Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
240 Vehicle Care
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0240.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0290.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 170.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) 086. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 170, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0238.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 242, Tire Rotation 0242, and Tires0232.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 247
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing a crash.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
(Continued)
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
264 Vehicle Care
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.
Instrument Panel, Leather, Vinyl, Other
Plastic Surfaces, Low Gloss Paint
Surfaces, and Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with
water to remove dust and loose dirt. For a
more thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a mild soap
solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather, especially
perforated leather, as well as other
interior surfaces, may cause permanent
damage. Wipe excess moisture from
these surfaces after cleaning and allow
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
them to dry naturally. Never use heat,
steam, or spot removers. Do not use
cleaners that contain silicone or
wax-based products. Cleaners containing
these solvents can permanently change
the appearance and feel of leather or soft
trim, and are not recommended.
Do not use cleaners that increase gloss,
especially on the instrument panel. Reflected
glare can decrease visibility through the
windshield under certain conditions.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics and
painted surfaces. If an air freshener
comes in contact with any plastic or
painted surface in the vehicle, blot
immediately and clean with a soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Cargo Cover and Convenience Net
If equipped, wash with warm water and
mild detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach.
Rinse with cold water, and then dry
completely.
Care of Seat Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.
Floor Mats
{Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not
properly installed, it can interfere with
the pedals. Interference with the pedals
can cause unintended acceleration and/or
increased stopping distance which can (Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
266 Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . 272
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . 275
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 276
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
General Information
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine
maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.
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Service and Maintenance 267
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 0170.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0196.
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 0203.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 208.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0238.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0242.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0216.
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 0210.
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 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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Service and Maintenance 269
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@ @
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with AWD. (4)@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (5)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (6)@
Replace brake fluid. (7)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (8)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (9)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (10)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
270 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) 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.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) 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
0 211.
(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 0212.
(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 0218.
(8) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0220.
(9) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0222.
(10) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.