2018 CHEVROLET CORVETTE engine oil

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 231
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below −29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade
will provide easier cold starting for
the engine at extremely low
temperatures. When selecting an oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade, it
is recommended to select an oil of
the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
For track events or competitive
driving, use Mobil 1 15W-50 engine
oil. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message will display at high
oil temperatures. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0118.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products. Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that
indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
Z06, Grand Sport, and Stingray with
Z51 have a racetrack-ready dry
sump engine lubrication system.
This high performance system

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
232 Vehicle Care
operates differently than a standard
engine lubrication system and
requires a special procedure when
changing the engine oil and filter.
SeeEngine Oil 0226.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system may not indicate that an oil
change is necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and, at this time, the system must
be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
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.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Scroll through the DIC Info Pages menu until the
REMAINING OIL LIFE
percentage is displayed. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0118.
2. Press and hold SEL on the DIC while the Oil Life display is
active. The oil life will change
to 100%. If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information or
the procedure can be found in the
service manual. To purchase a

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
236 Vehicle Care
Cooling System (Engine)
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
LT1 Engine (without Dry SumpEngine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
LT1 Engine (with Dry Sump
Engine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
LT4 Engine (with Dry Sump
Engine Oil Tank)
1. Coolant Surge Tank withPressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 237
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0313. The fluid
requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0304.
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 0240.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
there would not be an 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. 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
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard
GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause
damage to the engine cooling
system and the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
238 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 0240.
The engine coolant surge tank is
toward the rear of the engine
compartment on the passenger side
of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0221. 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 - 11/8/17
Vehicle Care 297
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Composite SpringsCaution
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 warranty. Use only
approved cleaners.
Body 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.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer. Larger
areas of finish damage can be
corrected in your dealer's body and
paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See “Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
304 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0226.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 266.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0270.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 241.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once
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.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0231.
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 0226 and
Engine Oil Life System 0231. .
Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 236 orCooling System (Aero
Panel) 0239.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0241.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0292. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 247.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0266.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0270.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 233.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0292.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
306 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Dry Sump Engines Only (Stingray with Z51, Grand Sport, and Z06) - Required: Initial break-in oil change. Change engine oil and filter after the first 800 km/500 mi. Follow the
engine oil life system for every oil change thereafter.
Perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil
and filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@@
LT1 Engine: Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark
plug wires.@
LT4 Supercharged Engine: Replace spark plugs.
Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Change rear axle fluid.@@@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace clutch fluid. Manual transmission
only. (7)