2011 CHEVROLET CORVETTE oil change

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-20 Vehicle Care
8. Start the engine and let it runat idle for at least 15 seconds.
This will circulate the fresh
engine oil through the lubrication
system.
9. Shut off the engine and check the oil level as described under
“Checking Engine Oil (ZO6,
ZR1, and Grand Sport).”
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with
the dexos™ certification mark.
Oils meeting the requirements
of your vehicle should have the
dexos™ certification mark on the
container. This certification mark
indicates that the oil has been
approved to the dexos™
specification.
Your vehicle was filled at the factory
with dexos™ approved engine oil.
Notice: Use only engine oil
that is approved to the dexos™
specification or an equivalent
engine oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos™
specification will show the
dexos™ symbol on the container.
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. If you
are unsure whether your oil
is approved to the dexos™
specification, ask your service
provider. It is recommended to use
Mobil 1
®engine oils that meet
the requirements of the dexos™
specification.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if
dexos™ is unavailable: In the
event that dexos™ approved engine
oil is not available at an oil change
or for maintaining proper oil level,
you may use substitute engine oil
displaying the API Starburst symbol
and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade.
Use of oils that do not meet the
dexos™ specification, however,
may result in reduced performance
under certain circumstances.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not
use other viscosity oils such as
SAE 10W‐30, 10W‐40, or 20W-50.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-21
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−29°C
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should
be used. An oil of this viscosity
grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity
grade, be sure to always select
an oil that meets the required
specification, dexos™. See
“Specification” for more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
dexos™specification and displaying
the dexos™ certification mark
are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the
oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash or pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects
used oil.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-22 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that
indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on engine revolutions and engine
temperature, and not on mileage.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport models
have a racetrack‐ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This
high‐performance system operates
differently than a standard engine
lubrication system and requires a
special procedure when changing
the engine oil and filter. SeeEngine
Oil on page 10‑15. When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL message comes on. Change
the oil as soon as possible within
the next 1 000 km (600 miles). It is
possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change
is not necessary for up to a year.
The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 miles)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Press the TRIP button so
the OIL LIFE percentage is
displayed.
2. Press RESET and hold for two seconds. OIL LIFE
REMAINING 100% will appear.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-25
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter
at the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace them at
the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mile) interval.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2 for more information.
If driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the filter at each engine oil
change. How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See
Hood on
page 10‑9.
6.2 L V8 Engine LS3 Shown, 6.2 L
V8 Engine LS9 and 7.0 LV8 Engine LS7 Similar
A. Tube
B. Clamp
C. Duct
2. Remove the tube (A) from the air cleaner assembly.
3. Loosen the clamp (B) at the throttle body and remove the
duct (C).

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-36 Vehicle Care
Driving extended distances in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Notice:After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑15.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑10 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
There are markings on both
sides of the dipstick. The level should be at the
FULL COLD mark. If necessary,
add only enough fluid to bring the
level up to the mark.
When the engine compartment
is hot, the level should be at the
HOT mark. When the engine
compartment is cool, the level
should be at the FULL COLD mark.

Black plate (79,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-79
{WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is
fastened, can make wheel
nuts become loose after a
time. The wheel could come
off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places
where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency,
you can use a cloth or a paper
towel to do this; but be sure to
use a scraper or wire brush
later, if you need to, to get all
the rust or dirt off.Tightening Wheel Lug Nuts
{WARNING
Never use oil or grease on studs
or the threads of the wheel nuts.
If you do, the wheel nuts might
come loose and the wheel could
fall off, causing a crash.
{WARNING
Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly
tightened wheel nuts can cause
the wheel to become loose and
even come off. This could lead
to a crash. Be sure to use the
correct wheel nuts. If you have
to replace them, be sure to get
new GM original equipment
wheel nuts. Notice:
Improperly tightened
wheel nuts can lead to brake
pulsation and rotor damage.
To avoid expensive brake repairs,
evenly tighten the wheel nuts in
the proper sequence and to the
proper torque specification.
Tighten the wheel lug nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence as shown.

Black plate (92,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
10-92 Vehicle Care
Coated Moldings
These moldings are around the
hatch opening in the rear area.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water
can be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can be
used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to dry.
Never use steam to clean leather.
Never use spot lifters or spot
removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners
and coatings that are sold topreserve and protect leather
may permanently change the
appearance and feel of the leather
and are not recommended. Do not
use silicone or wax-based products,
or those containing organic
solvents to clean the vehicle's
interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss
in a non-uniform manner. Never use
shoe polish on leather.Instrument Panel, Vinyl and
other Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water
may be used to remove dust.
If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters
or removers on plastic surfaces.
Many commercial cleaners and
coatings that are sold to preserveand protect soft plastic surfaces
may permanently change the
appearance and feel of the interior
and are not recommended. Do not
use silicone or wax-based products,
or those containing organic solvents
to clean the vehicle's interior
because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the
gloss in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may
increase gloss on the instrument
panel. The increase in gloss may
cause annoying reflections in the
windshield and even make it difficult
to see through the windshield under
certain conditions.
Cargo Cover and
Convenience Net
Wash with warm water and mild
detergent, rinse with cold water
and tumble dry on low. Do not use
chlorine bleach.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
11-2 Service and Maintenance
{WARNING
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous. Some jobs can
cause serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if you
have the required know-how and
the proper tools and equipment.
If in doubt, see your dealer to
have a qualified technician do
the work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work on page 10‑8. At your dealer, you can be
certain that you will receive the
highest level of service available.
Your dealer has specially trained
service technicians, uses genuine
replacement parts, as well as,
up‐to‐date tools and equipment
to ensure fast and accurate
diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts,
fluids, and lubricants to use are
listed in
Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6 and
Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 11‑8. We recommend the use
of genuine parts from your dealer.
Scheduled
Maintenance
When the Change Engine Oil
Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑15.
An Emission Control Service.
When the CHANGE OIL SOON
message displays, service is
required for the vehicle as soon
as possible, within the next
1 000 km/600 miles. If driving
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine
oil and filter must be changed
at least once a year and the oil
life system must be reset.