light BUICK ENCORE 2018 Owners Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
252 Vehicle Care
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 federalsafety 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 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

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
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: Thetemperature 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.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
262 Vehicle Care
2. Discharged Battery PositiveTerminal
3. Good Battery Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Positive Terminal
The jump start negative grounding
point (1) for the discharged battery
is the engine block or an engine
mounting bolt. Connect to a spot as
far away from the discharged
battery as possible.
The jump start positive terminal (2)
on the discharged battery is in the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle.
The jump start negative terminal (3)
and positive terminal (4) are on the
battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start.
The positive jump start connection
for the discharged battery is under a
trim cover. Open the cover to
expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in
P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting. 4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all
lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 267
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. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0286.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
272 Vehicle Care
To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.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 use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
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.Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry 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.
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.
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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
284 Service and Maintenance
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0286 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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306 OnStar
OnStar
OnStar Overview
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
OnStar Services
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
OnStar Additional Information
OnStar AdditionalInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
OnStar Overview
=Voice Command Button
QBlue OnStar Button
>Red Emergency Button
This vehicle may be equipped with a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to an OnStar
Advisor for Emergency, Security,
Navigation, Connections, and
Diagnostics Services. OnStar
services may require a paid service
plan and data plan. OnStar requires
the vehicle battery and electrical
system, cellular service, and GPS
satellite signals to be available and
operating. OnStar acts as a link to
existing emergency service
providers. OnStar may collect
information about you and your
vehicle, including location
information. See OnStar User Terms, Privacy Statement, and
Software Terms for more details
including system limitations at
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada).
The OnStar system status light is
next to the OnStar buttons. If the
status light is:
.
Solid Green: System is ready.
. Flashing Green: On a call.
. Red: Indicates a problem.
. Off: System is active. Press
Q
twice to speak with an OnStar
Advisor.
Press
Qor call 1-888-4ONSTAR
(1-888-466-7827) to speak to an
Advisor.
Functionality of the Voice Command
button may vary by vehicle and
region.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11354409) - 2018 - crc - 11/8/17
318 Index
IndexA
About Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 2
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 197
Additional Information
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 210
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . 145, 148
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 72
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .115
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 190
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 219
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 178 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 319
AutomaticDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
B
BatteryExterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Battery - North America . . . . 219, 261
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 221
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .118
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 166
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Bulb Replacement (cont'd)
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 227
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Backup Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 225
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .199, 219, 261, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . 98
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 116
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 79
Lower Anchors and Tethers
for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92, 94
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 145 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

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320 Index
Climate Control Systems (cont'd)Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . 299
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Compartments Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Connections
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . .113
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145, 148
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Customer Information Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 301
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 299
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 305
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 304
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnostics
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Door
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 291
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . 178, 219
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 125
Driving
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 160
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 162
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148