2021 BUICK ENCORE GX trailer

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 245
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
SeeEngine Overheating 0266.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the 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”
under Towing Equipment 0248 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0248 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-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
246 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 0193. 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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 247
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
248 Driving and Operating
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat trailers,
fall outside of this range. Always refer to
the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer
combination. Many trailers can be towedusing a weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow
eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers
may require a weight-distributing hitch that
uses spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle and
trailer axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight” underTrailer Towing 0245 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 286 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 249
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 097.
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 311
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may
cause damage. The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
lash or hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire. Use tire skates or dollies
under any locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a sling
type lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can damage
the vehicle. If equipped, use the tow eye
to load a disabled vehicle onto a flatbed
tow truck from a flat road surface, or to
move the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The transmission
must be in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the towing
provider. These holes may be used to pull
the vehicle from a flat road surface onto the
flatbed tow truck.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions
on how far and how long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to
be used? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0193.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0239.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0253.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 258.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0292.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0297.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0267.
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 0260.
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 367
Storage AreasCargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
System Brake Pad Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 302 Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 298
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrakLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . 172
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 344
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . .124