Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 233
{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
Example Label
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
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.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the size of the
original equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more information on tires and inflation see
Tires
0 344 and
Tire Pressure 0351.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It may show
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification/Tire
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit– 1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in
your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Driving and Operating
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will
be transferred to your vehicle.
Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0296 for
important information on towing a
trailer, towing safety rules and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 =
136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 =
340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 235
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's tire and
loading information label for specific
information about the vehicle's
capacity weight and seating
positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo
should never exceed the vehicle's
capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire
label is attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the
vehicle's original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity of the
vehicle. The label shows the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This
is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on the
front and rear axles, weigh the
vehicle at a weigh station. Your
dealer can help with this. Be sure to
spread the load equally on both
sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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236 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.. Put things in the cargo area
of the vehicle. In the cargo
area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
. Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
. Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the vehicle.
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
. Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
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Driving and Operating 245
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
shift to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0244. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0293. If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking
brake set.
Release the button and check that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of
the vehicle puts too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. This happens when
parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not
done properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake
and then shift into P (Park). To find
out how, see
Shifting Into Park
0 244 listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, the
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to relieve
the parking pawl pressure, so you
can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), see your dealer
for service.
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Driving and Operating 297
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer
for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring
the weight, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature,
dimensions of the front of the trailer,
and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the weight of
the loaded vehicle and trailer must
be within the weight ratings for the
vehicle. .
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment” underTowing
Equipment 0300 to determine if
equalizer bars are required to obtain
the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0300 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight
is not exceeding any of these
ratings is to weigh the tow vehicle
and trailer combination, fully loaded
for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight
of the completely loaded vehicle
and trailer including any fuel,
passengers, cargo, equipment, and
accessories. Do not exceed the
GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR
for the vehicle is on the tow rating
chart later in this section.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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298 Driving and Operating
To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle, follow these
steps:1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information
label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready
for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar,
ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket
equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed
the GCWR value on the Trailering
Information label. The gross combined weight can
also be confirmed by weighing the
truck and trailer on a public scale.
The truck and trailer should be
loaded for the trip with passengers
and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see
Vehicle
Load Limits 0232. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached,
the trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
Rating
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering
equipment. Weight of additional
optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must
be subtracted from the trailer weight
rating.
Use the tow rating chart to
determine how much the trailer can
weigh, based on the vehicle model,
powertrain and trailering options.
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VehicleMaximum Trailer Weight *GCWR
1.2L CVT Front-Wheel Drive 454 kg (1,000 lb)2,050 kg (4,519 lb)
1.3L CVT Front-Wheel Drive 454 kg (1,000 lb)2,070 kg (4,563 lb)
1.3L AT All-Wheel Drive 454 kg (1,000 lb)2,130 kg (4,695 lb)
* The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicel and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight Rating is the allowable
trailer tongue weight that the vehicle
can support using a conventional
trailer hitch. It may be necessary to
reduce the overall trailer weight to
stay within the maximum trailer
tongue weight rating while still
maintaining the correct trailer load
balance.
Do not exceed a maximum trailer
tongue weight of 45.36 kg (100 lb).
The trailer tongue weight contributes
to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
GVW includes the CURB WEIGHT
of your vehicle, any passengers, cargo, equipment and the trailer
tongue weight. Vehicle options,
passengers, cargo, and equipment
reduce the maximum allowable
tongue weight the vehicle can carry,
which also reduces the maximum
allowable trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance
must be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.