
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9956103) - 2017 - crc - 4/28/16
Vehicle Care 219
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 220
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 235
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 237
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 237
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 239
Cooling System (Aero Panel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 244 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Battery - North America . . . . . . 248
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 250
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 251
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 252Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 253
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 254
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Competition Oriented Tires . . . 265
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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226 Vehicle Care
1.Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158 (Out of View). See
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158.
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0242.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0255.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0239 orCooling
System (Aero Panel) 0241.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0230.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0230.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0247.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0237. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0246.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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228 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0230.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0230.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158 (Out of View). See
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158.
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0242.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0255.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0239 orCooling
System (Aero Panel) 0241.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0247.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0237. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0246.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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230 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Oil Dipstick. See“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0230.
2. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank Fill Cap. See “Changing Engine Oil
and Filter” Engine Oil 0230.
3. Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158 (Out of View). See
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter 0158.
4. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0242.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0255.
6. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0239 orCooling
System (Aero Panel) 0241.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0247.
9. Clutch Master Cylinder Reservoir (If Equipped). See
Hydraulic Clutch 0237. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer
Fluid 0246.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0235.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil (Except
Z06, Grand Sport, and Stingray
with Z51)
If the ENGINE OIL LOW–ADD OIL
message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), check the
engine oil level right away. See
Engine Oil Messages 0125.
Check the engine oil level regularly
(every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 225 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 Vehicle Care
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.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0225.
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

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296 Vehicle Care
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy towing the
vehicle may cause damage
because of reduced ground
clearance. Always put the vehicle
on a flatbed truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither designed
nor intended to be towed with any of
its wheels on the ground. If the
vehicle must be towed, see Towing
the Vehicle 0295.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0316.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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298 Vehicle Care
The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum, chrome, and
stainless steel. To prevent damage
always follow these cleaning
instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to
the touch before applying any
cleaning solution.
. Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum, chrome
and stainless steel. Some
cleaners are highly acidic or
contain alkaline substances and
can damage the moldings.
. Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer ’s instructions.
. Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
. Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.
Convertible Top Care
Frequently hand wash convertible
tops with mild car wash soap. Never
use a stiff brush, steam, bleach,
or aggressive cleaners. If necessary, a soft brush can be
used to remove dirt. When finished
cleaning, thoroughly rinse the fabric.
Avoid automatic car washes with
overhead brushes or very
high-pressure sprays as they can
cause damage and leaking.
Only lower the top when it is
completely 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
periods of time as damage may also
occur.
Carbon Fiber Care
Carbon fiber composite parts can be
washed and waxed like any other
parts. Use a clear or black
pigmented wax. See
Composite
Materials 0182.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals, and stripes.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.
Abrasive or caustic agents.
. Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items.

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Vehicle Care 299
.Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield,
when washing the vehicle.
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 Dielectric silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
require more frequent application.
Black marks from rubber material on
painted surfaces can be removed by rubbing with a clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0316.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
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.