Buick Encore: Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant is designed to remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a problem with engine overheating, see Engine Overheating
What to Use
Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as alcohol, can boil before the proper coolant mixture will. With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could get too hot but there would not be an overheat warning. The engine could catch fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
- Gives freezing protection down to −37 ºC (−34 ºF), outside temperature.
- Gives boiling protection up to 129 ºC (265 ºF), engine temperature.
- Protects against rust and corrosion.
- Will not damage aluminum parts.
- Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable water. Anything else can cause damage to the engine cooling system and the vehicle, which would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service center, familiar with legal requirements regarding used coolant disposal. This will help protect the environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the upper coolant hose return line when the engine is running.
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Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do anything else until it cools down.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at or above the mark pointed to, add a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.
If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank, add coolant as follows:
READ NEXT:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
t
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an engine coolant
temperature gauge to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezin
SEE MORE:
Engine Heater
Vehicles may have an engine
heater. The engine heater can help
in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 ºC (0 ºF) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
heater at least four hours before
starting the vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug end of the
Automotive terminology & definitions
ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
active suspension systems move each wheel up and down to control body motion
in response to road
abnormalities. The system responds to inputs from the road and the driver. With
an active suspension, a
vehicle can simultaneously provide the smooth ride of a soft suspension
