Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
In Brief 21
SeeUniversal Remote System
0 135.
Roof Panel
If equipped with a removable roof
panel, there are three release
handles. Two are at the front of the
roof panel and one is at the rear of
the roof panel. See “Removing the
Roof Panel” underRoof Panel 048.
Help may be needed to remove the
roof panel. Always store the roof
panel properly in the rear storage
compartment.
For more information:
. See “Storing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel 048.
. See “Installing the Roof Panel”
under Roof Panel 048.
Convertible
If equipped, the convertible top can
be automatically opened and
closed. For step-by-step
instructions, see Convertible Top
0 52.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started.
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) is a computer
controlled system that helps the
driver maintain directional control of
the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This is accomplished by
selectively applying any one of the
vehicle’s brakes. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is started.
.
To turn off TCS, press and
release
gon the center console.
iilluminates in the instrument
cluster. .
To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC, press and hold
g, until the Traction Off lightiand the StabiliTrak/ESC OFF
light
gilluminate in the
instrument cluster.
. Press and release
gagain to
turn on both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0198.
The vehicle has Driver Mode
Control and may have Competitive
Driving Mode.
See Driver Mode Control 0200 and
Competitive Driving Mode 0203.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Instruments and Controls 117
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning.If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 115.Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/Stability Control
button. This light and the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) OFF light come on
when ESC is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0198.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/Electronic Stability
Control Light
If equipped, the Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) or TCS indicator/
warning light comes on briefly when
the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
128 Instruments and Controls
.Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. Reduced propulsion power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, or tires.
Vehicle
Personalization
Use the audio system controls to
access the personalization menus
for customizing vehicle features.
The following are all possible
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
Infotainment System Audio
System Controls
To access the
personalization menu:
1. Touch SETTINGS on the Home Page on the infotainment
display.
2. Touch the desired feature to display a list of available
options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Press
oBACK on the center
stack or touch Back on the
infotainment display to return to
the previous menu.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 157
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 172
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 173
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 175
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 179
Front Air Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . 179
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Parking (Manual
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Active Fuel Management (Except ZR1/LT5) . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 187
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 192
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 195
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 197
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 200
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . 203
Limited-Slip Differential (Stingray without
Z51 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Limited-Slip Differential (ZR1, Z06, Grand Sport, and
Stingray with Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Driver Assistance Systems
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recommended Fuel (LT1 6.2LV8 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recommended Fuel (LT4 and LT5 6.2L Supercharged
V8 Engines) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 213
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 159
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts066.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you. .
Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 161
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.
Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide. Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and
qualified drivers and should not
be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive
cornering, hard braking, and other
high-performance driving can be
dangerous. Improper driver inputs
for the conditions may result in
loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Participating in track events or other
competitive driving without following
the instructions provided may affect
the vehicle warranty. See the
warranty manual before using the
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
Driving and Operating 165
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0321.
General Information
If reduced performance is
experienced during track events or
competitive driving, turning off the
A/C will help to improve engine
performance.
Maintain a mixture of 40%
DEX-COOL coolant and 60% clean,
drinkable water to optimize engine
performance.
The front license plate bracket or
aero panel should be removed for
track events and competitive driving
to improve engine performance.
Brakes
{Warning
Braking above 200 mph:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Applying and sustaining full force
braking at speeds exceeding
200 mph (322 km/h) can cause
serious damage to the braking
system. At any speed, braking
must be performed in a smooth
and controlled manner, but at
these speeds specifically, lower
initial brake pedal efforts are
recommended.
Brake Cooling
If additional brake cooling is
required, the grille mesh in the lower
corners of the front grille in front of
the brake duct can be removed.
This is not reversible, and a
replacement grille will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If this is done, it is recommended
that the gap between the fascia and
the cooling duct be taped over. Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified high performance brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point >310 °C
(590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or
unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive
driving. Do not use silicone or
DOT-5 brake fluids.
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake
system can result in brake
damage.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12032182) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
166 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage
may occur to the powertrain/
engine. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In 0179.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed
as instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor
contact. Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnishing Procedure (Z51
Performance Package, Grand
Sport with J56, and Z06 with J56)
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application.
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped
if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application, without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
stops. Repeat until the brake
pedal travel starts to increase. Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25
brake applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications.
Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure (Grand
Sport with J57, Z06 with J57,
and ZR1)
This procedure should only be run
on a track or other non-public area,
and only on dry pavement. 1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without
activating traction control to a
speed of 100 km/h (60 mph).