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
Vehicle Care 203
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 047.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0289.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 47. If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 013.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 278.Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
Turn the vehicle off before opening the
hood. If the engine is running with the
hood open, you or others could be
injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
210 Vehicle Care
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions, the oil
life system might indicate that an oil changeis not necessary for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be changed at
least once a year and, at this time, the
system must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
Reset the system whenever the engine oil is
changed so that the system can calculate
the next engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Press the MENU button to show Remaining Oil Life on the display. This
display shows an estimate of the oil’s
remaining useful life. If 99% is displayed,
that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains. 2. To reset the engine oil life system, press
the SET/CLR button while the oil life
display is active. After a few seconds,
there will be a single chime and the oil
life will be reset to 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after the
oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
message comes back on when the vehicle is
started, the engine oil life system has not
reset. Repeat the procedure.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and
changing the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should have this
done at your dealer.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Customer Information 283
We encourage you to call the toll-free
number in order to give the inquiry prompt
attention. Have the following information
available to give the Customer Assistance
representative:
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or
title, or the plate at the top left of the
instrument panel and visible through the
windshield.
.Dealership name and location.
.Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting Buick, remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a dealer's
facility. That is why we suggest following
Step One first.
STEP THREE —U.S. Owners : Both General
Motors and your dealer are committed to
making sure you are completely satisfied
with the new vehicle. However, if you
continue to remain unsatisfied after
following the procedure outlined in
Steps One and Two, you can file with the
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line
®
Program to enforce your rights.
The BBB Auto Line Program is an
out-of-court program administered by BBB
National Programs, Inc. to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the
interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Although you may be required to
resort to this informal dispute resolution
program prior to filing a court action, use of
the program is free of charge and your case
will generally be heard within 40 days.
If you do not agree with the decision given
in your case, you may reject it and proceed
with any other venue for relief available
to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program
using the toll-free telephone number or
write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
BBB National Programs, Inc.
3033 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
http://www.bbb.org/council/
programs-services/
dispute-handling-and-resolution/bbb-auto-line
This program is available in all 50 states and
the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited
by vehicle age, mileage, and other factors.
General Motors reserves the right to change
eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its
participation in this program.STEP THREE
—Canadian Owners : In the
event that you do not feel your concerns
have been addressed after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two,
General Motors of Canada Company wants
you to be aware of its participation in a
no-charge Mediation/Arbitration program.
General Motors of Canada Company has
committed to binding arbitration of owner
disputes involving factory-related vehicle
service claims. The program provides for the
review of the facts involved by an impartial
third party arbiter, and may include an
informal hearing before the arbiter. The
program is designed so that the entire
dispute settlement process, from the time
you file your complaint to the final decision,
should be completed in about 70 days. We
believe our impartial program offers
advantages over courts in most jurisdictions
because it is informal, quick, and free of
charge.
Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Customer Information 287
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience.
If the vehicle cannot be scheduled into the
service department immediately, keep
driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety related. If it is, please call your
dealership, let them know this, and ask for
instructions.
If your dealer requests you to bring the
vehicle for service, you are urged to do so
as early in the work day as possible to
allow for same-day repair.
Courtesy Transportation Program
To enhance your ownership experience, we
and our participating dealers are proud to
offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer
support program for vehicles with theBumper-to-Bumper (Base Warranty Coverage
period in Canada), extended powertrain,
and/or hybrid-specific warranties in both the
U.S. and Canada.
Several Courtesy Transportation options are
available to assist in reducing inconvenience
when warranty repairs are required.
Courtesy Transportation is not a part of the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate
manual entitled
“Limited Warranty and
Owner Assistance Information” furnished
with each new vehicle provides detailed
warranty coverage information.
Transportation Options
Warranty service can generally be
completed while you wait. However, if you
are unable to do so, your dealer may offer
the following transportation options:
Shuttle Service
This includes one-way or round-trip shuttle
service within reasonable time and distance
parameters of your dealer's area.
Public Transportation or Fuel Reimbursement
If overnight warranty repairs are needed,
and public transportation is used, the
expense must be supported by original
receipts and within the maximum amount allowed by GM. If U.S. customers arrange
their own transportation, limited
reimbursement for reasonable fuel expenses
may be available. Claim amounts should
reflect actual costs and be supported by
original receipts. See your dealer for
information.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
For an overnight warranty repair, the dealer
may provide an available courtesy rental
vehicle or provide for reimbursement of a
rental vehicle. Reimbursement is limited and
must be supported by original receipts as
well as a signed and completed rental
agreement and meet state/provincial, local,
and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements, insurance
coverage, credit card, etc. Additional fees
such as fuel, rental vehicle insurance, taxes,
levies, usage fees, excessive mileage,
or rental usage beyond the completion of
the repair are also your responsibility.
It may not be possible to provide a like
vehicle as a courtesy rental.