2010 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Owners Manual

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person's
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking —driver or
passenger —is in a crash, that person's chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if
the person had not been drinking.Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehicle
while driving —brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road
can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of the
vehicle. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6and Active Handling System on page 5‑8.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. See Accessories and
Modifications on page 6‑3.
5-3

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4‑36.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three‐fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds
or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three‐fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between the
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,
or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight
of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts, heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking,
rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between hard
stops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lot of
heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic and
allowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot of
unnecessary braking. That means better braking and
longer brake life.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being
driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.
If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, there will still 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.
Under certain weather or operating conditions,
occasional brake squeak, squeal, or other noise might
be heard with the vehicle's performance braking
system. This brake system is designed for superior fade
resistance and consistent operation using high
performance brake pads. Brake noise and brake dust
are normal and do not affect system performance.
Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer accessories can affect
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications on page 6‑3.
5-4

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent
a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins to
drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on,
and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light
stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
on
page 4‑37.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help the
driver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps
receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let antilock work. A motor or clicking
noise might be heard and the brake pedal might be felt
to move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
5-5

Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more
than even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist feature that responds to
emergency braking by generating additional pressure
and engaging the ABS. When this happens, the brake
pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let the system work for you. You might
feel the brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is
normal. The brakes will return to normal operation after
the brake pedal is released.
Brake assist cannot compensate for unsafe driving
practices and braking effectiveness, itself, depends on
the condition of the road, tires, and brakes and
vehicle mass.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that the rear wheels are spinning too much or are
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power (by closing the throttle and managing engine
spark) to limit wheel spin.
The TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE message displays
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when TCS is
limiting wheel spin. See DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52. The system may be heard or felt while it
is working, but this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when TCS begins to limit
wheel spin, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when
road conditions allow. See Cruise Control on page 4‑7.
5-6

The SERVICE
TRACTION SYSTEM
message and the
TCS warning light will
come on if there is a
problem with TCS.
See DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 4‑52.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM
message are on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, the system should always be left on.
TCS can be turned off if needed. To turn the system off,
press the button located
on the console.
The system can be turned on or off at any time by
pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button. The DIC will
display the appropriate message when the button
is pushed.
Notice: When traction control is turned off,
or Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible
to lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the drive
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is
possible to cause damage to the transmission.
Do not attempt to shift when the drive wheels do not
have traction. Damage caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered. See the warranty book for
additional information.
Adding non‐dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and
Modifications
on page 6‑3for more information.
5-7

Active Handling System
The Active Handling System is a computer controlled
system that helps the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively applying any one of the
vehicle's brakes.
The ACTIVE HANDLING message will come on
when the system is operating. See DIC Warnings and
Messages
on page 4‑52for more information.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal.
The SERVICE ACTIVE
HANDLING SYSTEM
message is displayed, the
instrument cluster light
comes on, and a sound is
heard if there is a problem
with the system.
See DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for
more information. When this light and the SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Active Handling System comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. To help maintain
directional control of the vehicle, the system should
always be left on. The system can be turned off
needed. If the Active Handling System is turned off,
the Traction Control System will also be turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
To turn the system off,
press the Active Handling
button on the console until
TRACTION SYSTEM
AND ACTIVE HANDLING
SYSTEM
—OFF is
displayed.
The system can be turned back on at any time by
pressing the button. The DIC will display the appropriate
message when the button is pushed.
5-8

If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a flat
tire and the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
TIRE FLAT, or if the TPM system is malfunctioning and
the DIC displays SERVICE TIRE MONITOR, the Active
Handling System will be affected as follows:
.The Active Handling System cannot be turned off
by the driver.
.If the Active Handling System is off, it will be
turned on automatically.
.Competitive Driving Mode or Performance Traction
Management is unavailable.
.The Active Handling System will feel different in
aiding and maintaining directional control.
Competitive Driving Mode
Competitive Driving Mode, Performance Traction
Management, and Launch Control are systems
designed to allow increased performance while
accelerating and/or cornering. This is accomplished by
regulating and optimizing the engine, brakes, and
suspension performance. These modes are for use at a closed course race track and are not intended for use
on public roads. They will not compensate for a driver
’s
inexperience or lack of familiarity with the race track.
Drivers who prefer to allow the system to have more
control of the engine, brake, and suspension are
advised to turn the normal traction control and active
handling systems on. See Racing or Other Competitive
Driving
on page 5‑19for more information.
Notice: Do not attempt to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not have traction. This
may cause damage to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty. See the warranty book for
additional information.
Competitive Driving Mode (Except ZR1)
Competitive Driving Mode allows full engine power
while the Active Handling System helps maintain
directional control of the vehicle by selective brake
application. In this mode, TCS is off and Launch Control
is available. Adjust your driving style to account for the
available engine power. See Launch Control later in
this section.
5-9

This light is on when
the vehicle is in the
Competitive Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be selected by
pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console
quickly two times. COMPETITIVE DRIVING MODE
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for
more information.
When the ACTIVE HANDLING button is pressed again,
the Active Handling and TCS systems are on. The
TRACTION SYSTEM AND ACTIVE HANDLING-ON
message displays briefly in the DIC and a chime
is heard.
Performance Traction
Management (ZR1)
Performance Traction Management integrates the
Traction Control, Active Handling and Selective Ride
Control systems to provide improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The amount of available
engine power is based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the radius of each corner.
This light is on when
the vehicle is in the
Performance Traction
Management Mode.
This optional handling mode can be selected by
pressing the ACTIVE HANDLING button on the console
quickly two times. PERF TRAC 1 - WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON displays in the DIC.
5-10