2021 BUICK ENCORE ABS

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 185
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 165.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0169 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
218 Vehicle Care
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0205 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir. There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See
Brake
System Warning Light 082.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0267.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0275.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 253
When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0219.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0202
and the back cover.
{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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
258 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.
Towing the Vehicle from the RearCaution
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.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0275.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
302 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . 272
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 161
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 42
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 42
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 41
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 47 Airbags (cont'd)
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 47
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183, 219
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109, 141
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . 128, 153
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 147
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 307
Lights (cont'd)Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 81
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Media Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . . . . 113, 144
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Messaging Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . . . . . . . 20
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mirrors (cont'd)
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
N
Navigation Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . 295
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295