Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
198 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 199
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 200
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 209
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 210
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 215
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Battery - North America . . . . . . 219
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 220
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 221
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 222
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 224
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 227
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 227
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 228
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 237
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
248 Vehicle Care
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric
showing through the tire's
rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0278.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
more uniform wear for all tires.
The first rotation is the most
important.
Anytime unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible, check for proper tire
inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
See When It Is Time for New
Tires 0249 andWheel
Replacement 0253.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0242 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0162.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0245.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: Thetemperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 285
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0271 and
Exterior Care 0267.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips. .
Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
. Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.
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Index 327
Tires (cont'd)Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 245
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 244
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Terminology and Definitions . . 240
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 253
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . 197
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 Traction
Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
U
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 252
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 134
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vehicle (cont'd)
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 289
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 120
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 192
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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328 Index
WarningsHazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 253
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 83
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 221
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105