
Black plate (88,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-88 Vehicle Care
Only lower the top when it is
completly dry and avoid leaving the
top lowered for extended periods of
time to prevent excessive interior
weathering.
Avoid leaving large amounts of
snow on the top for extended
periords of time as damage may
also occur.
ZR1 Carbon Fiber Panels
Carbon fiber panels can be washed
and waxed like any other panels.
Use a clear or black pigmented wax
on the inner hood carbon fiber
panel.
ZR1 Hood Window
The hood window on the ZR1 can
be cleaned in the same manner as
the headlamp lenses. See "Cleaning
Exterior Lamps/Lenses" for more
information.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses and Emblems
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" later in this section.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they
are worn or damaged. Damage can
be caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑12
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Notice: Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.

Black plate (89,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-89
Keep the wheels clean using a soft,
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium,
calcium, or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Notice: To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and
axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Fiberglass Springs
(Composite Springs)
Notice:
Do not use acidic or
corrosive cleaning products,
engine degreasers, or aluminum
cleaning agents on fiberglass
springs as it may cause damage.
The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle's warranty.
Use only approved cleaners.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi‐point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money, fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the
right tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking
like new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care on
page 10‑90 andExterior Care on
page 10‑86.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-11
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
.Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
.Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Technical Data 12-3
ApplicationCapacities
Metric English
6.2L LS9 V8 Supercharged Engine 9.9 L 10.5 qt
7.0L LS7 V8 Engine 9.9 L 10.5 qt
Fuel Tank 68.0 L 18.0 gal
Transmission Fluid Automatic Transmission
(Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) 6.2 L 6.5 qt
Manual Transmission –Base 3.5 L 3.6 qt
Manual Transmission –Z16 4.0 L 4.2 qt
Manual Transmission –Z06 4.3 L 4.5 qt
Manual Transmission –ZR1 4.3 L 4.5 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in
this manual. Recheck fluid level after filling

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
13-8 Customer Information
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
(U.S. and Canada)
This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement of eligible
aftermarket adaptive equipment
required for the vehicle, such as
hand controls or a wheelchair/
scooter lift for the vehicle.
For more information on the limited
offer, visit www.gmmobility.com or
call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.General Motors of Canada also
has a Mobility Program. Call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for
details. TTY users call
1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance
Program (U.S. and
Canada)
For U.S.‐purchased vehicles, call
1‐800‐243‐8872; (Text Telephone
(TTY): 1‐888‐889‐2438).
For Canadian‐purchased vehicles,
call
1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance,
have the following information
ready:
.Your name, home address, and
home telephone number.
.Telephone number of your
location.
.Location of the vehicle.
.Model, year, color, and license
plate number of the vehicle.
.Odometer reading, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle.
.Description of the problem.
Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/
160 000 km (100,000 mi), whichever
comes first.
In the U.S., anyone driving the
vehicle is covered. In Canada, a
person driving the vehicle without
permission from the owner is not
covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Chevrolet and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
make any changes or discontinue
the Roadside Assistance program at
any time without notification.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
i-10 INDEX
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 13-13
Seatback Latches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
SeatsAdjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . 3-3
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 3-3
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . 3-39
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Security, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Service
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Maintenance Records . . . . . . .11-15
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 12-1 Service (cont.)
Publications Ordering
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17
Scheduling Appointments . . . 13-13
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-50
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Sport Cup Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Starting the Vehicle Messsages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-50 Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Storage Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Storage Areas
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-11
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
TaillampsTurn Signal andStoplamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-6
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . 2-15 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Tires Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-70
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-60
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-68
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Run-Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62 Tires (cont.)
Sport Cup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-78
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-86
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Traction Active Handling System . . . . . . 9-38
Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . 9-36
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . 9-42
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Selective Ride Control . . . . . . . . 9-43 Transmission
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53
One-to-Four Shift Light . . . . . . . 5-23
Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Twilight Sentinel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
U
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Universal Remote System . . . . . 5-64 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-70
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-64
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv