Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
308 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the vehicle.
Do not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on the
front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0292. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible. A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Vehicle Care 319
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be towed
with two wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle from the
front with two wheels on the ground:1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping
device designed for towing.
5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 7. Release the parking brake.
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable at
the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North America
0 274.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Vehicle Care 323
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes
for wear or cracks. Inspect all other brake
parts.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges,
liftgate hinges, and 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. Before using
cleaners, read and follow all safety
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
330 Service and Maintenance
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the next engine oil
change. When the REPLACE ENGINE AIR
FILTER SOON message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air filter life
system after the engine air filter is replaced.
SeeEngine Air Filter Life System 0265.
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation 0303.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0262 and
Engine Oil Life System 0264.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0267.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0271.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0297.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 302.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 320.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0320.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 051.
.Visually inspect the fuel system including
the evaporative (EVAP) system for
damage or leaks. Visually check all fuel pipes, vapor lines, and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior
Care 0320.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0276.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 276.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0278.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof032.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
Service and Maintenance 335
.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 0337 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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
352 Customer Information
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call emergency
services for help. Do not leave the scene of
a crash until all matters have been taken
care of. Move the vehicle only if its position
puts you in danger, or you are instructed to
move it by a police officer.
Give only the necessary information to
police and other parties involved in the
crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside
Assistance Program 0348.
Gather the following information:
.Driver name, address, and telephone
number
.Driver license number
.Owner name, address, and telephone
number
.Vehicle license plate number
.Vehicle make, model, and model year
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
.Insurance company and policy number
.General description of the damage to the
other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility that uses
quality replacement parts. See
“Collision
Parts” earlier in this section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You
See after an Airbag Inflates? 056.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have
a pre-determined repair facility of choice,
take the vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be
original equipment parts, either new
Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be
covered by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but
you must live with the repair. Depending on
your policy limits, your insurance company
may initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the
repair professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage does not
pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance company is
paying for the repairs, you are not obligated
to accept a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy repair
limits, as you have no contractual limits
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
366 Index
CheckEngine Light (Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 75
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Cleaning
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Connected Services
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363 Connected Services (cont'd)
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Connections Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Control Traction and Electronic Stability . . . . . . . 214
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Controls
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 184
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . 350
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Covers Rear Compartment/Storage Panel . . . . . . . 80
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Customer Information Publications Ordering Information . . . . . 352
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . 345
Cybersecurity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Data Collection Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Database Coverage Explanations . . . . . . . . . .154
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Diagnostics Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15481080) - 2022 - CRC - 6/1/21
368 Index
Front Fog LampLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 245
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 287
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 291
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 92
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . . 152
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Guidance Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
HD Radio Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Head-up Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Headlamps (cont'd)
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . 125
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps . . . . . . 281
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 184
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . 46
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182, 184
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26