Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
236 Vehicle Care
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim. Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0238.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0170.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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Vehicle Care 259
Caution (Continued)
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
(Continued)
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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262 Vehicle Care
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, and the steel fuel door
hinges, unless the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall, use
plain water to flush any corrosive materials
from the underbody. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
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 fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet
metal repair or replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and scratches
with touch-up materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of
finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack
painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy,
ring-shaped discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care” previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately
remove any soils. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Using a mild soap solution,
immediately remove hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent from all
interior surfaces or permanent damage may
result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or controls.
Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the label. While
cleaning the interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper ventilation.
To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners or
techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For
liquid cleaners, use approximately
20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will create
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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Vehicle Care 263
streaks and attract dirt. Do not use
solutions that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners containing
solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened
with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a
clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a
commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use abrasive
cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive
cleaners or aggressive cleaning may
damage the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water during
the first three to six months of ownership
will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so
that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean
spots with water and mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth. 3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and
gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
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.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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272 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(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.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0258.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
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308 Index
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118, 148
OutletsPower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 138 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
P
ParkShifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Brake and P (Park) MechanismCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . 80
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . 161
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89, 94 Phone
Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128, 153
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 126, 149
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
Power
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202, 219, 253, Back Cover
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 289
R
Radio AM-FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Radio (cont'd)
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Radio Data System (RDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 143
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Recognition Voice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . 275
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . .7
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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