2021 BUICK ENCORE brake

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
186 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate message
may display in the DIC. To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate message may display in the DIC.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0202.
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 187
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system that begins to limit
wheel spin while using cruise control and
the cruise control will automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0185. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is activated,
cruise control is disengaged. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0192. When
road conditions allow you to safely use it
again, cruise control can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
o: Press to turn the cruise control system
on or off. A white indicator comes in the
instrument cluster when cruise is turned on.
RES/+ : If there is a set speed in memory,
move the thumbwheel up briefly to resume
to that speed or hold upward to accelerate.
If cruise control is already active, use to
increase vehicle speed.
SET/− :Move the thumbwheel down briefly
to set the speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active, use to
decrease speed.
n: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory. Setting Cruise Control
If
ois on when not in use, SET/−
or RES/+
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
ooff when cruise control
is not being used.
To set a speed:
1. Press
oto turn cruise control on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Move the thumbwheel down toward SET/− and release it.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 076.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
nis
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed is about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or greater, move the thumbwheel
up toward RES/+ briefly. The vehicle returns
to the previously set speed.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
188 Driving and Operating
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Move the thumbwheel up toward RES/+
and hold it until the desired speed is
reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, move the thumbwheel up
toward RES/+ briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 086. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Move the thumbwheel toward SET/− and
hold until the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in small
increments, move the thumbwheel
toward SET/− briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower. The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 086. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle slows down to the
previous set cruise control speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or shortly
following the release to override cruise
control, briefly moving the thumbwheel
toward SET/− will result in cruise set to the
current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control works on hills
depends on the vehicle speed, load, and the
steepness of the hills. When going up steep
hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage. Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.To disengage cruise control, step lightly
on the brake pedal.
.Pressn.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, presso.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
ois pressed or if the vehicle is
turned off.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
(Continued)

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 189
Warning (Continued)
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving 0165.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.
.Front and rear bumpers and the area
below the bumpers
.Front grille and headlamps
.Front camera lens in the front grille or
near the front emblem

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
192 Driving and Operating
The indicator light in the button comes on
when the system is turned on.
When the system is off, the indicator light
in the button is off or PARK ASSIST OFF
briefly displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
FRPA defaults to the on setting each time
the vehicle is started.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
If the FRPA system does not activate due to
a temporary condition, a message may
display on the DIC. This can occur under the
following conditions:
.The driver has disabled the system.
.The sensors are not clean. Keep the
vehicle's bumpers free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice, and slush. For cleaning instructions,
seeExterior Care 0258.
.The Park Assist sensors are covered by
frost or ice. Frost or ice can form around
and behind the sensors and may not
always be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold weather. The
message may not clear until the frost or
ice has melted.
.An object was hanging out of the liftgate
during the last drive cycle. Once the
object is removed, FRPA will return to
normal operation.
.An object or cover is attached to the front
of the vehicle.
.The bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer to repair the system.
.Other conditions, such as vibrations from
a jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive Driving
0 165.
FCA can be disabled with either the FCA
steering wheel control or, if equipped,
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization (8 Inch Screen) 089 or
Vehicle Personalization (7 Inch Screen) 094.

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 201
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 202
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 205
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 224
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 227
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 230
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 236
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 239 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 240
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 243
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 245
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 245
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 247
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 253
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
202 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0219 and
Jump Starting - North America 0253 and the
back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.