2023 BUICK ENCORE GX tow bar

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Instruments and Controls 113
distance on the right side. Press and hold
the center toggle switch to clear the graph
or press
pto reset through the menu.
ECO Index : Provides feedback on the
efficiency of current driving behavior. The
bar graph shows a value that is based on
current fuel consumption compared to what
is expected from the vehicle with good and
bad driving habits.
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{Warning
If the HUD image is too bright or too
high in your field of view, it may take
you more time to see things you need to
see when it is dark outside. Be sure to
keep the HUD image dim and placed low
in your field of view.
{Warning
.Do not attach any stickers, decals,
or accessories on the Head-Up
Display (HUD).
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not attempt to adjust or move the
HUD screen or the mechanical door on
top of the instrument panel by hand.
.Do not place any objects near the
HUD. Objects may obstruct the image
display, and/or interference from the
objects during activation may
influence the operation or could
damage the display.
.Do not put any drinks near the HUD.
If liquid flows into the display, the
unit could be damaged.
.Use caution when opening or closing
the HUD screen to prevent objects
from falling inside the
mechanical door.
.Use only a soft cloth to clean the HUD
screen. Do not use any organic
solvents, detergents, or polishing
materials to prevent damage to the
HUD display.
If equipped with HUD, some information
concerning the operation of the vehicle is
projected onto the screen on top of the
instrument panel. The information is projected through the HUD lens on the
driver side of the instrument panel and
focused out toward the front of the vehicle.
Caution
If you try to use the HUD image as a
parking aid, you may misjudge the
distance and damage your vehicle. Do not
use the HUD image as a parking aid.
The HUD information can be displayed in
various languages. The speedometer reading
and other numerical values can be displayed
in either English or metric units.
The language selection is changed through
the radio and the units of measurement are
changed through the instrument cluster. See
Settings 0162 and “Options” under
Instrument Cluster 093.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 225
Park Assist
If equipped with Rear Park Assist (RPA) and
Front Park Assist (FPA), as the vehicle moves
at speeds of less than 8 km/h (5 mph) the
sensors on the bumpers may detect objects
up to 2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle and
1.2 m (4 ft) in front of the vehicle within a
zone 25 cm (10 in) off the ground and below
bumper level. These detection distances may
be shorter during warmer or humid weather.
Blocked sensors will not detect objects and
can also cause false detections. Keep the
sensors clean of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and
slush; and clean sensors after a car wash in
freezing temperatures.
{Warning
The Park Assist system does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals,
or objects located below the bumper or
that are too close or too far from the
vehicle. It is not available at speeds
greater than 8 km/h (5 mph). To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage, even
with Park Assist, always check the area
around the vehicle and check all mirrors
before moving forward or backing.
The instrument cluster may have a Park
Assist display with bars that show“distance
to object” and object location information
for the Park Assist system. As the object
gets closer, more bars light up and the bars
will change color from yellow, to amber,
to red.
When an object is first detected in the rear,
one beep will sound from the rear. When an
object is very close (< 0.6 m (2 ft) in the
vehicle rear, or < 0.3 m (1 ft) in the vehicle
front), five beeps will sound from the front
or rear depending on object location. Beeps
for FPA are higher pitched than for RPA.
Turning the Features On or Off
To turn Park Assist on or off, pressXon
the center console. The indicator light next
to the button comes on when the features
are on and turns off when the features have
been disabled.
RPA symbols can be turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. To view a
list of available options from the
infotainment home page, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision Detection Systems.
Turn off RPA when towing a trailer.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and steers the
vehicle into parallel and perpendicular
parking spots. When using APA, you must
still shift gears, while the system applies the
brakes and accelerator. A display and
audible beeps help to guide parking
maneuvers.
Do not use APA when towing a trailer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
Driving and Operating 243
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear ofthe chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0323. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0264.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the weight of the
loaded vehicle and trailer must be within
the weight ratings for the vehicle.
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight See
“Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0246 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0246 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
244 Driving and Operating
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the tow rating chart later
in this section.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value on the Trailering Information
label. The gross combined weight can also be
confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck and trailer
should be loaded for the trip with
passengers and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see
Vehicle Load
Limits 0191. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the tow rating chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model, powertrain and trailering
options.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
246 Driving and Operating
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat trailers,
fall outside of this range. Always refer to
the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer
combination. Many trailers can be towedusing a weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow
eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers
may require a weight-distributing hitch that
uses spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle and
trailer axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight” underTrailer Towing 0243 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 285 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
312 Vehicle Care
Dinghy Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:1. Position the vehicle behind the tow vehicle, lining it up with the tow bar.
2. Leave the vehicle running. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Apply the parking brake to prevent vehicle rollaway.
4. Connect the vehicle to the tow bar hardware.
5. Release the parking brake. 6. Leave the transmission in N (Neutral) and
turn the vehicle off. You may hear a
continuous chime, which is normal.
7. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal. See Battery -
North America 0268.
8. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
Caution
If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 113 km/h (70 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
To disconnect the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Make sure that the ignition is off.
3. Remove any tape, glue, or excess material from the negative battery post.
4. Connect the battery. See “Negative
Battery Cable Reconnection” under
Battery - North America 0268. 5. Apply the parking brake.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow
vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be towed
with two wheels on the ground.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16263917) - 2023 - CRC - 2/24/22
362 Index
RecordsMaintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Remote Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Key Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
LATCH System Parts After a Crash . . . . . . 73
Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . 51
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Restraints
Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . 200
Reverse Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 Roof
Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . 202
S
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 45
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Seats (cont'd)
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 75
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 250
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 322
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162