
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 193
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA
system detects a vehicle ahead. When a
vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead
indicator will display green. Vehicles may
not be detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not
detect another vehicle ahead until it is
completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to help
avoid a crash, unless it detects a vehicle.
FCA may not detect a vehicle ahead if
the FCA sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is damaged.
It may also not detect a vehicle on
winding or hilly roads, or in conditions
that can limit visibility such as fog, rain,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in proper
condition. Keep the windshield,
headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in
good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches another
detected vehicle too rapidly, the FCA display
will flash on the windshield. Also, eight
rapid high-pitched beeps will sound from the
front. When this Collision Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver braking
to occur more rapidly which can cause a
brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply
the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control
may be disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the steering
wheel. Press
[to set the FCA timing to
far, medium, or near, or on some vehicles,
Off. The first button press shows the current
setting on the DIC. Additional button presses
will change this setting. The chosen setting
will remain until it is changed. The timing of
alerts will vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the farther away
the alert will occur. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert timings
may not be appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 233
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits0170.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Replace any tires that have been
damaged by impacts with
potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can cause
a crash. Only the dealer or an
authorized tire service center
should repair, replace, dismount,
and mount the tires.
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be identified
by the last two characters of this TPC code,
which will be “MS.” Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected. All-season tires
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. See
Winter Tires0233.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0244.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 243
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0238 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0170.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 240. Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 280, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0249.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
248 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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. SeeTires0232. 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
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 099.
{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.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 249
Warning (Continued)
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, onboth sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The spare tire and tools are located in the
storage compartment in the rear of the
vehicle.
1. Center Retainer
2. Subwoofer
3. Wrench
4. Strap
5. Tow Eye (if equipped)
6. Jack
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate017.
2. Lift the trim cover. 3. Remove the subwoofer assembly on top
of the spare tire by turning the center
retainer counterclockwise.
4. Remove the spare tire, jack, and tools and place them near the tire being
changed.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See
If a Tire Goes Flat 0248.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise
to loosen the wheel nuts. Do not remove
them yet.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 311
Transmission (cont'd)Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 287
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
U
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Updates
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106, 139
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89, 94
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Vehicle (cont'd)
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . 292
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Windows (cont'd)
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Winter Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73