brake BUICK VERANO 2016 User Guide

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
118 Instruments and Controls
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the
brake fluid level is low. SeeBrake
Fluid 0247.
HILL START ASSIST ACTIVE
This message is displayed when Hill
Start Assist (HSA) is preventing the
vehicle from rolling while driving off
on a grade. See Hill Start Assist
(HSA) 0203.
PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
This message is displayed if you
attempt to release the electric
parking brake without the brake
pedal applied. See Parking Brake
0 201 for more information.
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
SWITCH
This message is displayed if the
electric parking brake is applied
while the vehicle is in motion.
Release it before you attempt to
drive. See Parking Brake 0201 for
more information.
SERVICE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed when
there is a problem with the electric
parking brake. See Parking Brake
0 201 for more information. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
Compass Messages
CAL
This message is displayed when the
compass needs to be calibrated.
See Compass 099.
– –
Dashes will be displayed if the
compass needs service. See your
dealer for service.
Door Ajar Messages
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message may display when the
driver door is open. Close the door
completely.
HOOD OPEN
This message will display when the
hood is open. Close the hood
completely.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message may display when the
driver side rear door is open. Close
the door completely.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message may display when the
front passenger door is open. Close
the door completely.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message may display when the
passenger side rear door is open.
Close the door completely.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display when the
trunk is open. Close the trunk
completely.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
Driving and Operating 175
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 179
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 180
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 182
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 186
Ignition Positions (KeylessAccess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Ignition Positions (Key Access) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 196
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 199
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 203
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 208 Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 218
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Trailer Towing (2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Trailer Towing (Except 2.0L Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
Driving and Operating 177
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious—or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
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
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, 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.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
178 Driving and Operating
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.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. 3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
Driving and Operating 179
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
180 Driving and Operating
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0262.
. 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 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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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. 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, accident). .
Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0204.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
Driving and Operating 181
than when on dry pavement.
SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) 0201.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0324. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0195.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
186 Driving and Operating
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
(Keyless Access)
The vehicle may have an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start. Pressing the button cycles it through
three modes: ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN/START, and Stopping the
Engine/OFF.
The transmitter must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be near a
strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access
system. See
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 027.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be in ON/RUN and the brake
pedal must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the
vehicle is stopped, press the
ENGINE START/STOP button once
to turn the engine off.
Automatic Transmission
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0192.

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
Driving and Operating 187
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will display
a message. SeeTransmission
Messages 0122. When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the ignition
system will switch to OFF.
Manual Transmission
If the vehicle is stationary, the
ignition will turn OFF, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0192.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force. 2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0201.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in
five seconds. ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) :
This mode allows
you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) : This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0190. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may

Buick Verano Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085356) - 2016 - crc - 10/19/15
188 Driving and Operating
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.
The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN,
but the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in
Service Only Mode. Push the button
again to turn the vehicle off.
Ignition Positions (Key
Access)
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
The key must be fully extended to
start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply the
brake pedal.
0 Stopping the Engine : When the
vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition
switch to LOCK/OFF to turn the
engine off. Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active. See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0192. This is the only position from which
the key can be removed. This locks
the ignition and automatic
transmission.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), continue to
firmly apply the brakes and
steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park). Turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0201.