Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 201
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 203
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 211
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 213
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Battery - North America . . . . . . 222
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 223
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 223
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 224
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 225
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 227
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 230
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 231
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 231
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Vehicle Care 251
sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 8.
11. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 8. The horn sounds two
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARN or
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.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 Schedule 0281.
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 0252 andWheel
Replacement 0257.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
256 Vehicle Care
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
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: The
temperature 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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
288 Service and Maintenance
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 0275 and
Exterior Care 0270.
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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
330 Index
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 298
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 40
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 248
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 247
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Terminology and Definitions . . 243
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 257
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . 199
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 268
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 122
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
U
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 255
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 136Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 292
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 122
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163005) - 2019 - crc - 9/17/18
Index 331
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
W
WarningBrake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 194
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . 256
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 86
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 224 Wipers
Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107