Buick Encore: Vehicle Checks / Brake Fluid

Buick Encore 2020-2025 Owner's Manual / Vehicle Care / Vehicle Checks / Brake Fluid

Buick Encore. Brake Fluid

The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the reservoir.

Checking Brake Fluid

With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level surface, the brake fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the brake fluid reservoir.

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir may go down:

Normal brake lining wear. When new linings are installed, the fluid level goes back up.
A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system. Have the brake hydraulic system fixed. With a leak, the brakes will not work well.

Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area around the cap before removing it.

Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary, only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

Warning

If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You or others could be burned, and the vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.

When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brake warning light comes on. See Brake System Warning Light.

Brake fluid absorbs water over time which degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals to prevent increased stopping distance. See Maintenance Schedule.

What to Add

Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Warning

The wrong or contaminated brake fluid could result in damage to the brake system. This could result in the loss of braking leading to a possible injury. Always use the proper GM approved brake fluid.

Caution

If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Immediately wash off any painted surface.

Brakes

Disc brake linings have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake linings are worn and new linings are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly...

Battery - North America

The original equipment battery is maintenance free. Do not remove the cap and do not add fluid. Refer to the replacement number shown on the original battery label when a new battery is needed...

Other information:

Buick Encore 2020-2025 Owner's Manual: Call Waiting

Call waiting must be supported on the Bluetooth phone and enabled by the wireless service carrier to work. Accepting a Call To accept a call-waiting call: Press on the steering wheel controls. Touch Switch on the infotainment display. Declining a Call To decline a call-waiting call: Press on the steering wheel controls...

Buick Encore 2020-2025 Owner's Manual: Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle

Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end, or side sheet metal may keep the airbag system from working properly. The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing, including improperly repairing or replacing, any parts of the following: Airbag system, including airbag modules, front or side impact sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, or airbag wiring Front seats, including stitching, seams or zippers Seat belts Steering wheel, instrument panel, ceiling trim, or pillar garnish trim Inner door seals, including speakers Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring along with the proper replacement procedures...