Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11374030) - 2018 - CRC - 11/8/17
Driving and Operating 155
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 170
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 171
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 177
Front Air Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . 178
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Parking (Manual
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 184
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 185
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 190
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 193
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 195
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 198
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . 201
Limited-Slip Differential (Stingray without
Z51 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Limited-Slip Differential (Z06, Grand Sport, and Stingray
with Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Driver Assistance Systems
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 208
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . 211
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 173
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0184.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 196.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
see
Towing the Vehicle 0290.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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176 Driving and Operating
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight forExample 3 = 181 kg
(400 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 2 =
181 kg (400 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the rear
edge of the driver door. It may
show the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle, called the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel
and cargo.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things you put inside your
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 177
Warning (Continued)
.Put things in the rear
area of your vehicle. 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 your vehicle.
.When you carry
something inside the
vehicle, secure it
whenever you can.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
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 322 km (200 mi):
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering.
. New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops. This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.
For the first 800 km (500 mi):
. Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 rpm. .
Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
including the use of cruise
control.
. Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the
engine speed will exceed
4000 rpm.
. Do not let the engine labor.
Never lug the engine. With a
manual transmission, shift to the
next lower gear. This rule
applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.
. If equipped with a dry sump
engine (Stingray with Z51,
Grand Sport, and Z06), the initial
oil and filter change must be
performed at 800 km (500 mi).
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
. Do not participate in track
events, sport driving schools,
or similar activities.
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary.
Oil and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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184 Driving and Operating
Active Fuel Management
This system allows the engine to
operate on either all or half of its
cylinders, depending on the driving
conditions. With a manual
transmission, the system is only
active in Eco Mode. With an
automatic transmission, the system
is available in all modes, but is more
aggressive in Eco Mode. SeeDriver
Mode Control 0198.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the
system will maintain full-cylinder
operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation. See Shifting
Into Park 0182 andEngine Exhaust
0 184.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will turn off
after one hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will turn off after
two hours.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
Automatic Transmission
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Manual Transmission
The timer will reset if the vehicle
speed is greater than 4 km/h
(2.5 mph).
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: . The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
. The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 189
.Upshifts to 7 (Seventh) gear
require approximately 74 km/h
(46 mph).
. Upshifts to 8 (Eighth) gear
require approximately 95 km/h
(59 mph).
To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds. The
maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 7 (Seventh) are:
. Into 7 (Seventh) gear over
365 km/h (227 mph).
. Into 6 (Sixth) gear over 309 km/h
(192 mph).
. Into 5 (Fifth) gear over 243 km/h
(151 mph).
. Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
183 km/h (114 mph).
. Into 3 (Third) gear over 149 km/h
(93 mph). .
Into 2 (Second) gear over
100 km/h (62 mph).
. Into 1 (First) gear over 62 km/h
(39 mph).
For Vehicles with a 2.73:1 Axle
Ratio (RPO GU2)
. Upshifts to 3 (Third) gear require
approximately 24 km/h (15 mph).
. Upshifts to 4 (Fourth) gear
require approximately 34 km/h
(21 mph).
. Upshifts to 5 (Fifth) gear require
approximately 43 km/h (27 mph).
. Upshifts to 6 (Sixth) gear require
approximately 55 km/h (34 mph).
. Upshifts to 7 (Seventh) gear
require approximately 64 km/h
(40 mph).
. Upshifts to 8 (Eighth) gear
require approximately 82 km/h
(51 mph). To prevent damage to the
powertrain, Manual Paddle
downshifts to a lower gear cannot
be done above certain speeds. The
maximum speed allowed for
downshifting of gears 1 (First)
through 7 (Seventh) are:
.
Into 7 (Seventh) gear over
321 km/h (199 mph).
. Into 6 (Sixth) gear over 272 km/h
(169 mph).
. Into 5 (Fifth) gear over 214 km/h
(133 mph).
. Into 4 (Fourth) gear over
161 km/h (100 mph).
. Into 3 (Third) gear over 131 km/h
(93 mph).
. Into 2 (Second) gear over
88 km/h (62 mph).
. Into 1 (First) gear over 55 km/h
(39 mph).
If an upshift is not requested as the
engine speed approaches fuel
shutoff rpm, the engine speed will
be limited to protect the engine. See
Tachometer 0106.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 191
Shift Speeds
Use the following shift speeds,
shown in km/h (mph), for the best
fuel economy.1 to 4 27 (17)
4 to 5 40 (25)
5 to 6 64 (40)
6 to 7 72 (45)
Caution
When shifting gears, do not move
the shift lever around
unnecessarily. This may damage
the transmission. Shift directly
into the next gear.
1–4 Shift Message
When the DIC displays this
message, the vehicle can only be
shifted from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth).
Downshifting
Do not downshift into the gear at a
speed greater than shown:1 (First) 72 km/h (45 mph)
2 (Second) 107 km/h (67 mph) 3 (Third) 160 km/h (100 mph)
4 (Fourth) 233 km/h (145 mph)
Caution
When downshifting, if more than
one gear is skipped, or the engine
is racing when the clutch pedal is
released, the engine, clutch,
driveshaft or transmission could
be damaged.
If the engine speed drops below
900 rpm, or if the engine is not
running smoothly, downshift to the
next lower gear. It may be
necessary to downshift two or more
gears. The transmission has a spring that
centers the shift lever near 3 (Third)
and 4 (Fourth). This spring helps to
know what gear the shift lever is in
when shifting. Be careful when
shifting from 1 (First) to 2 (Second)
or downshifting from 7 (Seventh) to
6 (Sixth). The spring will try to pull
the shift lever toward 4 (Fourth) and
3 (Third). Move the lever into
2 (Second) or 6 (Sixth) and do not
let the shift lever move in the
direction of the pulling, or it could
shift from 1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) or
from 7 (Seventh) to 4 (Fourth).
If the vehicle is not upshifted as the
engine speed approaches fuel
shutoff rpm, the engine speed will
be limited to protect the engine. See
Tachometer
0106.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission have Active Rev Match
(ARM). ARM aids in smoother
shifting by matching the engine
speed to the next selected gear. By
monitoring shift lever and clutch
operation, ARM adjusts engine
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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198 Driving and Operating
Driver Mode Control
The Driver Mode Selector knob is
on the console behind the shift
lever.
There are five modes for different
driving conditions: Weather, Eco,
Tour, Sport, and Track.The outer ring turns to change the
modes, which display in the
instrument cluster.
Press the button in the center of the
knob for StabiliTrak and Traction
Control System (TCS), or if the
vehicle is in Track Mode with
Performance Traction Management
(PTM). See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0196 or
the information on PTM in
Competitive Driving Mode 0201.
When PTM is active, the outer ring
will change the PTM mode and the
Driver mode will display in the
instrument cluster. Each mode is configured for use in
different driving conditions. Use:
.
Weather Mode for rain
and snow.
. Eco Mode to improve fuel
economy.
. Tour Mode for comfortable
normal driving.
. Sport Mode for spirited on road
driving.
. Track Mode for track use.