2018 BUICK ENCORE Gas cap

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
70 Seats and Restraints
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Roof-rail
airbags are not designed to inflate in
rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the
vehicle is struck, if the sensing
system predicts that the vehicle is
about to roll over on its side, or in a
severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills theairbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are
the Airbags? 067.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 069.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to seat belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal, knee (if equipped),
and seat-mounted side impact
airbags inflate, they quickly deflate,
so quickly that some people may
not even realize the airbags inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 067.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Instruments and Controls 117
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0200.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible. If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless funnel
adapter, make sure that it has
been removed. See “Filling the
Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0194.
The diagnostic system can
detect if the adapter has been
left installed in the vehicle,
allowing fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter removed
may turn off the light.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See Fuel
0 193.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
196 Driving and Operating
Filling the Tank with a Portable
Gas Can
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and
must be filled from a portable
gas can:
1. Locate the capless funneladapter from the rear storage
compartment under the load
floor.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.
{Warning
Attempting to refuel without using
the funnel adapter may cause fuel
spillage and damage the capless
fuel system. This could cause a
fire and you or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. 3. Remove and clean the funnel
adapter and return it to the
storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
. Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
. Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 219
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0203 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0199 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0261 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt. Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
250 Vehicle Care
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of thevehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0237.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0248. However, if it is necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’
maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
OnStar 313
How OnStar Service Works
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
Advanced Vehicle Diagnostics,
Remote Services, Roadside
Assistance, Turn-by-Turn
Navigation, and Hands-Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available
everywhere or on all vehicles. For
more information, a full description
of OnStar services, system
limitations, and OnStar User Terms,
Privacy Statement, and Software
Terms:
.Call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827).
. See www.onstar.com (U.S.).
. See www.onstar.ca (Canada).
. Call TTY 1-877-248-2080.
. Press
Qto speak with an
Advisor.
OnStar services cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with a
wireless service provider for service in that area. The wireless service
provider must also have coverage,
network capacity, reception, and
technology compatible with OnStar
services. Service involving location
information about the vehicle cannot
work unless GPS signals are
available, unobstructed, and
compatible with the OnStar
hardware. OnStar services may not
work if the OnStar equipment is not
properly installed or it has not been
properly maintained. If equipment or
software is added, connected,
or modified, OnStar services may
not work. Other problems beyond
the control of OnStar
—such as
hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of the vehicle, damage
to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless
phone network congestion or
jamming —may prevent service.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 302.
Services for People with
Disabilities
Advisors provide services to help
with physical disabilities and
medical conditions.
Press
Qto help:
. Locate a gas station with an
attendant to pump gas.
. Find a hotel, restaurant, etc.,
that meets accessibility needs.
. Provide directions to the closest
hospital or pharmacy in urgent
situations.
TTY Users
OnStar has the ability to
communicate to deaf,
hard-of-hearing, or speech-impaired
customers while in the vehicle. The
available dealer-installed TTY
system can provide in-vehicle
access to all OnStar services,
except Virtual Advisor and OnStar
Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
326 Index
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 92, 94
SecurityOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Accessories and
Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 145
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 200
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 288
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 289
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 298
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 190 Sidemarker
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Special Application Services . . . . 283
Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cargo Management System . . . . 99
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Storage Areas (cont'd)
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Underseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 97
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144, 305
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Taillamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 295
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 40 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250