Buick Encore: Starting and Operating / Winter Cover
If equipped, the winter cover can be used to
enhance heater performance in extremely
cold conditions below −7 °C (20 °F). The
winter cover installs over the grille and
restricts airflow to the engine compartment.
For vehicles that did not come with a winter
cover, a winter cover can be purchased. See
your dealer for additional information.
When the winter cover is installed, the
climate controls AUTO mode may not
function properly. Use the manual settings
for comfort.
Usage Guidelines
The winter cover should only be used while
operating the vehicle in extremely cold
temperatures or in heavy snow for extended
periods. In these temperatures, the vehicle
does not need a large amount of air to
properly cool the engine. When more
airflow is required to cool the vehicle, the
winter cover should not be used. The
following usage guidelines will allow
adequate airflow for proper radiator and air
cooler performance:
- Do not use the winter cover if towing a
trailer. The vehicle may overheat if the
radiator is covered while towing.
- Do not modify the cover. The winter
cover does not cover some sections of the
front of the vehicle to provide enough
airflow.
- Keep the underside of the winter cover as
clean as possible. Remove monthly or as
necessary and clean away dust and
debris.
- Do not use the winter cover above −0 °C
(32 °F).
Use only a mild soap to clean. Do not use
harsh soap, strong detergents, or vinyl
protectant/sealant type products as they
may damage the special finish. Allow the
winter cover to dry completely before
reinstalling.
Installation Instructions
When first trying to fit the cover, it may
appear to be undersized but will stretch
during installation to ensure a tight fit. The
initial installation of the cover is best
performed when the winter cover is warm.

- Center the winter grille cover and make
sure that it is positioned correctly.

- Push the plastic hooks back to engage
the grille slats.
- Repeat for all hooks to fully engage
cover to grille.
- Make sure all clips remain engaged
during installation. The cover should be
stretched to a tight fit when properly
installed.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle when it is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving...
Vehicles may have an engine heater. The
engine heater can help in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up...
Other information:
Warning lights and gauges can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair
or replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could prevent
injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when
the engine is started to indicate they are
working...
Older children who have outgrown booster
seats should wear the vehicle’s seat belts.
The manufacturer instructions that come
with the booster seat state the weight and
height limitations for that booster. Use a
booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until
the child passes the fit test below:
Sit all the way back on the seat...