Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
318 Vehicle Care
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care” previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions,
sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or controls.
Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners or
techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For
liquid cleaners, use approximately
20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will create
streaks and attract dirt. Do not use
solutions that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners containing
solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened
with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a
clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a
commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Vehicle Care 319
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use abrasive
cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive
cleaners or aggressive cleaning may
damage the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water during
the first three to six months of ownership
will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so
that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean
spots with water and mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
or solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a suction cup
to the display. This may cause damage
and would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
326 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 261.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter. (3)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(5) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0262.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed. (7)
Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0272.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0274.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
328 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 261.
(2) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(3) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(4) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced. (5)
Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0262.
(6) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(7) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0269.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0272.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0274.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
(11) The oil pump drive belt and the timing
belt on the LIH engine must be replaced at
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 15 years,
whichever comes first.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0314.
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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 365
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Phone
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 163
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Positioning Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Problems with Route Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252, 270, 308,
Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 346
R
Radio HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Recommended
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . 331
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . .7
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 203
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
368 Index
Turn SignalBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277, 280
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
V
Vehicle
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Vehicle (cont'd)
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 348
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87