Black plate (7,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
Vehicle Care 10-7
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑13.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑14.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑9.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10‑20. 6.
Battery on page 10‑22 (Under
Cover).
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑16.
8. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑66.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑30.
10. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑19.
Black plate (9,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
Vehicle Care 10-9
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑13.
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑14.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” underEngine
Oil on page 10‑9.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10‑20.
6. Battery on page 10‑22 (Under
Cover).
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑16.
8. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑66.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑30. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑19.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑11.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
Black plate (10,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
10-10 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then
push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
Notice:
Do not add too much oil.
Oil levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Specification
Use and ask for licensed engine oils
with the dexos1
®approved
certification mark. Engine oils
meeting the requirements for the
vehicle should have the dexos1
approved certification mark. This
certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos1
specification.
Notice: Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or
equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the
Black plate (12,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
10-12 Vehicle Care
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5‑26.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN withthe engine off.
2. Press the DIC MENU button on the turn signal lever to enter the
Vehicle Information Menu. Use
the thumbwheel to scroll through
the menu items until you reach
REMAINING OIL LIFE.
3. Press the SET/CLR button to reset the oil life at 100%.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off and the REMAINING
OIL LIFE 100% message is
displayed. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information.
Black plate (13,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
Vehicle Care 10-13
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed inMaintenance
Schedule on page 11‑3, and be sure
to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑12
for the proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is not necessary to
regularly check brake/clutch fluid
unless there is a leak suspected. Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has either a symbol or
text specifying the type of brake
fluid. The common brake/clutch fluid
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. See
Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level
is at the MIN (minimum) line on the side of the reservoir. The brake/
hydraulic clutch fluid system should
be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the
fluid level or to top off the fluid level.
Remove the cap only when
necessary to add the proper fluid
until the level reaches the MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11‑3. If you are driving in
dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
Black plate (16,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
10-16 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑19.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to −37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Black plate (17,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
Vehicle Care 10-17
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the
indicated mark, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system is cool before this is done.
SeeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑19 for more information.
The coolant surge tank is located in
the engine compartment on the
driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for more information on
location.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
Notice: This vehicle has a
specific coolant fill procedure.
Failure to follow this procedure
could cause the engine to
overheat and be severely
damaged. If no problem is found, check to see
if coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank. If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is not at the
indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before you do it.
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the coolant surge tank pressure
cap
—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
coolant surge tank pressure cap
to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Black plate (19,1)Buick Verano Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 10/17/12
Vehicle Care 10-19
Engine Overheating
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this
mode, a significant loss in power
and engine performance will be
noticed. The temperature gauge will
indicate an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended km (mi)
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair. The
engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location. Notice
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.