2007 CHEVROLET CORVETTE brake

A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 342.
B. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir.
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 358.
C. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 422.
D. Remote Positive Terminal (Out of View).
SeeBattery on page 364.
E. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 333.
F. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank. See “Changing
Engine Oil and Filter (Z06 Only)”Engine Oil
on page 333.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 333.
H. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 347.
I. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
See “Adding Washer Fluid” under
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 360.
J. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 361.
K. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir.
SeeHydraulic Clutch on page 346.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil (Except Z06)
If the CHECK OIL LEVEL message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on, check the
engine oil level right away. For more information,
seeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 207.
You should check the engine oil level regularly;
this is an added reminder.
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level
every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate
reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle
must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 330
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil a few
minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If
you do not do this, the oil dipstick might not
show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a
lint-free paper towel or a cloth, then push
it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down.
333

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is
lled with DOT-3 brake
uid. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 330for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid
level in the reservoir might go down. The rst
is that the brake uid goes down to an acceptable
level during normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are put in, the uid level goes back
up. The other reason is that uid is leaking out of
the brake system. If it is, you should have the
brake system xed, since a leak means that
sooner or later the brakes will not work well.So, it is not a good idea to top off the brake
uid. Adding brake uid will not correct a leak.
If you add uid when the linings are worn,
then you will have too much uid when you get
new brake linings. You should add or remove
brake uid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine. The uid will burn if
the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and your vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system. See “Checking Brake Fluid” in
this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
when to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 433.
361

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking
off the cap. Look at the brake uid reservoir.
The uid level should be above the MIN mark on
the reservoir. If it is not, have the brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is between the MIN and
MAX marks.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3
brake uid. Refer toRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 443. Use new brake
uid from a sealed container only.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and
the area around the cap before removing it. This
will help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always use the
proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint nish can
be damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you do, wash it
off immediately. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 411.
362

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the
brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time your vehicle is moving, except when you
are pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your
vehicle serviced.Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause
a brake squeal when the brakes are rst applied
or lightly applied. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a
sign that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
As you make brake stops, the disc brakes
automatically adjust for wear.
363

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex.
Its many parts have to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested
with top-quality brake parts. When you replace
parts of the braking system — for example, when
the brake linings wear down and you need new
ones put in — be sure you get new approved
replacement parts. If you do not, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts
in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle,
the balance between the front and rear brakes can
change — for the worse. The braking performance
you have come to expect can change in many other
ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery.
When it is time for a new battery, get one that
has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an
ACDelco
®replacement battery.For battery replacement, see your dealer or the
service manual. To purchase a service manual,
seeService and Owner PublicationsinService
Publications Ordering Information on page 468.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California
to cause cancer and reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
If you are not going to drive your vehicle for
25 days or more, remove the black, negative (−)
cable from the battery. This will help keep
your battery from running down.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 365for tips on working
around a battery without getting hurt.
364

Jump Starting
If your battery has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper cables to start
your vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode
or ignite.
They contain enough electricity
to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.
Notice:If you try to start your vehicle by
pushing or pulling it, you could damage your
vehicle. Do not push or pull your vehicleto start it; instead, use the jump starting
procedure in this manual to start your vehicle
when the battery has run down.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not
a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only use vehicles
with 12-volt systems with negative grounds to
jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper
cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles
are not touching each other. If they are,
it could cause a ground connection you do
not want. You would not be able to start
your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling,
set the parking brake rmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start procedure. Put
an automatic transmission in PARK (P) or a
manual transmission in NEUTRAL before
setting the parking brakes.
365

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 386.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
382

Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specic tires
for your vehicle. The original equipment tires
installed on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specication (TPC spec)
system rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to
give the same performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical specications that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer.
If the tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be followed by an
MS for mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall
Labeling on page 380for additional information.Winter tires with the same speed rating as your
original equipment tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose
snow tires with a lower speed rating, never
exceed the tire’s maximum speed capability.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes (other than those originally
installed on your vehicle), brands, or
types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and
you could have a crash. Using tires of
different sizes (other than those originally
installed on your vehicle), brands or
types, may also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size,
brand, and type tires on all four wheels.
394