run flat BUICK ENCORE 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
The battery is not rechargeable. To replace
the battery:
1. Press the button on the back of the RKEtransmitter and pull the key out. Never
pull the key out without pressing the
button.
2. Separate the two halves of thetransmitter using a flat tool inserted into
the area near the key slot.
3. Remove the battery by pushing on thebattery and sliding it toward the bottom
of the transmitter.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery
down until it is held in place. Replace
with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
6. Reinsert the key.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside
the vehicle.
/: This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote start.
The climate control system will use the
previous settings during a remote start.
Laws in some local communities may restrict
the use of remote starters. For example,
some laws require a person using remote
start to have the vehicle in view. Check local
regulations for any requirements.
Do not use remote start if the vehicle is low
on fuel as it may run out of fuel.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
80 Instruments and Controls
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
SeePassenger Sensing System 044 for
important safety information. The
instrument panel has a passenger airbag
status indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbol for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag (if equipped).
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped)
are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and passenger knee airbag (if
equipped).
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 079
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the ignition is turned on, but the
engine is not running, as a check to show
the light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there may be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the
Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays
a message. If a short distance must be

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
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
Vehicle Care 255
Warning (Continued)
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.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
terminal of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point for the discharged
battery. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the
good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a
few tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may
cause damage. The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
lash or hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire. Use tire skates or dollies
under any locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a sling
type lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can damage
the vehicle. If equipped, use the tow eye
to load a disabled vehicle onto a flatbed
tow truck from a flat road surface, or to
move the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The transmission
must be in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.

Buick Encore Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14607636) -
2021 - CRC - 8/18/20
Index 305
Electrical System (cont'd)Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 81
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . 102F
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 192
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 200
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197, 198
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Fuel (cont'd)
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 227
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 231
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
GaugesEngine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . 75
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285