brake BUICK ENCORE GX 2020 Manual Online

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 361
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes
(other than those originally
installed on the vehicle),
brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of
control of the vehicle, resulting
in a crash or other vehicle
damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire on all
wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’ maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires. The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 232.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
(Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
364 Vehicle Care
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.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 365
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
0 344. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0146.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly. (Continued)

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 369
Warning (Continued)
nuts to become loose over
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where
the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, a
cloth or paper towel can be
used; however, use a scraper
or wire brush later to remove
all rust or dirt.9. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting
surfaces, and spare wheel.
10. Place the spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface.
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
11. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Turn each nut clockwise, by hand,
until the wheel is held against
the hub.
12. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Lower the
jack completely.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0403 for original
equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
0 403 for the wheel nut torque
specification.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 373
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 GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
376 Vehicle Care
.Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground. The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
Dinghy Towing
(All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Only)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the tow
vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 377
3. Put the vehicle into ACC/ACCESSORY by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP one
time without the brake pedal
applied.
4. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). The chime will ring
continuously for 30 seconds.
Leave the transmission in
N (Neutral).
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery.
See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” underBattery -
North America 0326.
7. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material
to prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
Caution
If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed 113
km/h (70 mph) while towing the
vehicle. To disconnect the towed vehicle:
1. Park on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Make sure that the ignition is off.
4. Remove any tape, glue, or excess material from the
negative battery post.
5. Connect the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Reconnection” underBattery -
North America 0326.
6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles must not be
towed with two wheels on the
ground.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
378 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To tow a front-wheel-drive vehicle
from the front with two wheels on
the ground:1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing. 5. Turn the vehicle off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Disconnect the negative
battery cable at the battery.
See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” Battery - North
America 0326.
9. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material
to prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
382 Vehicle Care
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0399.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper attachment,
connections, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14018934) - 2020 - CRC - 2/27/20
Vehicle Care 383
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake
linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel
fuel door hinges, and power assist
step hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
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 fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove