run flat BUICK ENCORE GX 2021 Owner's Manual

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Keys, Doors, and Windows 13
To replace the battery:
1. Press the button on the bottom of theRKE transmitter to remove the key.
Never pull the key out without pressing
the button.
2. Insert a flat, thin object and remove theback cover.
3. Lift the battery with a flat object.
4. Remove the battery. 5. Insert the new battery, positive side
toward the back cover. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
6. Push together the transmitter.
7. Insert the key back into the RKE transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle has a remote starting feature
that starts the engine from outside of the
vehicle.
/:This button is on the RKE transmitter.
Laws in some communities may restrict the
use of remote starters. For example, some
laws may require a person using the remote
start to have the vehicle in view when doing
so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the
vehicle is low on fuel. The vehicle could run
out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter range may be less while
the vehicle is running.
Other conditions can affect the performance
of the transmitter. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System 07.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Seats and Restraints 75
SeePassenger Sensing System 055 and
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 096 for
more information, including important
safety information.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the
front. This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag
deploys.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
inflates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very
close to the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a forward
position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one
can guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual circumstance,
even though the airbag(s) are off.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a
rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off.
If you secure a forward-facing child
restraint in the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far back as
it will go. It is better to secure the child
restraint in a rear seat.
SeePassenger Sensing System 055 for
additional information.
If the child restraint uses a top tether, see
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 066 for top tether anchor
locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a position
without a top tether anchor if a national or
local law requires that the top tether be
anchored, or if the instructions that come
with the child restraint say that the top
tether must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have a top
tether, and that the tether be attached. When using the lap-shoulder belt to secure
the child restraint in this position, follow the
instructions that came with the child
restraint and the following instructions:
1. Move the seat as far back as it will go before securing the forward-facing child
restraint. Move the seat upward or the
seatback to an upright position,
if needed, to get a tight installation of
the child restraint.
When the passenger sensing system has
turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag, the OFF
indicator on the passenger airbag status
indicator should light and stay lit when
you start the vehicle. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 096.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.
3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's
seat belt through or around the child
restraint. The child restraint instructions
will show you how.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
96 Instruments and Controls
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 055 for
important safety information. The overhead
console 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 more seconds, the status indicator
will light either ON or OFF, or either the on
or off symbol, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag.
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 are allowed
to inflate.
If the word OFF, or the off symbol is lit, on
the airbag status indicator, it means that
the passenger sensing system has turned off
the front outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag. 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
away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 095
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.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 187
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. 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.
.On AWD vehicles, see
All-Wheel Drive
0 207.
.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
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Driving and Operating 191
Warning (Continued)
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.
SeeTires 0286.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Activate All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode. See
All-Wheel Drive 0207.
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 and 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.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
All-Wheel Drive 0207.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
308 Vehicle Care
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one compact
spare tire at a time could result in loss of
braking and handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire repaired or
replaced as soon as convenient and return
the spare tire to the storage area. When using a compact spare tire, the AWD
(if equipped), ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle, especially on
slippery roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is installed, do
not take the vehicle through an
automatic car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other
vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel
with other wheels or tires. They will not fit.
Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and
the chains. Do not use tire chains on the
compact spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, see Battery - North America 0270.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to
start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0252
and the back cover.

Buick Encore GX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14608036) - 2021 - CRC - 9/21/20
Index 361
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . .104, 107
DrivingAssistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . 241
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Impaired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Driving the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
E
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 281
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Electrical System (cont'd)
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 285
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Check Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . 97
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . 127
F
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Folding Seatback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 229
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40