Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
314 Vehicle Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
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.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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,
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
318 Vehicle Care
instructions on the label. While cleaning the
interior, open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Caution
Immediately remove cleaners, hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent
from all interior surfaces or permanent
damage may result.
Caution
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage to the vehicle. Apply
all cleaners directly to a cleaning cloth.
Do not spray cleaners on any switches or
controls.
When using liquid soap cleaners, follow the
directions on the specific cleaner or soap
solution for dilution instructions.
Caution
To prevent damage:
.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 get any exposed electrical
components wet.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. 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.
.Do not use disinfecting wipes that are
scented or contain bleach. Do not use
wipes or cleaners that show a color
transfer to the wipe or change the
appearance of the interior surface
when used.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use scented or gel-type hand
sanitizers. If hand sanitizer comes in
contact with interior surfaces of the
vehicle, blot immediately and clean
with a soft cloth dampened with a
mild soap and water solution.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a microfiber 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.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
324 Service and Maintenance
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 258.
.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. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0259.
Every 36 000 km (22,500 mi)
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). More frequent
replacement may be needed if the vehicle
is driven in areas with heavy traffic, poor
air quality, areas with high dust levels or
are sensitive to environmental allergens.
Filter replacement may also be needed if
you notice reduced airflow, windows
fogging up, or odors. Your local GM
Service location can help you determine
when it is the right time to replace your
filter. Every 96 000 km (60,000 mi)
.Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug
wires and/or boots.
Every 161 000 km (100,000 mi)
.Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0271.
Every 240 000 km (150,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. 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.
.Drain and fill engine cooling system. Or
every six years, whichever comes first.
See Cooling System 0260.
Severe Conditions Requiring More
Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military, or commercial use
vehicles to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars, and
emergency rescue vehicles. ‐
Civilian vehicles such as light duty
pick-up trucks, SUVs, and passenger
cars that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as tow trucks
and flatbed single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial vehicles such as
courier delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles
that operate on a 24–hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently operated in a
high sand or dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines and similar
applications.
.Vehicles that are regularly used for short
trips of 6 km (4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show you when
to change the oil and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may come on
before 12 000 km (7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme driving
conditions listed above, it may be
necessary to replace your spark plugs at
more frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the most
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Service and Maintenance 325
suitable service maintenance intervals for
your vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Extreme service is for vehicles mainly
driven off-road in four-wheel drive or used
in farming, mining, forestry, or snow
plowing.
Additional Required Services—Severe
Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic transmission fluid and
filter.
Every 75 000 km (120,000 mi)
.Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with
AWD. 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.
Owner Checks and Services
Every Five Years
.Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0267. Every Seven Years
.Replace Air Conditioning Desiccant every
seven years. The air conditioning system
requires maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air conditioning
system. This service can be complex. See
your dealer.
Multi-Point Vehicle
Inspection (MPVI)
A Multi Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
completed by a GM dealer technician is a
maintenance assessment of your vehicle.
The benefit of the MPVI is to identify and
inform the customer of service items that
require immediate attention and those that
may require attention in the future.
The technician will perform the following
checks on your vehicle. For a complete list
of checks, inspections, and services, see your
dealer.
Some items may not apply to your vehicle
and/or region.
Diagnostics
.OnStar active, if equipped
.Service history/recall check
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐
Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and connections
Systems, Fluids, and Visible Leak
Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
352 Connected Services
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.
.Request Roadside Assistance.
.Set a parking reminder with pin drop,
take a photo, make a note, and set a
timer.
.Connect with Buick on social media.
Features are subject to change. For myBuick
mobile app information and compatibility,
see my.buick.com.
An active OnStar or connected service plan
may be required. A compatible device,
factory-installed remote start, and power
locks are required. Data rates apply. See
www.onstar.com for details and system
limitations.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
360 Index
Lights (cont'd)Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Gauges and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 103
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Messages
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . . . . . . . 28
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Rear Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI) . . . . 325
N
Navigation
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Destination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Off-Road
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Online Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347