Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 365
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
0 344. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0146.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly. (Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 373
3. Good Battery Negative (-)Terminal
4. Good Battery Positive (+) Terminal
The jump start negative grounding
point (1) for the discharged battery
is the engine block or an engine
mounting bolt. Connect to a spot as
far away from the discharged
battery as possible.
The jump start positive terminal (2)
on the discharged battery is in the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle.
The jump start negative terminal (3)
and positive terminal (4) are on the
battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start.
The positive jump start connection
for the discharged battery is under a
trim cover. Open the cover to
expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in
P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting. 4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all
lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
376 Vehicle Care
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground. The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
Dinghy Towing
(All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the tow
vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 377
3. Put the vehicle into ACC/ACCESSORY by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP one
time without the brake pedal
applied.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). The chime will ring
continuously for 30 seconds.
Leave the transmission in
N (Neutral).
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” underBattery -
North America 0326.
7. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material
to prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
Caution
If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed 113
km/h (70 mph) while towing the
vehicle. To disconnect the towed vehicle:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Make sure that the ignition is off.
4. Remove any tape, glue, or excess material from the
negative battery post.
5. Connect the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Reconnection” underBattery -
North America 0326.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be
towed with two wheels on the
ground.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
378 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle
from the front with two wheels on
the ground:1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing. 5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Disconnect the negative
battery cable at the battery.
See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North
America 0326.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material
to prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear
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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
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-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
430 Index
Appearance CareExterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Armrest Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . 271
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . 281
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
B
Battery
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Battery - North America . . . . 326, 372
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 328
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189, 190
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Brake Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .117
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . 324
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 AutomaticEmergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . 282 Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 236
Bulb Replacement
Front Turn Signal and FogLamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 332
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps, and
Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . 334, 335
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .304, 326, 372, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
432 Index
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 413
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 419
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 419
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 418
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . 428
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Door Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 405
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 250, 327
Driver Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 270 Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 127
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 278
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . 225
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 230
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 232
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 252
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 118
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 338
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 308
Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 247
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238