2024 BUICK ENCORE GX brakes

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 191
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.
{Warning
APA may not always detect objects in the
parking space, objects that are not rigid
(e.g. shrubs and chain-link fences), objects
below the bumper, objects high off the
ground (e.g. flatbed trucks), hanging
objects, objects below ground level (e.g.
large potholes), or moving objects (e.g.
pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles). Always
verify that the parking space is
appropriate for parking a vehicle. APA
may not respond to changes in the
parking space, such as movement of an
adjacent vehicle, or a person or object
entering the parking space. APA does not
detect or avoid traffic that is behind or
alongside of the vehicle. Always be
prepared to stop the vehicle during the
parking maneuver.
Press switch
Oon the center console to
enable the system to search for a parking
space that is large enough and within 1.5 m
(5 ft) of the vehicle. The vehicle speed must
be below 30 km/h (18 mph). The system
cannot:
.Detect whether it is a legal parking space.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
192 Driving and Operating
.Park exactly lined up with the vehicle
next to it if the spot is approached at an
angle or if the parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a spot that is
marked too large.
.Always detect short curbs.
When enabled, APA searches for parallel
parking spaces to the right of the vehicle. To
search for a parking space to the left, turn
on the left turn signal or, if available,
change the side selection in the
infotainment display.
To switch the parking mode between
parallel and perpendicular, touch icons on
screen during the search process or,
if available, change the parking mode in the
infotainment display.
After completely passing a large enough
space, an audible beep occurs. A red stop symbol and a shift to reverse
message are displayed.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), but does not
steer into the expected space, this may be
because the system is maneuvering the
vehicle into a previously detected space. The
APA system does not need service.
APA will instruct the vehicle to stop once a
large enough space is found.
Follow the displayed instructions.
Shift to R (Reverse) to engage automatic
steering. The steering wheel will vibrate
briefly as a reminder to remove hands from
the steering wheel. APA uses idle speed and
braking to park. If idle speed is not
sufficient, gently press the accelerator.
Check surroundings and be prepared to stop
to avoid vehicles, pedestrians, or objects not
detected by the system.In case the driver brakes, APA will not
disengage. Manual steering by the driver
automatically disengages APA.
Vehicle speed is limited to a maximum of
5 km/h (3 mph) during the parking
maneuver.
A progress arrow displays the status of the
parking maneuver. Depending on the space
size, additional maneuvers may be required,
and there will be additional instructions.
When changing gears, allow the automatic
steering to complete before continuing the
parking maneuver. APA will beep and
display a PARKING COMPLETE message.
Apply the brakes and place the vehicle in
P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
.The steering wheel is used by the driver.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.The parking brake is applied or the
vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is
displayed in the DIC.
.The driver opens the door with an
unbuckled seat belt.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 193
The brake holds the vehicle until the parking
brake or brake is applied, or the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park).
To cancel APA, press
Oagain.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The APA system may require a short period
of driving along curves to calibrate.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
System
If equipped, when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse), RCTA displays a red warning
triangle with a left or right pointing arrow
on the infotainment display to warn of
traffic coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from up to
20 m (65 ft) from the left or right side of
the vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left or
right depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when towing
a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones that
extend out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
RCTA can be turned on or off through
vehicle personalization. To view available
settings for this feature, touch the Settings
icon on the infotainment home page. Select
“Vehicle”to display the list of available
options and select “Collision/Detection
Systems”.
Assistance Systems for Driving
If equipped, when driving the vehicle in a
forward gear, Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep
Assist (LKA), Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA),
Lane Change Alert (LCA), Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB), and/or the Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System can help to
avoid a crash or reduce crash damage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely. FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving
0 153.
FCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. To view available settings
for this feature, touch the Settings icon on
the infotainment home page. Select
“Vehicle” to display the list of available
options and select “Collision/Detection
Systems”.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 195
If your vehicle is equipped with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), changing the FCA
timing setting automatically changes the
following gap setting (Far, Medium,
or Near).
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving vehicle
ahead in your path is indicated in following
time in seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) 0109. The minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no vehicle
detected ahead, or the vehicle ahead is out
of sensor range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts for
turning vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles, or shadows.
These alerts are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to operate
properly, this may correct the issue:
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
The AEB system may help avoid or reduce
the harm caused by a front-end crashes. AEB
also includes Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
When the system detects a vehicle ahead in
your path that is traveling in the same
direction that you may be about to crash
into, it can provide a boost to braking or
automatically brake the vehicle. This can
help avoid or lessen the severity of crashes
when driving in a forward gear. Depending
on the situation, the vehicle may
automatically brake moderately or hard. This
automatic emergency braking can only occur
if a vehicle is detected. This is shown by the
FCA vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0193.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph), or on vehicles with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to approximately
60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may hold the vehicle at rest
momentarily. A firm press the accelerator
pedal will release the brake.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. To view available settings
for this feature, touch the Settings icon on
the infotainment home page. Select
“Vehicle” to display the list of available
options and select “Collision/Detection
Systems”.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the FPB system may help avoid
or reduce the harm caused by front-end
crashes with nearby pedestrians when
driving in a forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~, when a nearby
pedestrian is detected ahead. The indicator
may also be white depending on the
equipped instrument cluster. See Instrument
Cluster 097. When approaching a detected
pedestrian too quickly, FPB provides a red
flashing alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps. FPB can provide a boost to braking or
automatically brake the vehicle. This system
includes Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), and
the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
system may also respond to pedestrians.
See Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
0 195.
The FPB system can detect and alert to
pedestrians in a forward gear at speeds
between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph). During daytime driving, the
system detects pedestrians up to a distance

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Driving and Operating 197
of approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance is
very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle, unless it
detects a pedestrian. FPB may not detect
pedestrians, including children:
.When the pedestrian is not directly
ahead, fully visible, or standing
upright, or when part of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
Be ready to take action and apply the
brakes. For more information, see
Defensive Driving 0153. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FPB sensor
clean and in good repair. FPB can be set to Off, Alert, or Alert and
Brake through vehicle personalization. To
view available settings for this feature,
touch the Settings icon on the infotainment
home page. Select
“Vehicle”to display the
list of available options and select “Collision/
Detection Systems”.
Detecting the Pedestrian Ahead
FPB alerts and automatic braking will not
occur unless the FPB system detects a
pedestrian. When a nearby pedestrian is
detected in front of the vehicle, the
pedestrian ahead indicator will display
amber or white depending on the equipped
instrument cluster. See Instrument Cluster
0 97.
Front Pedestrian Alert
When the vehicle approaches a pedestrian
ahead too rapidly, the red FPB alert display
will flash on the windshield. Eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from the
front. When this Pedestrian Alert occurs, the
brake system may prepare for driver braking
to occur more rapidly which can cause a
brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply
the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control
may be disengaged when the Front
Pedestrian Alert occurs.
Automatic Braking
If FPB detects it is about to crash into a
pedestrian directly ahead, and the brakes
have not been applied, FPB may
automatically brake moderately or brake
hard. This can help to avoid some very low
speed pedestrian crashes or reduce
pedestrian injury. FPB can automatically
brake to detected pedestrians between
8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 205
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
Only use towing equipment that has been
designed for the vehicle. Contact your dealer
or trailering dealer for assistance with
preparing the vehicle to tow a trailer. Read
the entire section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTransporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0273. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a motor
home, see Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 274.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is not
used or the vehicle is not driven properly.
For example, if the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are inadequate for the
load, the vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs would not be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in this section
have been followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information about towing a
trailer with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. These requirements vary from
state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if not
required, you should install extended side
view mirrors if your visibility is limited or
restricted while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the first oil
change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make starts at full
throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using Manual
Mode SeeManual Mode 0171.
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned off when towing
a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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206 Driving and Operating
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA detection zones
that extend out from the back of the vehicle
do not move further back when a trailer is
towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide (CO), when towing a
trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to a
setting that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control Systems” in the
Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0168.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0211. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will not
accelerate as quickly and is much longer so
it is necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to the
lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid passing
on hills if possible.