2019 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Performance

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
246 Vehicle Care
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.
To remove the aero panel and
bracket:
Stingray Shown, Grand Sport, Z06,and ZR1 Similar
1. Press up on the two indents at the bottom and lift the aero
panel off the bracket.2. Unscrew the two fasteners thatsecure 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Vehicle Care 247
Cooling System
(Intercooler on LT4 and
LT5 Engines)
Engine performance can be greatly
reduced when the intercooler
system is not completely full. If there
is a decrease in engine
performance, or if the intercooler
system has experienced a loss of
coolant, see your dealer.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 0110.
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 0334. 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
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment with no
Overheat Warning
The hood vent opening, if equipped,
will allow water from rain and car
washes to enter the engine
compartment and contact hot
surfaces. If steam is coming from
the hood vent opening with no
accompanying overheat warning, no
service is needed.
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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Vehicle Care 249
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
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.
If equipped with high performance
brake linings, there could be an
increased build-up of brake dust as
well as minor noises as compared
to standard brake linings.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Wear (ZR1, Z06, and Grand
Sport with J57 Ceramic Brakes)
This vehicle does not have built-in
brake pad wear indicators. Periodic
visual inspection is required to
determine when to replace the
brake pads.
The ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport
Coupe with J57 models also have
an electronic brake pad wear sensor
system. When pads are worn, the
CHANGE BRAKE PADS message
displays in the Driver Information
Center. Some driving conditions or
climates can cause a brake squeal
when the brakes are first applied or

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
250 Vehicle Care
lightly applied. Brake linings should
always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Rotor Wear
ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport models
may have ceramic brake rotors.
Rotors should be visually inspected
whenever the brake pads are
replaced. Rotors also need to be
weighed before brake pads are
replaced to confirm that the rotor
mass is greater than the wear-out
mass printed on then rotor. The
rotor can be reused if the weight of
the rotor is above the mass limit.
Rotor inspection and weighing
methods can be found in the service
manual.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Cold Weather Brake Operation
High performance brake
components may bind and clunk
when moving the vehicle. This may
be noticeable after parking when the
brakes have been wet, such as
when driving in the rain or after a
car wash. This is normal for brakes
with high friction pads and does not
affect the operation of the brakes.
Apply the brakes several times until
the binding or clunking stops. Drive
the vehicle and apply the brakes
several times if it is washed before
long-term storage.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0225 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or
Neutral with the parking brake
applied if equipped with a manual
transmission. On a level surface,
the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and
maximum marks on the brake fluid
reservoir.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Vehicle Care 267
Warning (Continued)
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) when
the low tire warning light is
displayed. Drive cautiously and
check the tire pressures as soon
as possible.
Run-flat tires can be driven on with
no air pressure. There is no need to
stop on the side of the road to
change the tire. Continue driving;
however, do not drive too far or too
fast. Driving on the tire may not be
possible if there is permanent
damage. To prevent permanent
damage, the tire can be driven with
no air pressure for up to 80 km
(50 mi) at speeds slower than
80 km/h (50 mph). As soon as
possible, contact the nearest
authorized GM or run-flat servicing
facility for inspection and repair or
replacement.
When driving on a deflated run-flat
tire, avoid potholes and other road
hazards that could damage the tire
and/or wheel beyond repair. When a tire has been damaged, or if driven
any distance while deflated, check
with an authorized run-flat tire
service center to determine whether
the tire can be repaired or should be
replaced. To maintain the run-flat
feature, all replacement tires must
be run-flat tires.
To locate the nearest GM or run-flat
servicing facility, call Customer
Assistance.
The valve stems on run-flat tires
have sensors that are part of the
TPMS. See
Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0275. These sensors
contain batteries that are designed
to last for 10 years under normal
driving conditions. See your dealer
for wheel or sensor replacement.
Caution
Using liquid sealants can damage
the tire valves and tire pressure
monitor sensors in the run-flat
tires. This damage is not covered
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
use liquid sealants in run-flat
tires.
Low-Profile Tires
Low-Profile Performance Tires
The original equipment tires on
this vehicle are classified as
low-profile performance tires.
These tires are designed for
very responsive driving on wet
or dry pavement; however, they
may produce more road noise
and tend to wear faster.
Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact (Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
268 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
with road hazards like potholes,
or sharp edged objects, or when
sliding into a curb. The warranty
does not cover this type of
damage. Keep tires set to the
correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.
Competition Oriented
Tires
This vehicle may come with P285/
30ZR19 and P335/25ZR20 Michelin
PS CUP2 competition oriented tires
that are DOT approved for street
use. Competition oriented tires use
a special tread pattern and
compound that provide more grip
than normal road tires. The
minimum tread depth will be
reached earlier than typical tires,
resulting in reduced tire life. This
special tread pattern and compound
will have decreased performance incold climates, heavy rain, and
standing water. It is recommended
that winter tires be installed on the
vehicle when driving at
temperatures below approximately
10 °C (50 °F) or on ice or snow
covered roads. See
Winter Tires
0 266.
{Warning
Driving on wet roads, in heavy
rain, or through standing water
with competition oriented tires
may cause hydroplaning and loss
of control. Use extreme caution
and drive slowly on wet roads.
{Warning
Driving with competition oriented
tires on snow, ice, or cold road
surfaces can cause loss of control
or a crash. Competition oriented
tires are summer season tires and
are not intended to be driven on
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
snow, ice, or road surfaces below
10 °C (50 °F). Do not drive a
vehicle with competition oriented
tires in these conditions.
Caution
Competition oriented tires have
rubber compounds that lose
flexibility and may develop
surface cracks in the tread area
at temperatures below −7 °C (20 °
F). Always store competition
oriented tires indoors and at
temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F)
when not in use. If the tires have
been subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or
less, let them warm up in a
heated space to at least 10 °C
(50 °F) for 24 hours or more
before being installed or driving a
vehicle on which they are
installed. Do not apply heat or
(Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Vehicle Care 269
Caution (Continued)
blow heated air directly on the
tires. Always inspect tires before
use. SeeTire Inspection 0278.
Summer Tires
High Performance Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with high
performance summer tires. These
tires have a special tread and
compound that are optimized for
maximum dry and wet road
performance. This special tread and
compound will have decreased
performance in cold climates, and
on ice and snow. It is recommended
that winter tires be installed on the
vehicle if frequent driving at
temperatures below approximately
5 °C (40 °F) or on ice or snow
covered roads is expected. See
Winter Tires 0266.
Caution
High performance summer tires
have rubber compounds that lose
flexibility and may develop
surface cracks in the tread area
at temperatures below −7 °C
(20 °F). Always store high
performance summer tires
indoors and at temperatures
above −7 °C (20 °F) when not in
use. If the tires have been
subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or less,
let them warm up in a heated
space to at least 5 °C (40 °F) for
24 hours or more before being
installed or driving a vehicle on
which they are installed. Do not
apply heat or blow heated air
directly on the tires. Always
inspect tires before use. See Tire
Inspection 0278.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
examples show a typical
passenger tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size” illustration later in this
section for more detail.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
270 Vehicle Care
(2) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original
equipment tires designed to
GM's specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or
exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the
tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of
Manufacture
:The last four
digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two
digits represent the week
(01-52) and the last two digits,
the year. For example, the third week of the year 2010 would
have a four-digit DOT date
of 0310.
(4) Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT code are the
Tire Identification Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information
see Uniform Tire Quality
Grading 0282. (7) Maximum Cold Inflation
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following is an example of a
typical passenger vehicle
tire size.
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.