Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Driving and Operating 237
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by,
and rough roads can affect the
trailer and the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your
vehicle if the trailer hitch removed.
If not sealed, dirt, water, and carbon
monoxide (CO) from the exhaust
may enter your vehicle. SeeEngine
Exhaust 0193.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations
and instructions.
Tires
. Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the
vehicle.
. Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0274 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach
the chains to the holes on the trailer
hitch platform. Instructions about
safety chains may be provided by
the hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road
if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn.
Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their own
braking system if the loaded weight
of the trailer exceeds certain
minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly. Never attempt
to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the
vehicle anti-lock brakes and the
trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each
trip, and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When towing a
trailer, the arrows on the instrument
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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238 Driving and Operating
cluster will illuminate even if the
trailer is not properly connected or
the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are
designed with stiff sidewalls to help
prevent sway and to support heavy
loads. These features can make it
difficult to determine if the trailer tire
pressures are low only based on a
visual inspection.
Always check all trailer tire
pressures before each trip when the
tires are cool. Low trailer tire
pressure is a leading cause of trailer
tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time.
The trailer tire sidewall will show the
week and year the tire was
manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend
replacing tires more than six
years old.Overloading is another leading
cause of trailer tire blow-outs. Never
load your trailer with more weight
than the tires are designed to
support. The load rating is located
on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default
trailer tire speed rating is 105 km/h
(65 mph).
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0133. A device connected
to the DLC —such as an
aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Vehicle Care 319
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations. .
Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission should not be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly
should be used. See the information
on dolly towing later in this section.
Dinghy Towing from the Rear
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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Service and Maintenance 331
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 183.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0227.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart. The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain
. Frequently towing a trailer
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work 0242.
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Index 381
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Storage Areas
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 112
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . 308, 309
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 System (cont'd)
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167, 359
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 349
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 52
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Thigh Support Adjustment . . . . . . . 64
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281, 282
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 284 Tires (cont'd)
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 283
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . 296, 302
Sealant and Compressor Kit,
Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308, 309
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Terminology and Definitions . . 278
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 293
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 231
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 231
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 318
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
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382 Index
Traction (cont'd)Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 203
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 291
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 155Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Vehicle (cont'd)
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 343
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 136
Vehicle Care Storing the TireSealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . 308, 309
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 225
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 292
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 97
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 262
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121