Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
230 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle. If the engine coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer
fluid, be sure to read the manufacturer's
instructions before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0218 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip, and may also clog the
washer nozzle.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
(Continued)
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Vehicle Care 277
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 0290.
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-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Vehicle Care 281
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. Before using
cleaners, read and follow all safety
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-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
282 Vehicle Care
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
Vinyl/Rubber
If equipped with vinyl floor and rubber floor
mats, use a soft cloth and/or brush
dampened with water to remove dust and
loose dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use
a mild soap and water solution.
{Warning
Do not use cleaners that contain silicone,
wax-based products, or cleaners that
increase gloss on vinyl/rubber floor and
mats. These cleaners can permanently
change the appearance and feel of the
vinyl/rubber and can make the floor
slippery. Your foot could slip while
operating the vehicle, and you could lose
control, resulting in a crash. You or
others could be injured.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil into the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth. 5. If the soil is not completely removed,
use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Status and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
or solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before next use.
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Service and Maintenance 287
Reset the oil life system when the oil is
changed. SeeEngine Oil Life System
0 223.
.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 0224.
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)0236.
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 0226.
.1.2L L3 LIH Engine —Replace the timing
belt, timing belt tensioner, and oil pump.
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).
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
Index 325
OnStar (cont'd)Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
P
ParkAssist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188, 190
Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Parking Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Parking Assist Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Parking or Backing Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Perchlorate Materials Requirements,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Phone Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . 135
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 132
Port
USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Proposition 65 Warning California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Proposition 65 Warning, California . . . . . . . 270
Publication Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 306
R
Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Radio
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Frequency Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Rear Camera Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Window Washer/Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Rear Compartment/Storage Panel
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . 290
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Reimbursement Program, GM
Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Remote Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16897608) - 2024 - CRC - 1/23/23
328 Index
Towing (cont'd)Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Traction Control System (TCS)/ElectronicStability Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . 174
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . 141
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 303
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
TTY Users
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 241
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Updates
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Using Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
VehicleAhead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 96
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Winter
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94