Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
106 Instruments and Controls This light comes on when the brake
pedal needs to be applied to release
the Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
Power Steering Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on as a check to
show it is working.
If it does not come on have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If this light stays on, or comes on
while driving, the system may not be
working. If this happens, see your
dealer for service. Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) Light
If equipped, this light comes on
briefly while starting the vehicle. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced.
This light is green if LDW is on and
ready to operate.
This light changes to amber and
flashes to indicate that the lane
marking has been crossed without
using a turn signal in that direction.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
0 166 . Vehicle Ahead Indicator If equipped, this indicator will
display green when a vehicle is
detected ahead.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0 164 .
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
Instruments and Controls 113Remember, the Remaining Oil Life
display must be reset after each oil
change. It will not reset itself. Also,
be careful not to reset the
Remaining Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, press SET/
CLR while the Remaining Oil Life
display is active. See Engine Oil
Life System 0 181 .
Battery Voltage
This display shows the current
battery voltage. If the voltage is in
the normal range, the value will
display. For example, the display
may read Battery Voltage 15.0
Volts. The vehicle's charging system
regulates voltage based on the state
of the battery. The battery voltage
can fluctuate while viewing this
information on the DIC. This is
normal. See Charging System Light
0 102 . Vehicle Messages Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may display one after the
other.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing SET/CLR. The messages
that require immediate action cannot
be cleared until that action is
performed. All messages should be
taken seriously and clearing the
messages does not correct the
problem.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
.
Service Messages
.
Fluid Levels
.
Vehicle Security
.
Brakes
.
Ride Control Systems .
Driver Assistance Systems
.
Cruise Control
.
Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.
Wiper/Washer Systems
.
Doors and Windows
.
Convertible Top
.
Seat Belts
.
Airbag Systems
.
Engine and Transmission
.
Tire Pressure
.
Battery
Engine Power Messages ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. Reduced propulsion power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
134 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating Driving Information Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 138
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 139
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 141
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Starting and Operating New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 145
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Engine Exhaust Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Automatic Transmission Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 151
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Brakes Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 155
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 157
Ride Control Systems Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Cruise Control Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Driver Assistance Systems Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 162
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Fuel Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
California Fuel
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 169
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Trailer Towing General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Conversions and Add-Ons Add-On Electrical
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
136 Driving and Operating .
Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{ WarningDrinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious — or even
fatal — collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving. Braking Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
.
Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering Electric Power Steering The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
Driving and Operating 137See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips .
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.
Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
.
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
.
Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies .
There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
.
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
.
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking. Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. 3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control Skidding There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.
Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling.
.
Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
.
Acceleration Skid — too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
138 Driving and Operating If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.
Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
.
Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface — and slow
down when you have any doubt.
.
Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{ WarningWet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
Driving and Operating 139Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.
Allow extra following distance.
.
Pass with caution.
.
Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.
Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires 0 208 .
.
Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.
Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.
Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills. { WarningUsing the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{ WarningCoasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
.
Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
.
Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.
Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
.
Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0 157 .
Buick Cascada Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S-11373983) - 2018 -
CRC - 7/10/17
140 Driving and Operating .
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0 154 .
.
Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.
Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0 270 . To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe: .
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{ WarningSnow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.
Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
.
Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
.
Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued) Warning (Continued) .
Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “ Climate
Control Systems. ”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0 150 .
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.