Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
178 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 183
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 183
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 185
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 190
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 198
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 202
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 204
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Selective Ride Control (GS Models Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 210
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 217
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 219
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 227
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 229
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Recommended Fuel (2.0L Turbo Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Recommended Fuel (3.6L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 233
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
182 Driving and Operating
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. 3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.
Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
186 Driving and Operating
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing the Vehicle 0322.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
202 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 138. 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 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 may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. 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.
Electric Parking Brake
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
Driving and Operating 207
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0246.
Selective Ride Control
(GS Models Only)
Selective Ride Control adapts to the
preference of the driver with one of
three driving modes: Normal,
Sport, or GS.
The following electronic systems
have been calibrated for each
driving mode: .
Continuous Damping
Control (CDC)
. Power Steering Assist
. Automatic Transmission
. All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
When the vehicle is started, Normal
mode comes on automatically. Sport
mode or GS mode can be selected
by pressing and releasing SPORT
or GS button. The light on the
selected button will illuminate,
indicating the driving mode. To
return to Normal mode, press and
release the illuminated button.
When both button lights are off, the
vehicle is in Normal mode. The
driving mode can be changed at any
time, whether the vehicle is
stationary or moving.
Normal : This is the default mode
used for normal city driving and
long-distance highway driving. This
setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
. Shock absorbers are in the
comfort setting.
. Power steering assist is normal. Sport :
Use this mode when
personal preference or road
conditions demand more control.
This setting provides responsive,
controlled steering and handling.
It also modifies the automatic
transmission shift feel and the AWD
torque distribution for sportier
performance.
. Shock absorbers stiffen to
provide better contact with the
road surface and increase body
control.
. Power steering assist is reduced
for sportier feel.
. The automatic transmission
shifts more aggressively for
sportier feel and improved
acceleration.*
. The AWD system distributes
more AWD engine torque to the
rear axle.
GS : Use this mode for additional
control and responsiveness, and
sportiest performance.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
208 Driving and Operating
.Shock absorbers stiffen to the
firmest setting for increased
control.
. Power steering assist is reduced
for sportier feel.
. The automatic transmission
shifts more aggressively for
sportier feel and improved
acceleration.*
. The AWD system distributes
more AWD engine torque to the
rear axle.
* Performance Shifting is enabled in
Sport mode and GS mode.
Performance Shifting detects
spirited driving and adapts
transmission shifts to maximize
vehicle acceleration.
Personalized Settings in
Sport Mode
The driver can customize the Sport
Mode settings to fit their preference.
See Vehicle Personalization 0153.Cruise Control
With cruise control the vehicle can
maintain a speed of about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads. If equipped with the Traction Control
System (TCS), the system may
begin to limit wheel spin while you
are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control
0205. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0221. When
road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be
turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if
either TCS or StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
Driving and Operating 211
used, ACC can be turned back on.
ACC will not engage if the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC system is disabled.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see“Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0180.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
. On winding and hilly roads
or when the sensors are
blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
The system may not detect
a vehicle ahead. Keep the
entire front of the vehicle
clean.
. Visibility is low, such as in
fog, rain, or snow
conditions. ACC
performance is limited under
these conditions.
. On slippery roads where
fast changes in tire traction
can cause excessive
wheel slip.
5:Press to turn the system on or
off. The indicator turns white on the
instrument cluster when ACC is
turned on.
RES+ : Press the control up briefly
to make the vehicle resume to a
previously set speed, or hold
upward to accelerate. If cruise
control is already engaged, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET– :Press the control down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already engaged, use to decrease
vehicle speed.
Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12163021) -
2019 - CRC - 11/14/18
Driving and Operating 213
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
RES+. For each press, the
vehicle speed increases to the
next 1 km/h (1 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
When it is determined that there is
no vehicle ahead or the vehicle
ahead is beyond the selected
following gap, then the vehicle
speed will increase to the set speed.
Reducing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
Do one of the following:
. Use the brake to get to the
desired lower speed. Release
the brake and press SET–. The
vehicle will now cruise at the
lower speed.
. Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
. To decrease the vehicle speed in
smaller increments, press SET−
down briefly. For each press, the vehicle speed decreases to the
next 1 km/h (1 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near.
When pressed, the current gap
setting displays briefly on the
instrument cluster and HUD. The
gap setting will be maintained until it
is changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds
to a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider
traffic and weather conditions when selecting the following gap. The
range of selectable gaps may not be
appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert
timing sensitivity (Far, Medium,
or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See
Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0221.
Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action
may be required when ACC cannot
apply sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the
collision alert symbol on the HUD
will flash on the windshield. Eight
beeps will sound from the front. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0153.