Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 323
Caution (Continued)
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0403.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 379
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
Lubricants0399.
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)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 381
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals, and stripes.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
when dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
. Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items. .
Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield,
when washing the vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter
system designed to help increase
fuel economy. Keep the shutter
system clean for proper operation.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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390 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil0311.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 351.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0357.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 322.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message displays, have
the engine oil and filter changed
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0313.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the next engine oil change. When
the REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER
SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the earliest convenience. Reset the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
Engine Air Filter Life System
0314.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0358.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0311 and
Engine Oil Life System 0313.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine
air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air
Filter Life System. If the vehicle
is not equipped with the engine
air filter life system, inspect the
engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0315.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 391
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0317.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0322.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0351.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0357.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0379.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 379.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. .
Visually inspect halfshafts and
driveshafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 058.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0379. .
Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0328.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 328.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0330.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof037.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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396 Service and Maintenance
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required. Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary. Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.
Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0399 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
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Service and Maintenance 399
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be
obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (CVT) Continuously Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Fluid. (GM Part No. 19355873. In Canada 19355874).
Automatic Transmission (9 Speed) DEXRON VI for Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. SeeCooling System 0317.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 311.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant. See your dealer.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Transfer Case (All-Wheel Drive) Transfer Case Fluid. See your dealer. Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant. See your dealer. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 433
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 314
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 418
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 143
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
F
Filter,Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 146
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 314
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Front Seats
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 225
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 122
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 338
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Fuses (cont'd)
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 140Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Gauges
Engine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 388
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410