tires BUICK ENCORE GX 2024 Owner's Manual

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Warning (Continued)
.Replace any tires that have been
damaged by impacts with
potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can cause
a crash. Only your dealer or an
authorized tire service center
should repair, replace, dismount,
and mount the tires.
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected. All-season tiresprovide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not
offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. See
Winter Tires0249.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0261.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires. 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. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The examples
show a typical passenger vehicle tire
and a compact spare tire sidewall.
Passenger Tire Example
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and numbers
used to define a particular tire's width,

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height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the“Tire
Size” illustration in this section.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The Department of
Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:The last
four digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two digits
represent the week and the last two
digits, the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is
the first full week (Sunday through
Saturday) of each year. (4) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:
The letters and numbers following the
DOT (Department of Transportation)
code are the Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the tire,
although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
:Tire manufacturers are
required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: tread wear,
traction, and temperature resistance.
For more information see Uniform Tire
Quality Grading 0262.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
Compact Spare Tire Example
(1) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(2) Temporary Use Only
:The compact
spare tire or temporary use tire should
not be driven at speeds over 80 km/h
(50 mph). The compact spare tire is for
emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone flat. If the vehicle
has a compact spare tire, see Compact
Spare Tire 0270 and
If a Tire Goes Flat 0264.

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(3) Tire Identification Number (TIN):
The letters and numbers following the
DOT (Department of Transportation)
code are the Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the
tire was manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the tire,
although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(4) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(5) Tire Inflation
:The temporary use
tire or compact spare tire should be
inflated to 420 kPa (60 psi). For more
information on tire pressure and
inflation see Tire Pressure 0253.
(6) Tire Size
:A combination of letters
and numbers define a tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. The letter “T”as
the first character in the tire size means
the tire is for temporary use only. (7) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical passenger
vehicle tire size.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The
United States version of a metric tire
sizing system. The letter "P" as the first
character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association. (2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter "R"
means radial ply construction; the letter
"D" means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a
tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.

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Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See Tire Pressure0253 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road. Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands,
sometimes called wear bars, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0260.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system
that provides consumers with ratings
for a tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by
tire manufacturers using government
testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.
See Uniform Tire Quality Grading 0262.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number
of designated seating positions
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs) plus the
rated cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0159.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight. Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing the
vehicle's capacity weight and the
original equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure. See
“Tire and Loading Information Label”
under Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air
pressure to operate effectively.
{Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated
tires, or tires that do not have
enough air, can result in:
.Tire overloading and overheating,
which could lead to a blowout
.Premature or irregular wear
.Poor handling
.Reduced fuel economy for
internal combustion engine
vehicles
(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)
.Reduced range for electric vehicles
Overinflated tires, or tires that have
too much air, can result in:
.Unusual wear
.Poor handling
.Rough ride
.Needless damage from road
hazards
The Tire and Loading Information label
on the vehicle indicates the original
equipment tires and the correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the minimum
air pressure needed to support the
vehicle's maximum load carrying
capacity. See Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
How the vehicle is loaded affects
vehicle handling and ride comfort.
Never load the vehicle with more
weight than it was designed to carry. When to Check
Check the pressure of the tires once a
month or more. Do not forget the
spare, if the vehicle has one. The
compact spare cold tire pressure should
be at 420 kPa (60 psi). See
Compact
Spare Tire 0270.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Proper tire
inflation cannot be determined by
looking at the tire. Check the tire
inflation pressure when the tires are
cold, meaning the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is
low, add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the inflation pressure is high, press on the metal
stem in the center of the tire valve to
release air.
Recheck the tire pressure with the tire
gauge.
Put the valve caps back on the valve
stems to keep out dirt and moisture.
Use only valve caps designed for the
vehicle by GM. TPMS sensors could be
damaged and would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation
{Warning
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h
(100 mph) or higher, puts additional
strain on tires. Sustained high-speed
driving causes excessive heat buildup and
can cause sudden tire failure. This could
cause a crash, and you or others could be
killed. Some high-speed rated tires require
inflation pressure adjustment for
high-speed operation. When speed limits
and road conditions allow the vehicle to
(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)
be driven at high speeds, make sure the
tires are rated for high-speed operation,
are in excellent condition, and are set to
the correct cold tire inflation pressure for
the vehicle load.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces energy
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. Thissequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0255.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0306.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor

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the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 159.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire may display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message, if equipped, come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to
the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC,
it may be possible to view the tire pressure
levels. For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver Information Center (DIC) 0109. The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 159, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0253.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 259, Tire Rotation 0259, and Tires0248.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor matching process
is performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in this
section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after successfully

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Vehicle Care 257
completing the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later
in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message, if equipped, should go off
when the TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. SeeBuying
New Tires 0261.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and audible
alerts outside the vehicle to help when
inflating an underinflated tire to the
recommended cold tire pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning light
comes on: 1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal lamp will flash. When
the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once and the turn signal
lamp will stop flashing and briefly turn
solid.
Repeat these steps for all underinflated tires
that have illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling0249 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops.
To release and correct the pressure, while
the turn signal lamp is still flashing, briefly
press the center of the valve stem. When
the recommended pressure is reached, the
horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.

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258 Vehicle Care
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
Also, the TPMS sensor matching process
should be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go off at the
next ignition cycle. The sensors are matched
to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS
relearn tool, in the following order: driver
side front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to purchase a
relearn tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition on without starting the vehicle or place the vehicle in Service
Mode. See Ignition Positions 0162.
3. Use SELECTor
o/pto select the
Vehicle in the Base Level Driver
Information Center (DIC). Or Use SELECT
or
o/pto select the Info page in the
Uplevel Driver Information Center (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel to scroll to the Tire Pressure Learn Menu Item (Base DIC) or
the Tire Pressure Menu Item screen
(Uplevel DIC). 5. Press and hold
lor the thumbwheel to
begin the sensor matching process.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
6. If requested, press
lor the
thumbwheel again to confirm the
selection. The horn sounds twice to
signal the receiver is in relearn mode
and the TIRE LEARN orTIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message displays on the DIC
screen.
7. Start with the driver side front tire.
8. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
11. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer

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Vehicle Care 259
active. TheTIRE LEARN orTIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated according to the
interval specified in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance Schedule
0 286.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate
the tires as soon as possible, check for
proper tire inflation pressure, and check
for damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires
0 260 and
Wheel Replacement 0263.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See Tire
Pressure 0253 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0159.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 255.