2021 BUICK ENCORE Climate

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 217
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview0205 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications
0280.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do
not have wear indicators. Drum brakes have
an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When the
front brake linings are replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected. If a rear brake rubbing
noise is heard, have the rear brake linings
inspected immediately. Rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or
changing.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
246 Vehicle Care
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General
Motors passenger cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to federal
safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to
Federal Safety Requirements In Addition
To These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlledconditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1½)
times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning:
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 261
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0275.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear
and rotors for surface condition. Inspect
drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 303
Automatic (cont'd)Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 220
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 147
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
B
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 102
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219, 253
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 126, 149
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 147
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, andParking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Backup Lamps . . . . . . . 224
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202, 219, 253, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 81
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 64
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 309
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement PartsAirbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . .178
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . 181S
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112, 143
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 33
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 64 Security
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 202
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 266
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129, 154
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252