Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Service and Maintenance 273
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0275 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
286 Customer Information
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is
covered. In Canada, a person driving the
vehicle without permission from the owner
is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. General Motors
North America and Buick reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue the
Roadside Assistance program at any time
without notification.
General Motors North America and Buick
reserve the right to limit services or
payment to an owner or driver if they
decide the claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of
enough fuel for the vehicle to get to the
nearest service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Buick dealer
for warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash and cannot be driven.
Assistance is not given when the vehicle
is stuck in sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change:
Service to change a flat
tire with the spare tire. The spare tire,
if equipped, must be in good condition
and properly inflated. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices. Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian-Purchased
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery:
Reimbursement is up to 7
liters. Propane and other fuels are not
provided through this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km from where your
trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help you make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
OnStar 295
.Get driving directions.
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information. With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the engine from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. PressQto set
up an account.
.After change in ownership and at
90 days.
Transferring Service
PressQto request account transfer
eligibility information. The Advisor can
cancel or change account information.
Selling/Transferring the Vehicle
Call 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827)
immediately to terminate your OnStar or
connected services if the vehicle is disposed
of, sold, transferred, or if the lease ends.
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 305
Electrical System (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 81
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 102F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 192
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 200
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197, 198
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Fuel (cont'd)
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 227
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
GaugesEngine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 75
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
310 Index
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
StabiliTrakOFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . .106, 139
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Storage Areas
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cargo Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Underseat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
System
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Text Messaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Tires (cont'd)
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 245
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 247
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . 243
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . 132
Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181