2019 BUICK ENCORE ABS

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
180 Driving and Operating
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 that 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 might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but 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 0120.
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.
Brake Assist
If equipped, Brake Assist is
designed to assist in stopping or
decreasing vehicle speed in
emergency driving conditions. This

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Driving and Operating 181
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.Hill Start Assist (HSA)
If equipped, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
may be useful when the vehicle is
stopped on a grade. This feature is
designed to prevent the vehicle from
rolling, either forward or rearward,
during vehicle drive off. After the
driver completely stops and holds
the vehicle in a complete standstill
on a grade, HSA will be
automatically activated. During the
transition period between when the
driver releases the brake pedal and
starts to accelerate to drive off on a
grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure to ensure that there is no
rolling. The brakes will automatically
release when the accelerator pedal
is applied within the two-second
window. It will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill, or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
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/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 221
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 0206 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 0120.
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 0281.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0289.
{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-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
222 Vehicle Care
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
0206 for battery location.
Stop/Start System
If equipped with the 1.4L L4 LE2
engine, the vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Starting the
Engine 0169. Vehicles with Stop/Start have an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
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 0202 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 0264 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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 263
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools1. Return the jack and tools to their original storage location.
2. Replace the trim cover.
3. Place the flat tire, lying flat, in the rear storage compartment.
4. Attach one end of the strap to a cargo tie-down in the rear of
the vehicle.
5. Route the strap through the
wheel, as shown.
6. Attach the other end of the strap to the other cargo
tie-down in the rear of the
vehicle.
7. Tighten the strap. 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 Tire
0263.
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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
270 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
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
Lubricants 0289.
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)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Index 321
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 200
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 213
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 147, 149
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 74
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 70
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .117
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 192
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 179, 223
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 179 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
326 Index
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 27
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 240
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 141
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Front Fog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a
Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 143
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 120
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 123
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 140
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 121 Lights (cont'd)
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . .116
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 124
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291