2024 BUICK ENCORE GX Owners Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
256 Vehicle Care
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 159.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) 0109. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 159, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0253.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 259, Tire Rotation 0259, and Tires0248.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor matching process
is performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in this
section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after successfully

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Vehicle Care 257
completing the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later
in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message, if equipped, should go off
when the TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires 0261.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and audible
alerts outside the vehicle to help when
inflating an underinflated tire to the
recommended cold tire pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning light
comes on: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal lamp will flash. When
the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once and the turn signal
lamp will stop flashing and briefly turn
solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling0249 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops.
To release and correct the pressure, while
the turn signal lamp is still flashing, briefly
press the center of the valve stem. When
the recommended pressure is reached, the
horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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258 Vehicle Care
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
Also, the TPMS sensor matching process
should be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go off at the
next ignition cycle. The sensors are matched
to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS
relearn tool, in the following order: driver
side front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to purchase a
relearn tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the vehicle or place the vehicle in Service
Mode. See Ignition Positions 0162.
3. Use SELECTor
o/pto select the
Vehicle in the Base Level Driver
Information Center (DIC). Or Use SELECT
or
o/pto select the Info page in the
Uplevel Driver Information Center (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure Learn Menu Item (Base DIC) or
the Tire Pressure Menu Item screen
(Uplevel DIC). 5. Press and hold
lor the thumbwheel to
begin the sensor matching process.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
6. If requested, press
lor the
thumbwheel again to confirm the
selection. The horn sounds twice to
signal the receiver is in relearn mode
and the TIRE LEARN orTIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message displays on the DIC
screen.
7. Start with the driver side front tire.
8. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
11. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 259
active. TheTIRE LEARN orTIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated according to the
interval specified in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance Schedule
0 286.
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
0 260 and
Wheel Replacement 0263.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See Tire
Pressure 0253 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 255.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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260 Vehicle Care
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 295, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0266.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See
Tire Inspection 0259 and
Tire Rotation 0259.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow

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Vehicle Care 261
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific
tires for the vehicle. The original
equipment tires installed were designed
to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification (TPC
Spec) system rating. When replacement
tires are needed, GM strongly
recommends buying tires with the same
TPC Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the overall
performance of the vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and
handling, traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring performance. GM'sTPC Spec number is molded onto the
tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be followed
by MS for mud and snow. See
Tire
Sidewall Labeling 0249 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn tires in
complete sets of four. Uniform tread
depth on all tires will help to maintain
the performance of the vehicle. Braking
and handling performance may be
adversely affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time. If proper
rotation and maintenance have been
done, all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one axle set
of worn tires, place the new tires on
the rear axle. See Tire Rotation0259.
{Warning
Tires could explode during improper
service. Attempting to mount or
dismount a tire could cause injury or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
death. Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on the
vehicle), brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of vehicle
control, resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the vehicle
may cause the wheel rim flanges to
develop cracks after many miles of
driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
262 Vehicle Care
Winter tires with the same speed rating
as the original equipment tires may not
be available for H, V, W, Y and ZR
speed rated tires. Never exceed the
winter tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be replaced
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are the
same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the original
tires.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 159.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a
different size than the original equipment
wheels and tires, vehicle performance,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used, there
may not be an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a
crash and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0261 and
Accessories and Modifications 0215.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which grades
tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United
States. The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General
Motors passenger cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to federal
safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to
Federal Safety Requirements In Addition
To These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled

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Vehicle Care 263
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1½)
times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning:
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.