Page 320 of 428

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.
Page 380 of 428

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.
Page 381 of 428

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will perform this
work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and
filter. Reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil on page 10‑15
and Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑22. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check.
See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑29.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection
of hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑37.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑86. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑46.
.Tire inflation pressures
check. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑66.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑72.
.Fluids visual leak check
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and
the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑24.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches,
key lock cylinders, any
folding seat hardware, and
rear compartment, hood,
and console door hinges
and latches lubrication.
See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
More frequent lubrication may
be required when the vehicle
is exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑21.