Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
164 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important responsibility. Driver
behavior, the driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle
performs.
Being aware of these factors can help in
understanding how the vehicle handles and
what can be done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced or
prevented by the use of seat belts. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt
turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and avoid the
possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other times
where visibility or traction may be limited,such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly
terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
This is because they have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars, which makes
them more capable for off-road driving.
While these design characteristics provide
the driver with a better view of the road,
these vehicles do have a higher center of
gravity than other types of vehicles.
A utility vehicle does not handle the same
as a vehicle with a lower center of gravity,
like a car, in similar situations.
Safe driver behavior and understanding of
the environment can help avoid a rollover
crash in any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 199
Warning (Continued)
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from the fuel
pump and never let children
pump fuel.
.Before touching the fill nozzle, touch a
metallic object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
.Fuel can spray out if the fuel cap is
opened too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather. Open the
fuel cap slowly and wait for any hiss
noise to stop, then unscrew the cap all
the way.
To open the fuel door, push and release the
rearward center edge of the door.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise to
remove. When refueling, hang the fuel cap
from the hook on the fuel door. Fully insert
and latch the fill nozzle, then begin fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more than
three clicks of a standard fill nozzle may
cause:
.Vehicle performance issues, including
engine stalling and damage to the fuel
system.
.Fuel spills.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Under certain conditions, fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait five seconds
after you have finished pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0258. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks. Push the
fuel door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 081.
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) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 239
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Proper tire
inflation cannot be determined by
looking at the tire. Check the tire
inflation pressure when the tires are
cold, meaning the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is
low, add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the inflation
pressure is high, press on the metal
stem in the center of the tire valve to
release air.
Recheck the tire pressure with the tire
gauge.Put the valve caps back on the valve
stems to keep out dirt and moisture.
Use only valve caps designed for the
vehicle by GM. TPMS sensors could be
damaged and would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
280 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants0275 for more
information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant For the air conditioning system refrigerant type and charge
amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Engine Cooling System* 7.3 L7.7 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 4.0 L4.2 qt
Fuel Tank 53 L14 gal
Wheel Nut Torque 140Y 100 lb ft
Transfer Case 0.35 L0.36 qt
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual. Recheck fluid level
after filling.
*Engine cooling system capacity values are based on the entire cooling system and its components.
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
300 Connected Services
PressQ, then ask the Advisor to download
directions to the vehicle’s navigation system,
if equipped. After the call ends, the
navigation screen will provide prompts to
begin driving directions. Routes that are sent
to the navigation screen can only be
canceled through the navigation system.
See www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca
(Canada).
Connections
The following services help with staying
connected.
For coverage maps, see www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada).
Ensuring Security
.Change the default passwords for the
Wi-Fi hotspot and myBuick mobile
application. Make these passwords
different from each other and use a
combination of letters and numbers to
increase the security.
.Change the default name of the SSID
(Service Set Identifier). This is your
network’s name that is visible to other
wireless devices. Choose a unique name
and avoid family names or vehicle
descriptions. Wi-Fi Hotspot (If Equipped)
The vehicle may have a built-in Wi-Fi
hotspot that provides access to the Internet
and web content at 4G LTE speed. Up to
seven mobile devices can be connected.
A data plan is required. Use the in-vehicle
controls only when it is safe to do so.
1. To retrieve Wi-Fi hotspot information, press
=to open the OnStar app on the
infotainment display, then select Wi-Fi
Hotspot. On some vehicles, touch Wi-Fi
or Wi-Fi Settings on the screen.
2. The Wi-Fi settings will display the Wi-Fi hotspot name (SSID), password, and on
some vehicles, the connection type (no
Internet connection, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE), and
signal quality (poor, good, excellent). The
LTE icon shows connection to Wi-Fi. It is
possible that the icon may not illuminate
even though the vehicle has an active
connection.
3. To change the SSID or password, press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR to connect
with an Advisor. On some vehicles, the
SSID and password can be changed in
the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu. After initial set-up, your vehicle’s Wi-Fi
hotspot will connect automatically to your
mobile devices. Manage data usage by
turning Wi-Fi on or off on your mobile
device, by using the myBuick mobile app,
or by contacting an OnStar Advisor. On
some vehicles, Wi-Fi can also be managed
from the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu.
MyBuick Mobile App (If Available)
Download the myBuick mobile app to
compatible Apple and Android smartphones.
Buick users can access the following services
from a smartphone:
.Remotely start/stop the vehicle,
if factory-equipped.
.Lock/unlock doors, if equipped with
automatic locks.
.Activate the horn and lamps.
.Check the vehicle’s fuel level, oil life,
or tire pressure, if factory-equipped with
the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/off,
manage settings, and monitor data
consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule service.