climate control BUICK ENCORE 2021 User Guide

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Climate Controls 161
Caution (Continued)
lines in the rear glass. These actions may
damage the rear defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Air Vents
Use the louvers located on the air vents to
change the direction of the airflow.
Use the thumbwheels near the air vents to
control the amount of airflow or to shut off
the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever possible
for best system performance.
.Keep the paths under all seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that can block the flow of air
into the vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system.
Maintenance
Air Intake
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
the air intake at the base of the windshield
that can block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter removes dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule0267. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0276.
1. Open the glove box completely and disconnect the damper on the
outboard side.
2. Push in both sides of the glove box andpull to remove.
3. Open the filter cover by releasing tabson both sides and pulling up the cover.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
162 Climate Controls
4. Replace the air filter.
5. Close the air filter cover and reinstall theglove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See Maintenance Schedule
0 267.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
164 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior
Driving is an important responsibility. Driver
behavior, the driving environment, and the
vehicle's design all affect how well a vehicle
performs.
Being aware of these factors can help in
understanding how the vehicle handles and
what can be done to avoid many types of
crashes, including a rollover crash.
Most serious injuries and fatalities to
unbelted occupants can be reduced or
prevented by the use of seat belts. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. In addition,
avoiding excessive speed, sudden or abrupt
turns, and drunken or aggressive driving can
help make trips safer and avoid the
possibility of a crash.
Driving Environment
Be prepared for driving in inclement
weather, at night, or during other times
where visibility or traction may be limited,such as on curves, slippery roads, or hilly
terrain. Unfamiliar surroundings can also
have hidden hazards.
Vehicle Design
Utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
This is because they have a higher ground
clearance and a narrower track or shorter
wheelbase than passenger cars, which makes
them more capable for off-road driving.
While these design characteristics provide
the driver with a better view of the road,
these vehicles do have a higher center of
gravity than other types of vehicles.
A utility vehicle does not handle the same
as a vehicle with a lower center of gravity,
like a car, in similar situations.
Safe driver behavior and understanding of
the environment can help avoid a rollover
crash in any type of vehicle, including utility
vehicles.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 165
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 032.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious —or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Driving and Operating 169
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0185.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0184.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 285. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0180.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
176 Driving and Operating
When the engine starts, let go of the
button and the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops again, follow
the same steps. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below−7 °C (20 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
For vehicles that did not come with a winter
cover, a winter cover can be purchased. See
your dealer for additional information.
When the winter cover is installed, the
climate controls AUTO mode may not
function properly. Use the manual settings
for comfort.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while
operating the vehicle in extremely cold
temperatures or in heavy snow for extended
periods. In these temperatures, the vehicle does not need a large amount of air to
properly cool the engine. When more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the
winter cover should not be used. The
following usage guidelines will allow
adequate airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
.Do not use the winter cover if towing a
trailer. The vehicle may overheat if the
radiator is covered while towing.
.Do not modify the cover. The winter
cover does not cover some sections of the
front of the vehicle to provide enough
airflow.
.Keep the underside of the winter cover as
clean as possible. Remove monthly or as
necessary and clean away dust and
debris.
.Do not use the winter cover above
−0 °C
(32 °F).
Use only a mild soap to clean. Do not use
harsh soap, strong detergents, or vinyl
protectant/sealant type products as they
may damage the special finish. Allow the
winter cover to dry completely before
reinstalling.
Installation Instructions
When first trying to fit the cover, it may
appear to be undersized but will stretch
during installation to ensure a tight fit. The
initial installation of the cover is best
performed when the winter cover is warm.
1. Center the winter grille cover and make sure that it is positioned correctly.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
246 Vehicle Care
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 controlledconditions 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.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 303
Automatic (cont'd)Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 220
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116, 147
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 144
B
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 102
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219, 253
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Bluetooth
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123, 126, 149
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117, 147
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Bulb Replacement
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, andParking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Backup Lamps . . . . . . . 224
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202, 219, 253, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . 81
Child Restraints
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 64
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 309
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacement PartsAirbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Replacing Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . .178
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Roof Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . 181S
Safety Defects Reporting Canadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112, 143
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . 33
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Underseat Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 64 Security
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 202
Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . 266
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129, 154
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Sidemarker Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252