
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Vehicle Care 235
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0307. The fluid
requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0298.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0237.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper
coolant mixture. With plain water
or the wrong mixture, the engine
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could get too hot but you would
not get the overheat warning. The
engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
mixture of 40% DEX-COOL
coolant and 60% clean, drinkable
water.
Use a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL
coolant and 60% clean, drinkable
water. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This
mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−28 °C (−18 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0307.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
236 Vehicle Care
If ambient temperatures are
anticipated below−28 °C (−18 °F),
make sure a proper mixture ratio of
50% DEX-COOL coolant and 50%
clean, drinkable water is used.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill line, add a
mixture of 40% DEX-COOL coolant
and 60% clean, drinkable water at
the coolant recovery tank, but be
sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine
Overheating 0237.
The engine coolant surge tank is
toward the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger side
of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0218.
When the engine is cold, the coolant
level should be at the cold fill line on
the coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level
could be higher than the cold fill
line. If the coolant is below the cold
fill line when the engine is hot, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant
or take the vehicle to your dealer for
service.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the surge tank pressure
cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and surge tank pressure
cap to cool.
If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture directly
to the surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system is cool before this
is done. 1. When the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot,
remove the pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about
one-quarter turn and then stop.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that
to stop. A hiss means there is
still some pressure left.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Vehicle Care 237
2. Keep turning the pressure capslowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper DEX-COOL coolant
mixture until the level inside
stabilizes at the cold fill line on
the front of the surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the
upper radiator hose can be felt
getting hot. Any time during
this procedure, watch out for
the engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level stabilizes at
the cold fill line on the coolant
surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
Check the level in the surge
tank when the system has
cooled down. If the coolant is
not at the proper level, repeat Steps 1−4, then reinstall the
pressure cap. If the coolant is
not at the proper level when
the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster. See
Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0103.
The vehicle may also display a
message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Engine Cooling
System Messages 0123. If the decision is made not to lift the
hood but to get service help right
away, see
Roadside Assistance
Program 0319.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine and have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
238 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the shaded area or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer instructions before
use. If the vehicle will be operating
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Vehicle Care 239
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0218.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Brake Wear
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Under certain weather or operating
conditions, occasional brake squeal
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
squeal is normal and does not affect
system performance.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Service and Maintenance 299
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System 0228.
Dry Sump Engine Break-In Oil
Change
If equipped with a dry sump engine,
the initial oil and filter change must
be performed at 800 km/500 mi.
Follow the engine oil life system for
every oil change thereafter.
Required Services Every
12 000 km/7,500 mi
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0223 andEngine Oil Life
System 0228.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0235.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0238. .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0288. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement 0244.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0262.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0268.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0230.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0288.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0288.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 065.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks. .
Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0288.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0243.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check 0243.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism
Check 0244.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
Service and Maintenance 307
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1™ specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is recommended. For track events
or competitive driving, use Mobil 1
®engine oil. See Engine Oil0223.
Engine Coolant 40/60 coolant/water mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL
®Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant 0235.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19299818, in Canada 19299819).
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Hydraulic Clutch System Hydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only GM Part No. 19299570, in Canada 19299571, Super DOT 4 brake fluid.
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-HP Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 19300536, in
Canada 19300537).
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 88861800, in Canada 88861801). Rear Axle DEXRON
®LS Gear Oil (GM Part No. 88862624, in Canada 88862625).
See Rear Axle 0242 for information on checking the fluid.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9085364) - 2016 - crc - 9/15/15
342 Index
ConnectionsOnStar®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 103
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 232, 234
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Cover
Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 318 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317 Customer Assistance (cont'd)
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Customer Information
Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . . . 324
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 322
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 3
Data RecorderPerformance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 327
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Diagnostics OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . 201, 202
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 314
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driving Competitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 22
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 168
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 170
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Track Events andCompetitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 190
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 108
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247