2018 BUICK ENCORE ABS

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Driving and Operating 179
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down and pull up on the
parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light 0118.
To release the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down. Pull the
parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the
release button in as you move the
brake lever all the way down.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
180 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of thevehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0162
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
218 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0203 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning
Light 0118.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0278.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0286.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
260 Vehicle Care
Storing the Compact Spare Tire
and Tools
Reverse the instructions for
removing the spare tire and tools to
store the spare tire.
The compact spare tire is for
temporary use only. Replace the
compact spare tire with a full-size
tire as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire0260.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time. Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 267
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0286.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
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.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
318 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 197
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 210
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 145, 148
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 72
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .115
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 190
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 219
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 178 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Index 323
Lamps (cont'd)Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 139
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Front Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Lane Departure Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 141
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .118
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 121
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 138
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . .119
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . .114
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 122
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 278
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 116
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51