Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
234 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 0236.
The engine coolant surge tank is
toward the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger side
of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0217. 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
Spilling coolant on hot engine
parts can burn you. Coolant
contains ethylene glycol and it will
burn if the engine parts are hot
enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Vehicle Care 235
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.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper 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.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1−6.
If the coolant still 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 engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Cooling System (Aero
Panel)
The aero panel enhances
aerodynamic efficiency and
improves fuel economy.
Remove the aero panel and bracket
to improve engine cooling and air
conditioning performance when
driving aggressively or in hot
weather.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
236 Vehicle Care
To remove the aero panel and
bracket:
Stingray Shown, Grand Sport andZ06 Similar
1. Press up on the two indents at the bottom and lift the aero
panel off the bracket.
Stingray Shown, Grand Sport and
Z06 Similar
2. Unscrew the two fasteners that secure the bracket.
3. Gently pull the bracket away from the grille.
To replace the bracket and aero
panel: 1. Position the bracket over the grille.
2. Secure the bracket by pushing the two fasteners into place.
3. Snap the aero panel into place.
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 0106.
The vehicle may also display a
message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood but to get service help right
away, see Roadside Assistance
Program 0320.
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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
Vehicle Care 237
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all
coolant and can damage the
system and vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure
cap, even a little, can cause them
to come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never turn
the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot.
Wait for the cooling system and
pressure cap to 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 be
too 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-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
238 Vehicle Care
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0217.
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
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
300 Service and Maintenance
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 0227.
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 0222 and
Engine Oil Life System 0227.
. Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 232 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0235. .
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0237.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0289. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 243.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0263.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0267.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 229.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0289.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0289.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 069. .
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 0289.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0242.
. 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
0 243.
. 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. If the hold
open is low, service the gas
strut. See Gas Strut(s) 0244.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 3/29/17
308 Service and Maintenance
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
Chassis Lubrication Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No. 12377985, in Canada 88901242) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) Clutch System Lubricant
(Z51, Grand Sport, and Z06 Only) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Engine Coolant 40/60 coolant/water mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
SeeCooling System (Engine) 0232 orCooling System (Aero Panel) 0235.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. Mobil 1 dexos1 is recommended. See Engine Oil0222.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in Canada 89021674)
or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19299819).
Hydraulic Clutch System Hydraulic Clutch Fluid. Use only GM Part No. 19299570, in Canada 19299571, Super DOT 4 brake fluid.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - crc - 4/5/17
344 Index
ConnectionsOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Control Traction and ElectronicStability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Coolant Engine Temperature Gauge . . 106
Engine Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 232, 235
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Text Telephone (TTY)
Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Customer Information
Service Publications
Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 325
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . 323
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data CollectionInfotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 329
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Data Recorder Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 328
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Diagnostics OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Differential, Limited-Slip . . . . . . . . 200
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 315 Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Driving Competitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 24
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 168
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 170
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Track Events andCompetitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 190
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 112
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Electrical System
Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247