Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
290 Vehicle Care
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim. Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0292.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0193.
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Vehicle Care 303
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the vehicle.
Do not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on the
front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0286. 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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
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 0124.
{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.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 309
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Discharged Battery Positive (+) Terminal
2. Discharged Battery Negative (-) Grounding Point
3. Good Battery Negative (-) Terminal
4. Good Battery Positive (+) Terminal
The jump start negative grounding point (2)
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 (1) 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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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324 Service and Maintenance
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.
SeeEngine Air Filter Life System 0260.
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 0297.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0258 and
Engine Oil Life System 0260.
.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.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0262.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0267.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 297.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 314.
.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 Care0314.
.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 049.
.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 0314.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0272.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 272.
.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) 0274.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof031.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 327
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed. (1)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (2)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (9 Speed
Transmission Only)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter. (Continuously
Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Only)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (4)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@@
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Replace oil pump drive belt and timing belt. (LIH 1.2L L3
Engine Only). (11)
@
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Service and Maintenance 331
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 - Continuously Variable Ratio (CVT) High Performance CVT Fluid. See your dealer.
Automatic Transmission (9 Speed) DEXRON VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling
System 0262.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0258.
Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. 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. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Technical Data 337
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
Engine Specifications
Engine VIN CodeTransmission Spark Plug Gap
1.2L L3 Gas Engine (LIH) 2Automatic 0.6 - 0.7 mm (0.024-0.028 in)
1.3L L3 Gas Engine (L3T) LAutomatic 0.65 - 0.75 mm (0.025-0.030 in)
Spark plug gaps are preset by the manufacturer. Re-gapping the spark plug is not recommended and can damage the spark plug.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 359
AudioBluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 272
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 137
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 127
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 270, 308
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake
Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Brake (cont'd)
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Bulb Replacement Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 276
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamps and Sidemarker Lamps . . . . . 275
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and
Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 252
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252, 270, 308, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Check
Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 97
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60