2011 BUICK LUCERNE tow

Black plate (100,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
To clean:1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process that
was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.Leather
Leather, and lighter colored leather in particular, will
need more frequent cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred from other items so
that these do not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth dampened with water can
be used. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary, a
soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can be
used. Your dealer has a GM approved leather cleaner
available that provides superior cleaning performance
when used regularly on finished automotive leathers.
Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use heat,
steam, spot lifters or spot removers, or shoe polish on
leather. Many commercial leather cleaners and coatings
that are sold to preserve and protect leather may
permanently change the appearance and feel of the
leather and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean the vehicle's interior because they
can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner.
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Black plate (102,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve the vehicle's finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often.
Notice:Certain cleaners contain chemicals that can
damage the emblems or nameplates on the vehicle.
Check the cleaning product label. If it states that it
should not be used on plastic parts, do not use it on
the vehicle or damage may occur and it would not
be covered by the warranty.
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Use a car
washing soap. Do not use cleaning agents that are
petroleum based or that contain acid or abrasives, as
they can damage the paint, metal or plastic on the
vehicle. Approved cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all manufacturers' directions
regarding correct product usage, necessary safety
precautions and appropriate disposal of any vehicle
care product.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after to
remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are
allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton
towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting. High pressure car washes may cause water to enter the
vehicle. Avoid using high pressure washes closer than
12 inches (30 cm) to the surface of the vehicle. Use of
power washers exceeding 1,200 psi (8 274 kPa) can
result in damage or removal of paint and decals.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a
car washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under
Washing Your Vehicle
on
page 6‑102.
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of the vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. Approved cleaning products can be
obtained from your dealer.
If the vehicle has a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish, the
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
Notice: Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish on the vehicle.
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Black plate (103,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. To help keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or
chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean
aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish,
is recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper removal
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Black plate (104,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as
ice and dust. Always wash the vehicle's chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Notice: Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Use only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because they could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:
Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Use chrome polish
on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice: Driving the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes, could damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive a
vehicle that has aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
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Black plate (111,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Removing the Rear Seat Cushion
Notice:If you touch the exposed wires with the
metal on the seat cushion, you could cause a short
that could damage the battery and or wires. Avoid
contact between the rear seat and the fuse center
whenever you remove or reinstall the rear seat. Do
not remove covers from any of the covered parts,
and do not store anything under the seats.
To remove the rear seat cushion, do the following:
1. Pull up on the front of the cushion to release the front hooks.
2. Pull the cushion up and out toward the front of the vehicle.
To access the fuse block, pull out and lift up on the
cover latch, located at the end of the fuse block, near
the battery cable.
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Black plate (5,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control function
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑6.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑6.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑6.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
.If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit, check the sealant expiration date printed on
the instruction label of the kit. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 6‑80.
.Underbody flushing service.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass Support Gas Strut
Service: Visually inspect gas strut, if equipped, for
signs of wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the gas strut. Contact your
dealer if service is required.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 24 months, whichever occurs first).
More frequent replacement may be needed if
you drive in areas with heavy traffic, areas with
poor air quality, or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if you notice
reduced air flow, windows fogging up, or odors.
Your dealer can help you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑23.
.Automatic transmission fluid change (severe
service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used
for taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑24.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check
all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition. Check that the
purge valve, if the vehicle has one, works properly.
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Black plate (8,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
.Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway:Tow to the nearest Buick dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash
and cannot be driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat tire
with the spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and properly inflated.
It is the owner's responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start a dead
battery.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
.Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specific to
Canadian‐Purchased Vehicles
.Fuel delivery: Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
There is a six request limit per year. Additional
travel information is also available. Allow three
weeks for delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance: Must
be over 250 kilometers from where your trip was
started to qualify. General Motors of Canada
Limited requires pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of the repair orders.
Once authorization has been received, the
Roadside Assistance advisor will help you make
arrangements and explain how to receive payment.
8-8

Black plate (12,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Insuring Your Vehicle
Protect your investment in your GM vehicle with
comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There
are significant differences in the quality of coverage
afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many
insurance policies provide reduced protection to your
GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage
repairs by using aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not specify aftermarket
collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that your vehicle will be
repaired with GM original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not available from your
current insurance carrier, consider switching to another
insurance carrier.
If your vehicle is leased, the leasing company may
require you to have insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read
your lease carefully, as you may be charged at the end
of your lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency services for
help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all matters
have been taken care of. Move the vehicle only if its
position puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.Give only the necessary information to police and other
parties involved in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance
Program on page 8‑7.
Gather the following information:
.Driver's name, address, and telephone number
.Driver's license number
.Owner's name, address, and telephone number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the other
vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility that uses quality
replacement parts. See “Collision Parts”earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates? on page 2‑62.
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