Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-6 Driving and Operating
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues—such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Track events or competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using
the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. Engine Oil
{Caution
If you use the vehicle for racing or
other competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
For information on how to add oil,
see
Engine Oil on page 10-15.
Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other
competitive driving and keep the
level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
For track events or competitive
driving, it is recommended that the
brake fluid be replaced with a high
performance brake fluid that has a
dry boiling point greater than 279°C
(534°F). After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.{Caution
Extended track operation without
this kit installed may result in a
low oil level and could result in
engine damage.
1LE comes with an oil control kit
that should be installed for track use
only, to ensure proper oil control
and prevent engine damage. This is
not for street use. This kit may also
be purchased from your dealer.
Coolant
If operating a Z/28 on a closed
course during hot temperatures,
reduce the coolant/water mixture to
a 30/70 mix and increase under
hood airflow by removing the water
deflector on the engine side of the
hood scoop.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-7
Load Limit
ZL1, 1LE, and Z/28: For racing and
competitive driving, the vehicle load
should be limited to the driver only
and no cargo. The tires should be
inflated to at least 180 kPa (26 psi).
Rear Axle Fluid
The rear axle fluid temperatures
may be higher than when driving in
severe conditions. Drain and refill
with new fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
{Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high rear axle
temperatures can occur. Damage
could be caused to the rear axle
and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not drive as(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
long or as fast the first time the
vehicle is driven on the track or
raced.
For extended track use, GM
recommends installing a rear
differential cooler to protect the rear
axle. This excludes the ZL1 and Z/
28 as they have a rear differential
cooler as standard equipment.
Brake Burnishing
To prepare the Camaro ZL1, 1LE,
and Z/28 brake systems for track
events and racing, complete the
appropriate high performance brake
burnishing procedure described
below.
ZL1 and 1LE Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
{Caution
These procedures are specific to
the ZL1 or Camaro SS brake
package. This procedure should
not be run on other Camaro
models as damage may result.
{Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure or damage may occur
to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-18.
When performed as instructed, this
procedure will not damage the
brakes. During the burnishing
procedure, the brake pads will
smoke and produce an odor. The
braking force and pedal travel may
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-8 Driving and Operating
increase. After the procedure is
complete, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
Run this procedure in a safe
manner and in compliance with all
local and state ordinances/laws
regarding motor vehicle operation.
Run this procedure only on dry
pavement.
Racing/Track Brake Burnishing
Procedure
{Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
this track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive
for at least 1 km (0.6 mi) between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped if
there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application, without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between stops.
Repeat until the brake pedal
travel starts to increase.
Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25
brake applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications.
Z/28 Brake Burnishing
{Caution
These procedures are specific to
the Z/28 with ceramic brake
rotors. These procedures should
not be run on other Camaro
models as damage may result.
{Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure or damage may occur
to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In on
page 9-18.
Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-9
When performed as instructed,
these procedures will not damage
the brakes. During the burnishing
procedure, the brake pads will
smoke and produce an odor. The
braking force and pedal travel may
increase. After the procedure is
complete, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure
Perform this procedure on dry
pavement only, in a safe manner,
and in compliance with all local and
state ordinances/laws regarding
motor vehicle operation.
1. From a stop, accelerate asrapidly as possible without
activating traction control to a
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph).
2. Use enough pedal force to completely stop the vehicle in
four to five seconds. If ABS
activates, braking is too hard. 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 five times.
This should take about 10
minutes.
4. After completing the five stops, cool the brakes by driving for 8
km (5 mi) at 100 km/h (60 mph).
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake
squeal is normal.
Racing/Track Brake Burnishing
Procedure
To prepare the Z/28 brake system
for track events and racing, the
street high performance brake
burnish as described previously
should be completed.
In addition to completing the street
high performance brake burnishing
procedure, the following procedure
needs to be completed to make the
Z/28 brake system ready for track
events and racing.
This procedure should only be run
on a track and only on dry
pavement.{Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
this track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
1. Drive a normal first lap, not too aggressively.
2. Laps 2 and 3 should be gradually driven faster and more
aggressively, while allowing for
reduced brake output and
increased stopping distance due
to brake fade.
3. Drive Lap 4 near full speed, while allowing for reduced brake
output and increased stopping
distance due to brake fade.
4. Laps 5 and 6 should be cool down laps.
5. Lap 7 should be normal driving or an easy out lap.
Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-10 Driving and Operating
Wheel Alignment
Z/28 Racing Alignment
If the vehicle has the Z/28 package,
the racing and competitive driving
wheel alignment settings can be set
as follows for increased handling
performance:
{Caution
Using these wheel alignment
settings may cause excessive tire
wear. Only use these wheel
alignment settings for racing or
competitive driving. Excessive tire
wear is not covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Front Alignment Specification
.Caster: 5.9 +/- 0.50 deg.
.Camber: -1.5 +/- 0.50 deg.
.Total or Sum Toe: 0.1 +/-
0.20 deg. Rear Alignment Specification
.Camber: -1 +/- 0.50 deg.
.Total or Sum Toe: 0.1 +/-
0.20 deg.
.Thrust Angle: 0 +/- 0.20 deg.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep‐standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
Driving and Operating 9-11
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10-55.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-12 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
Traction Control should be turned
on. SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-38.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) on page 9-36.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control on slippery
surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program on page 13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
(Continued)
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7695163) - 2015 - crc - 9/4/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an
unsecured child restraint
in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
{Caution
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi) of driving this
vehicle. Parts have a break-in
period and performance will be
better in the long run.
.For the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000
engine rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow.
.Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph). (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Avoid downshifting to brake
or slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4,000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine in high
gear at low speeds. With a
manual transmission, shift to
the next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
.Do not participate in racing
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities during this
break-in period.
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be higher
than normal during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
(Continued)