Safety Features Of Your Vehicle Kia 2021-Forte

When choosing a new vehicle, safety is a top priority for most people. The Kia 2021-Forte is one vehicle that stands out in terms of its comprehensive safety features. With various innovations and the latest technology, the Kia 2021-Forte offers maximum protection for both drivers and passengers. In this article, we will explore the various safety features of the Kia 2021-Forte, which will provide you with confidence and peace of mind during your journeys.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

You will find many safety precautions and recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this ma- nual. The safety precautions in this section are among the most important.

Always wear your seat belt

A seat belt is your best protection in all types of accidents. Air bags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with air bags, ALWAYS make sure you and
your passengers wear your seat belts, and wear them properly.

Restrain all children

All children under age 13 should ride in your vehicle properly restrained in a rear seat, not the front seat. Infants and small children should be restrained in an appropriate child restraint. Larger children should use a booster seat with the lap/shoulder belt until they can use the seat belt properly without a booster seat.

Air bag hazards

While air bags can save lives, they can also cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or who are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and shorter adults are at the greatest risk of being injured by an inflating air bag. Follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.

Driver distraction

Driver distraction presents a serious and potentially deadly danger, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Safety should be the first concern when behind the wheel and drivers need to be aware of the wide array of
potential distractions, such as drowsiness, reaching for objects, eating, personal grooming, other passen-
gers, and using mobile devices.

Drivers can become distracted when they take their eyes and attention off the road or their hands off the wheel to focus on activities other than driving. To reduce your risk of distraction or getting into an accident:

• ALWAYS set up your mobile devices (i.e., MP3 players, phones, navigation units, etc.) when your vehicle is parked or safely stopped.
• ONLY use your mobile device when allowed by laws and when conditions permit safe use. NEVER text or email while driving. Most states have laws prohibiting drivers from texting. Some states and cities also prohibit drivers from using handheld phones.
• NEVER let the use of a mobile device distract you from driving. You have a responsibility to your passengers and others on the road to always drive safely, with your hands on the wheel as well as your eyes and attention on the road.

Control your speed

Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.

SEAT

Driver’s seat

(1) Forward and backward
(2) Seatback angle
(3) Seat cushion tilt
(4) Seat height
(5) Lumbar support*
(6) Headrest

Front passenger’s seat

(7) Forward and backward
(8) Seatback angle
(9) Headrest

Rear seat

(10) Armrest
(11) Headrest

• : if equipped

⚠ WARNING – Loose objects

Do not place anything in the driver’s foot well or under the front seats. Loose objects in the driver’s foot area could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals.

⚠ WARNING – Uprighting seat

Do not press the release lever on a manual seatback without holding and controlling the seatback. The seatback will spring upright, possibly impacting you or other passengers.

⚠ WARNING Driver responsibility for passengers

The driver must advise the passenger to keep the seatback in an upright position whenever the vehicle is in motion. If a seat is reclined during an accident, the restraint system’s ability to restrain will be greatly reduced.

Front seat adjustment -manual

Forward and backward

To move the seat forward or backward:

1. Pull the seat slide adjustment lever up and hold it.
2. Slide the seat to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in place.

Adjust the seat before driving, and make sure the seat is locked securely by trying to move forward and backward without using the lever. If the seat moves, it is not locked properly.

⚠ WARNING – Unexpected seat movement

After adjusting a manual seat, always check that it is locked by shifting your weight to the front and back. Sudden or unexpected movement of the driver’s seat could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Seatback angle

To recline the seatback:

1. Lean forward slightly and lift up the seatback recline lever.
2. Carefully lean back on the seat and adjust the seatback of the seat to the position you desire.
3. Release the lever and make sure the seatback is locked in place. (The lever MUST return to its original position for the seatback to lock.)

Seat Cushion height (if equipped, for driver’s seat)

To change the height of the seat cushion, push the lever upwards or downwards.

• To lower the seat cushion, push the lever down several times until the seat reaches the desired position.
• To raise the seat cushion, push the lever up several times until the seat reaches the desired position.

Front seat adjustment – power (if equipped)

The front seat can be adjusted by using the control switch located on the outside of the seat cushion.
Before driving, adjust the seat to the proper position so as to easily con- trol the steering wheel, pedals and switches on the instrument panel.

⚠ WARNING – Unattended children

Do not leave children unattended in the vehicle. Children might operate features of the vehicle that could injure them.

⚠ CAUTION – Power seat adjustments

The power seating controls function by electronic motor. Excessive operation may cause damage to the electrical equipment.

⚠ CAUTION – Power Seating

Do not operate two or more power seat control switches at the same time. Doing so may damage the power seat motor or electrical components.

When in operation, the power seat consumes a large amount of electri- cal power. To prevent unnecessary charging system drain, don’t adjust the power seat longer than necessary while the engine is not running.

Forward and backward

Push the control switch forward or backward to move the seat to the desired position. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Seatback angle

Push the control switch forward or backward to move the seatback to the desired angle. Release the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Seat cushion tilt and height

Seat cushion tilt

• Pull the front portion of the control switch up to raise or press down to lower the front part of the seat.

Seat height

• Pull the rear portion of the control switch up to raise or press down to lower the seat cushion. Release
  the switch once the seat reaches the desired position.

Lumbar support (for driver’s seat, if equipped)

The lumbar support can be adjusted by pressing the lumbar support switch on the side of the driver’s seat. Press the front portion of the switch to increase support, or the rear portion of the switch to decrease support.

Headrest (for front seat)

The driver’s and front passenger’s seats are equipped with a headrest for the occupant’s safety and comfort. The headrest not only provides comfort for the driver and front passenger, but also helps protect the head and neck in the event of a collision.

For maximum effectiveness in case of an accident, the headrest should be adjusted so the middle of the headrest is at the same height of the center of gravity of an occupant’s head. Generally, the center of gravity of most people’s head is similar with the height of the top of their eyes. Also, adjust the headrest as close to your head as possible. For this reason, the use of a cushion that holds the body away from the seatback is not recommended.

⚠ WARNING – Headrest removal/adjustment

• Do not operate the vehicle with the headrests removed. Headrests can provide critical neck and head support in a crash.
• Do not adjust the headrest height while the vehicle is in motion. Driver may lose control of the vehicle.

Adjusting the height up and down

To raise the headrest, pull it up to the desired position (1). To lower the headrest, push and hold the release button (2) on the headrest support and lower the headrest to the desired position (3).

✽ NOTICE

If you recline the seatback towards the front with the headrest and seat cushion raised, the headrest may
come in contact with the sunvisor or other parts of the vehicle.

Removal and installation

To remove the headrest:

1. Recline the seatback (2) with the recline lever or switch (1).
2. Raise headrest as far as it can go.
3. Press the headrest release button (3) while pulling the headrest up (4).

⚠ WARNING – Headrest Removal

NEVER allow anyone to ride in a seat with the headrest removed. Headrests can provide critical neck and head support in a crash.

To reinstall the headrest :

1. Put the headrest poles (2) into the holes while pressing the release button or switch (1).
2. Recline the seatback (4) with the lever or switch (3).
3. Adjust the headrest to the appropriate height.

⚠ WARNING – Headrest Reinstallation

To reduce the risk of injury to the head or neck, always make sure the head rest is locked into position and adjusted properly after reinstalling.

Seatback pocket (if equipped)

The seatback pocket is provided on the back of the front passenger’s seatback.

⚠ WARNING – Seatback pocket

Do not put heavy or sharp objects in the seatback pocket. An occupant could contact such objects in a crash. Heavy objects in the front passenger seatback could also interfere with the air bag sensing system.

Rear seat adjustment

Headrest (for rear seat)

The rear seat is equipped with headrests for the occupant’s safety and comfort. The headrest not only provides comfort for passengers, but also helps protect the head and neck in the event of a collision.

For maximum effectiveness in case of an accident, the headrest should be adjusted so the middle of the headrest is at the same height of the center of gravity of an occupant’s head. Generally, the center of gravity of most people’s head is similar with the height as the top of their eyes.

Also adjust the headrest as close to your head as possible. For this reason, the use of a cushion that holds
the body away from the seatback is not recommended.

Adjusting the height up and down (if equipped)

To raise the headrest, pull it up to the desired position (1). To lower the headrest, push and hold the release button (2) on the headrest support and lower the headrest to the desired position (3).

Removal and installation

To remove the headrest, raise it as far as it can go then press the release button (1) while pulling the
headrest upward (2). To reinstall the headrest, put the headrest poles (3) into the holes while pressing the release button (1). Then adjust it to the appropriate height and ensure that it locks in position.

Armrest (if equipped)

To use the armrest, pull it forward from the seatback.

Folding the rear seat (if equipped)

The rear seatbacks may be folded to facilitate carrying long items or to increase the luggage capacity of the vehicle.

⚠ WARNING – Folded Seatback

Never allow passengers to sit on top of the folded down seatback while the vehicle is moving. This is not a proper seating position and no seat belts are available for use. This could result in serious injury or death in case of an accident or sudden stop.

Driver seat belt warning

If a driver turns the ignition switch ON or the engine starts with the seat belt unfastened, the seat belt warning light will stay on until the driver fastens the seat belt and the warning sound will continue for 6 seconds. If a driver turns the ignition switch ON or the engine starts with seatbelt fastened, the warning light will stay for 6 seconds and the warning sound will not be heard.

At a driving speed below 12 mph (20 km/h) with the driver’s seatbelt unfastened, the warning light will stay on. At a driving speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) and above with the seatbelt unfastened, the warning light will blink and the warning sound will continue for 100 seconds.

Front passenger seat belt warning

When the ignition switch is ON or the engine starts with the front passenger seat belt unfastened, the warning light will stay on until the belt is fastened. When the ignition switch is ON or the engine starts with the front passenger seat belt fastened, the warning light will stay for about 6 seconds.

If the passenger seat belt is unfastened during driving, the warning light will illuminate if the speed is
under 12 mph (20 km/h). When the speed is 12 mph (20 km/h) and faster, the warning light will blink and the warning chime will sound for approximately 100 seconds.

✽ NOTICE

• Even if the front passenger seat is not occupied, the seat belt warning light will illuminate for 6 seconds.
• The front passenger’s seat belt warning may operate when luggage is placed on the front passenger seat.

Pre-tensioner seat belt

Your vehicle is equipped with driver’s and front passenger’s pre-tensioner seat belts.

1. Retractor pre-tensioner

The retractor pre-tensioner is a supplemental system of the seat belts. The purpose of the retractor pre-tensioner is to tighten the shoulder belt against the occupant’s upper body in certain frontal collisions.

The pre-tensioner seat belts may be activated, when a collision is severe enough, together with the air bags. When the vehicle stops suddenly, or if the occupant tries to lean forward too quickly, the seat belt retractor may lock into position. In certain frontal collisions (or side collisions), the pre-tensioner may activate and pull the seat belt into tighter contact against the occupant’s body.

If the system senses excessive tension on the driver seat belt when the pre-tensioner activates, the load limiter inside the retractor pre-tensioner will release some of the pressure on the affected seat belt.

2. Emergency Fastening Device (EFD, for driver seat)

The Emergency Fastening Device (EFD) is a supplemental system of the seat belts. The purpose of the
EFD is to tighten the lap belt against the occupant’s pelvis in certain collisions.

The seat belt pre-tensioner system consists mainly of the following components. Their locations are shown in the illustration:

1. SRS air bag warning light
2. Retractor pre-tensioner assembly
3. SRS control module
4. Emergency fastening device (EFD)

To obtain maximum benefit from a pre-tensioner seat belt:

1. The seat belt must be worn correctly and adjusted to the proper position. Please read and follow all
   of the important information and precautions about your vehicle’s occupant safety features – including seat belts and air bags – that are provided in this manual.
2. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts properly.

✽ NOTICE

When the pre-tensioner seat belts are activated, a loud noise may be heard and fine dust, which may appear to be smoke, may be visible in the passenger compartment. These are normal operating conditions and are not hazardous.

⚠ WARNING – Skin irritation

Wash all exposed skin areas thoroughly after an accident in which the pre-tensioner seat belts were activated. The fine dust from the pre-tensioner activation may cause skin irritation and should not be breathed for prolonged periods.

AIR BAG – ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM

(1) Driver’s front air bag
(2) Passenger’s front air bag
(3) Side air bag
(4) Curtain air bag

Even in vehicles with air bags, you and your passengers must always wear the safety belts provided in
order to minimize the risk and severity of injury in the event of a collision or rollover.

How does the air bag system operate?

• Air bags are activated (able to inflate if necessary) only when the ignition switch or engine start/stop
  button is turned to the ON position or engine is running.
• The appropriate air bags inflate instantly in the event of a serious frontal collision or side collision in
  order to help protect the occupants from serious physical injury.
• There is no single speed at which the air bags will inflate. Generally, air bags are designed to inflate based upon the severity of a collision and its direction. These two factors determine whether the sensors produce an electronic deployment/ inflation signal.
• Air bag deployment depends on a number of factors including vehicle speed, angles of impact, and, the
  density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects which your vehicle hits in the collision. The determining factors are not limited to those mentioned above.

⚠ WARNING – Airbag inflation

Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of your vehicle. A distance of at least 10″ from your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so can result in airbag inflation injuries to the driver.

⚠ WARNING – Hot components

Do not touch the air bag storage area’s internal components immediately after airbag inflation. The air bag related parts in the steering wheel, instrument panel and the roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot. Hot components can result in burn injuries.

⚠ WARNING

Do not install or place any accessories near air bag deployment areas, such as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.

Do not install a child restraint on the front passenger’s seat.

Never place a rear-facing child restraint in the front passenger’s seat. If the air bag deploys, it would impact the rear-facing child restraint, causing serious or fatal injury. In addition, do not place front-facing child restraints in the front passenger’s seat. If the front passenger air bag inflates, it could cause serious or fatal injuries to the child.

⚠ WARNING – Air bag deployment

• When children are seated in the rear outboard seats of a vehicle equipped with side and/or curtain air bags, install the child restraint system as far away from the door side as possible. Inflation of the side and/or curtain air bags could impact the child.
• Do not install or place any accessories near air bag deployment areas, such as the instrument panel, windows, pillars, and roof rails.

Air bag warning light

The purpose of the air bag warning light in your instrument panel is to alert you of a potential problem with your air bag system, which could include your side and/or curtain air bags used for rollover protection.

SRS components and functions

The SRS consists of the following components:

1. Driver’s front air bag module
2. Passenger’s front air bag module
3. Side air bag modules
4. Curtain air bag modules
5. Retractor pre-tensioner assemblies
6. Air bag warning light
7. SRS control module (SRSCM) / Rollover sensor
8. Front impact sensors
9. Side impact sensors
10. PASSENGER AIR BAG “OFF” indicator (Front passenger’s seat only)
11. Occupant detection system (Front passenger’s seat only)
12. Emergency fastening device (EFD)
13. Side pressure sensors

If the air bag warning light is illuminated for more than 6 seconds after the Engine Start/Stop button is turned on, or of it illuminates during vehicle operation, an SRS component may not be functioning properly and you should have your vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.

If any of the following conditions occur, this indicates a malfunction in the air bag system. Have an authorized Kia dealer inspect the air bag system as soon as possible.

• The air bag warning light does not turn on briefly when you turn the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
• The light stays on after illuminating for approximately 6 seconds.
• The light comes on while the vehicle is in motion.
• The light blinks when the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position

The front air bag modules are located both in the center of the steering wheel and in the front passenger’s panel above the glove box. When the SRSCM detects a sufficiently severe impact to the front of the vehicle, it will automatically deploy the front air bags.

Upon deployment, tear seams molded directly into the pad covers will separate under pressure from the expansion of the air bags. Further opening of the covers then allows full inflation of the air bags.

A fully inflated air bag, in combination with a properly worn seat belt, slows the driver’s or the passenger’s forward motion, reducing the risk of head and chest injury. After complete inflation, the air bag immediately starts deflating, enabling the driver to maintain forward visibility and the ability to steer or operate other controls.

⚠ WARNING – Air bag obstructions

Do not install or place any accessories on the steering wheel, instrument panel, or on the front passenger’s panel above the glove box in a vehicle. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the air bag deploys.

⚠ WARNING – Flying objects

Do not place any objects (an umbrella, bag, etc.) between the front door and the front seat. Such objects may become dangerous projectiles if the side airbag inflates.

Occupant Detection System (ODS)

Your vehicle is equipped with an occupant detection system in the front passenger’s seat. The occupant detection system is designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated front passenger and determine if the passenger’s front air bag should be enabled (may inflate) or not. Only the front passenger front air bag is controlled by the Occupant Detection System. Do not put anything in front of the passenger air bag indicator.