely permit, apply the brakes lightly several times to help remove residual chemicals from the brake discs and pads.
In the event of brake failure
If the service brakes fail while the Kia Telluride is moving, you can attempt an emergency stop by carefully applying the parking brake. Be aware that stopping distances will be significantly longer than under normal operating conditions. The Kia Telluride braking system is engineered with multiple safety redundancies, making complete brake failure extremely unlikely except under extraordinary circumstances.
WARNING
Parking brake
Never use the parking brake to stop the Kia Telluride while it is moving unless an emergency makes it absolutely necessary. Applying the parking brake at normal driving speeds may cause the rear wheels to lock unexpectedly, resulting in a sudden loss of vehicle control. If an emergency requires the use of the parking brake, apply it carefully and progressively while maintaining firm control of the steering wheel.
Brake over accelerator
If the accelerator pedal becomes stuck or is obstructed, firmly and continuously press the brake pedal to slow the Kia Telluride while reducing engine output. The Brake Over Accelerator system is designed to prioritize braking input over accelerator input whenever both pedals are pressed simultaneously.
If this situation occurs, take the following steps:
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Apply the brake pedal firmly and bring the vehicle to a safe, controlled stop.
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Shift the transmission into P (Park), turn the vehicle off, and fully apply the parking brake.
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Inspect the area around the accelerator pedal for any object or obstruction that could interfere with normal pedal movement.
If no interference is found and the accelerator pedal continues to stick, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer before driving the vehicle again.
Disc brake wear indicator
When the brake pads approach the end of their service life, the Kia Telluride is designed to emit a high-pitched warning sound from the front or rear brakes, indicating that replacement is required. The sound may occur intermittently at first or every time the brake pedal is applied, depending on driving conditions and brake wear.
Always replace brake pads on both wheels of the same axle at the same time to maintain balanced braking performance.
WARNING
Brake wear
Never ignore a high-pitched brake wear warning sound. Continuing to drive with excessively worn brake pads can significantly reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a serious accident.
NOTE
Replace brake pads
Do not continue operating the vehicle once the brake pads have reached their wear limit. Driving with worn brake pads may damage the brake discs and other braking components, resulting in more extensive and costly repairs.
TIP
It is normal for brake dust to accumulate on the wheels during everyday driving. Brake dust is a natural byproduct of brake pad wear and, under certain operating conditions, may also contribute to occasional brake noise without indicating a malfunction.
Ground View Monitor (GVM): (if equipped)
The Ground View Monitor (GVM) gives the driver a detailed view of the area directly beneath and in front of the Kia Telluride, helping identify obstacles that may not be visible from the driver's seat...
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
After parking your Kia Telluride, always apply the EPB to help prevent the vehicle from moving due to external forces such as road grade or unintended vehicle movement...
Other information:
Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Emergency Stop (ES)
Emergency Stop is a driver assistance feature designed to help if the driver becomes unresponsive while driving. When the system determines that the driver is no longer responding, it can help keep the Kia Telluride centered within its lane while gradually slowing the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Kia Telluride (LQ2, 2027-2026) Owner's Manual: Securing a child restraint system (CRS) with the LATCH anchors system
To install a LATCH-compatible Child Restraint System in either rear outboard seating position of your Kia Telluride: Move the seat belt buckle away from the lower anchors to prevent accidental contact. This helps avoid damage to the buckle or seat belt webbing during installation.