2023 BUICK ENCORE GX flat tire

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
306 Vehicle Care
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts can lead
to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly
tighten the wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper torque
specification. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0332 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
13. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench in a crisscross sequence, as
shown.
Caution
Wheel covers will not fit on the vehicle's
compact spare. If you try to put a wheel
cover on the compact spare, the cover or
the spare could be damaged.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment
in the passenger compartment of the
vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden
stop or collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in the
proper place.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools 1. Return the jack and tools to their original storage location.
2. Replace the load floor.
3. Place the flat tire, lying flat, in the rear storage compartment.
4. Attach one end of the strap to a cargo tie-down in the rear of the vehicle.
5. Route the strap through the wheel, asshown.
6. Attach the other end of the strap to the other cargo tie-down in the rear of the
vehicle.
7. Tighten the strap.
Storing the Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Reverse the instructions for removing the
spare tire and tools to store the spare tire.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use
only. Replace the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire 0307.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Vehicle Care 307
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0268.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See the warning on the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
310 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or a
mechanical transmission range select
shifter. In the event of a loss of 12-volt
battery power, the electric parking brake
cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary. If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or
electric parking brake is not released, the
vehicle will not move. Try to jump start
the vehicle with a known good 12-volt
battery, shift the car into N (Neutral), and
release the electric parking brake. Refer to
Jump Starting - North America
0307.
.If unsuccessful, the vehicle will not move.
Tire skates or dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Service and Maintenance 323
Because of the way people use vehicles,
maintenance needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0191.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0237.
Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services - Severe are
for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic in hot
weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or mountainous
terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or competitive
driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery service. Refer to the information in the Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required Services -
Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can be
dangerous and can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools, and
equipment are available. If they are not,
see your dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your
Own Service Work 0251.
Maintenance Schedule
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
Tires are rotated to achieve a more uniform
wear for all tires. The first rotation is the
most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate the
tires as soon as possible, check for proper
tire inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual
wear continues after the rotation, check the wheel alignment. See
When It Is Time for
New Tires 0297 and
Wheel Replacement 0301.
.Perform Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection.
See Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
0 325.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0314.
Additional Required Services —Normal
Service
Every 12 000 km (7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. Or
when the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, have the engine oil and
filter changed within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). If driven under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may
not indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform this
work. If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle within
5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last service.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Customer Information 339
.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
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
OnStar 347
Or
.Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation voice
commands.
.Obtain and customize the Wi-Fi hotspot
name or SSID and password, if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or update
contact information.
.Get driving directions.
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the vehicle's
key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Assistance.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to an
AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or other
crisis situations and find evacuation
routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active safety
and security plan. With Automatic Crash
Response, built-in sensors can automatically
alert a specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the vehicle
to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to an
OnStar Advisor who can contact emergency
service providers, direct them to your exact
location, and relay important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially trained
Advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, to provide a central point of
contact, assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to help with
a flat tire, a battery jump, or an empty
gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance, OnStar
Advisors can use GPS to pinpoint the
vehicle and help authorities quickly
recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block, if equipped,
OnStar can block the vehicle from being
restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with law
enforcement to gradually slow the
vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked and the
vehicle alarm sounds, a notification by text,
e-mail, or phone call will be sent. If the
vehicle is stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
354 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
AdaptiveCruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Additional OnStar Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air
Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 182
Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 55
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 55
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 54 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 61
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Replacing System Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 60
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Rear Cross Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205, 270
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 161

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Index 357
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
DoorAjar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205, 270
Driver
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . 108, 110
Teen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Driving
Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 240
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Driving (cont'd)
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . 179
E
ElectricBrake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Electrical
Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Electrical System Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 280
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 284
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 100
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Engine (cont'd)
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
F
FilterEngine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321