Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
42 Seats and Restraints
In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Knee airbags (if equipped) are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal impacts. Knee airbags are not
designed to inflate during vehicle rollovers,
in rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to severe
side crashes depending on the location of
the impact. Seat-mounted side impact
airbags are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts, rollovers,
or rear impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate in
moderate to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact. In addition,
these roof-rail airbags are designed to inflate
during a rollover or in a severe frontal
impact. Roof-rail airbags are not designed to
inflate in rear impacts. Both roof-rail airbags
will inflate when either side of the vehicle is
struck, if the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its side,
or in a severe frontal impact.In any particular crash, no one can say
whether an airbag should have inflated
simply because of the vehicle damage or
repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system
sends an electrical signal triggering a release
of gas from the inflator. Gas from the
inflator fills the airbag causing the bag to
break out of the cover. The inflator, the
airbag, and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are the
Airbags? 040.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal
collisions, even belted occupants can contact
the steering wheel or the instrument panel.
In moderate to severe side collisions, even
belted occupants can contact the inside of
the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided
by seat belts by distributing the force of the
impact more evenly over the
occupant's body. Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and chest
of occupants in the outboard seating
positions in the first and second rows. The
rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or
partial ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many types
of collisions, primarily because the
occupant's motion is not toward those
airbags. See
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
0 41.
Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to seat
belts.What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal, knee (if equipped), and
seat-mounted side impact airbags inflate,
they quickly deflate, so quickly that some
people may not even realize the airbags
inflated. Roof-rail airbags may still be at
least partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the airbag
module may be hot for several minutes. For
location of the airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 040.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
176 Driving and Operating
When the engine starts, let go of the
button and the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, follow
the same steps. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below−7 °C (20 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
For vehicles that did not come with a winter
cover, a winter cover can be purchased. See
your dealer for additional information.
When the winter cover is installed, the
climate controls AUTO mode may not
function properly. Use the manual settings
for comfort.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while
operating the vehicle in extremely cold
temperatures or in heavy snow for extended
periods. In these temperatures, the vehicle does not need a large amount of air to
properly cool the engine. When more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the
winter cover should not be used. The
following usage guidelines will allow
adequate airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
.Do not use the winter cover if towing a
trailer. The vehicle may overheat if the
radiator is covered while towing.
.Do not modify the cover. The winter
cover does not cover some sections of the
front of the vehicle to provide enough
airflow.
.Keep the underside of the winter cover as
clean as possible. Remove monthly or as
necessary and clean away dust and
debris.
.Do not use the winter cover above
−0 °C
(32 °F).
Use only a mild soap to clean. Do not use
harsh soap, strong detergents, or vinyl
protectant/sealant type products as they
may damage the special finish. Allow the
winter cover to dry completely before
reinstalling.
Installation Instructions
When first trying to fit the cover, it may
appear to be undersized but will stretch
during installation to ensure a tight fit. The
initial installation of the cover is best
performed when the winter cover is warm.
1. Center the winter grille cover and make sure that it is positioned correctly.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 223
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulbs,
or any bulb changing procedure not listed in
this section, contact your dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs with
aftermarket LED replacement bulbs. This
can cause damage to the vehicle electrical
system.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside
and can burst if you drop or scratch the
bulb. You or others could be injured. Be
sure to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting assembly,
contact your dealer.
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps
Headlamp Assembly
The vehicle has halogen high-beam and
low-beam headlamps, an LED turn signal
lamp, Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), and a
sidemarker lamp on the headlamp assembly.
Passenger Side Shown, Driver Side Similar
1. High-Beam Headlamp
2. Low-Beam Headlamp
High-Beam Headlamp/Low-Beam
Headlamp
1. Open the hood. SeeHood0203.
For the driver side, remove the
windshield washer bottle filler neck by
firmly pulling it straight out.