brake fluid BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Instruments and Controls 89
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction inperformance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, brakes, thermal, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization (8 Inch
Screen)
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
To see if your vehicle has the 8 inch screen,
see
Overview (8 Inch Screen) 0105.
The following are all possible personalization
features. Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
To access the personalization menus: 1. Touch SETTINGS on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Press BACK on the center stack or touch
Son the infotainment display to return
to the previous menu or exit.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
166 Driving and Operating
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is
being driven, brake normally but do not
pump the brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the engine
stops, there will be some power brake assist
but it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
168 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
See
Tires 0232.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels, brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
182 Driving and Operating
R :Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 169.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
M : This position allows shifting similar to a
manual transmission. See Manual Mode
0 183.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears, the
transmission could be damaged. Have the
vehicle serviced right away.
Automatic Transmission Adaptation
Feature : While the vehicle is being driven
and gear shifting takes place, the
transmission will learn and adapt. This
increases durability and maintains the best
shift quality of the life of the vehicle.
During vehicle break-in (initial driving), it is
normal to experience some shift bumps.
Shift quality will improve with the normal
gear shifting as the transmission learns and
adapts.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in a lower
gear than normal to improve vehicle
performance. The engine speed may be
higher and there may be an increase in
noise during the following conditions:
.When climbing a grade
.When driving downhill
.When driving in hot temperatures or at
high altitude

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 201
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 202
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 203
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 205
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 224
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 227
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 230
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 236
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 239 Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 240
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 243
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 245
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 245
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 247
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 253
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
202 Vehicle Care
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0219 and
Jump Starting - North America 0253 and the
back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
206 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0211.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0208.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0208.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0212.
5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0212.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0217.
7. Auxiliary Fuse Block. See Engine
Compartment Fuse Block 0227.
8. Battery - North America 0219.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0216.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0227.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 207
1.4L L4 Engine (LUV)
1. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0211.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0208.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0212.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0208. 5. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure
Cap. See Cooling System 0212.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes0217.
7. Auxiliary Fuse Block. See Engine
Compartment Fuse Block 0227.
8. Battery - North America 0219. 9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See
Washer Fluid 0216.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0227.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Vehicle Care 217
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview0205 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.
.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.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes. Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications
0280.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes, they do
not have wear indicators. Drum brakes have
an inspection hole to inspect lining wear
during scheduled maintenance. When the
front brake linings are replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected. If a rear brake rubbing
noise is heard, have the rear brake linings
inspected immediately. Rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or
changing.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
218 Vehicle Care
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0205 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir. There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See
Brake
System Warning Light 082.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0267.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0275.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.