
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 171
{Warning
To prevent exhaust gases from
entering the vehicle and heat from
damaging the vehicle, the engine
cover and all fluid fill plugs must
be secured before closing the
tonneau cover (convertible only)
and operating the vehicle. Make
sure all bolts are torqued to GM
specifications.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park 0168 and
Engine Exhaust 0170.
Dual Clutch
Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a dual
clutch transmission that contains an
integrated rear differential. The dual
clutch transmission provides an
extremely connected feel due to the
direct connection between the
engine and gear box. This
arrangement provides very fast shift
times for maximum performance.
Automatic driving mode is selected
by pulling D on the transmission
range selection panel and provides
fully automatic shifting operation which can be further refined using
driver mode control. Upshifts may
be delayed regardless of mode
selection or ambient temperature
until the engine is warmed up.
Manual operation can also be
selected. See Manual Mode later in
this section.
This transmission is electronically
controlled. The shift switches are on
the center console. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift switch, while all others will
display in white. The indicator on
the shift switch may flash if the shift
is not immediate or if the gear is not
fully engaged. This may occur in
very cold conditions or when Double
Paddle Declutch is used.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/
ACCESSORY, the transmission can
be shifted into P (Park).
If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed
twice while at a relatively high
speed, the engine will turn off and
the transmission will automatically

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 177
For vehicles with an Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential(Without Z51)
Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 16 10 3rd 26 164th 37 23
5th 49 30
6th 63 39
7th 80 50
8th 97 60
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 113 704th 174 108
5th 245 152
6th 321 200
7th 400 249 Double Paddle Declutch
Double Paddle Declutch allows the
vehicle to temporarily disconnect
the engine from the wheels
–similar
to N (Neutral). This feature is
activated by pulling and holding
both the + paddle and −paddle at
the same time while the vehicle is in
R (Reverse), D (Drive), or M
(Manual Mode). The vehicle will
remain in this condition until both
the + paddle and −paddle are
released.
The R, D, or M indicator on the
center shift console will flash red to
indicate that the vehicle is in Double
Paddle Declutch. In addition, the
current gear state indicator in the
DIC may dim to gray to indicate that
the vehicle is in Double Paddle
Declutch.
To exit Double Paddle Declutch,
release both the + paddle and −
paddle. The engine will reconnect to
the wheels and the shift indicator
will stop flashing. There are two
Double Paddle Declutch exit styles:

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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178 Driving and Operating
Rapid Exit :This is intended for
use at a closed course race track
and not on public roads. Engine
power is reapplied to the wheels
quickly to support spirited driving.
The rate of launch is dependent on
how much the accelerator pedal is
pressed when the paddles are
released: The further the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the greater the
rate of launch. Tire spin may occur
with the accelerator pedal pressed
and the Traction Control System
(TCS) turned off.
This launch occurs when both of
these conditions are met:
. Vehicle speed is below
10 km/h (6 mph).
. Both the + paddle and −paddle
are released at the same time.
With the accelerator fully pressed
and the engine at the rev limiter,
peak performance only occurs if the
paddles are released within a short
period of time after reaching the rev
limit (i.e., a few seconds). Standard Exit :
Engine power is
reapplied to the wheels gently to
support normal vehicle operation on
public roads.
This occurs when paddles are
released under any of the these
conditions:
. Vehicle speed is above
10 km/h (6 mph).
. The vehicle is in R (Reverse).
. The + paddle and −paddle are
not released at the same time.
If the vehicle was in Temporary
Manual Paddle Shift mode before
entering Double Paddle Declutch,
the vehicle will return to D (Drive)
with automatic shifting upon exiting
Double Paddle Declutch.
{Warning
When exiting Double Paddle
Declutch, the vehicle may move
rapidly. You could lose control
and cause a crash with nearby
people or objects. Be ready to (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
release the accelerator pedal or
apply the brakes immediately if
the vehicle moves too quickly. Do
not use the Double Paddle
Declutch when people or objects
are near.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 185
To activate Z-Mode, press the
Z-Mode button on the steering
wheel. To deactivate, the driver can
either select a different mode
through the DMC knob or press the
Z-Mode button on the steering
wheel. When Z-Mode is deactivated
through the Z-Mode button, DMC is
always set back to Tour Mode.
Mode Description
uWeather :Weather Mode is used
for slippery surfaces to help control
wheel speed. This can compromise
the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0159. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
sTour : Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a
smooth, soft ride. This setting
provides a balanced setting
between comfort and handling. This
is the standard mode. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
rSport : Use where road
conditions or personal preference
demand a more controlled
response. Used for spirited driving.
In this mode, the vehicle monitors
driving behaviors and automatically
enables Performance Shift Features
when spirited driving is detected. These features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit this feature and
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected. See
“Driver Mode
Attributes,” later in this section.
tTrack :Track Mode is used for
closed race tracks. Use when
maximum vehicle handling is
desired.
When in Track Mode, the dual
clutch transmission and steering will
function similar to Sport Mode. The
accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest
level of spirited driving. See “Driver
Mode Attributes,” later in this
section.
qMy Mode : My Mode is used to
personalize everyday driving. This
mode is designed to allow the driver
to configure vehicle sub-systems to
their own preference for city or
normal driving.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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190 Driving and Operating
‐Not upshifting when the
accelerator is released to
avoid unnecessary shifts if the
accelerator is re-applied
‐ Recognizing sporty driving and
anticipate upcoming corners
with the appropriate gear
selection entering and exiting
. Driver Modes
‐Driver influenced changes are
effective in all driving modes,
however the aggressiveness
of the transmission response
will increase between Tour,
Sport, and Track Modes
respectively.
Active Fuel Management (engine
cylinder shuts off)
. Normal with Dual Clutch
Transmission: The engine uses
8-cylinder mode when
accelerating, but changes to
4-cylinder mode when coasting.
Active Fuel Management is a preset
of Powertrain and cannot be
modified or changed independently. Engine Sound
Changes when the variable exhaust
valves open.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel
to reduced assist for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (if
equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness based on driving
conditions to improve comfort and
performance.
Driver Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify
the following vehicle settings base
on vehicle content. Through the
center stack, under Vehicle
Settings, select Drive Mode to
customize and personalize My
Mode and/or Z-Mode.
Engine Sound:
Engine Sound adjusts the volume of
engine noise. Setting range from
quietest to loudest volume as you
move from Stealth through Track..
Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track
Steering:
This setting adjusts the effort
required to turn the steering wheel.
The steering wheel offers better
feedback but requires more effort as
you move from Tour to Track.
. Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension:
This setting adjusts the firmness of
the suspension in the vehicle.
Suspension adjust stiffness of the
shocks and / or springs. The ride is
more comfortable at lower settings
and is stiffer at higher settings for
better control.
. Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain:
This setting adjusts the throttle
response, gear shifting and engine
performance. An increased throttle
response enhances the acceleration
feel as you move toward Track, but
with a comfort trade-off due to more
aggressive gear shifting.
. Normal, Tour, Sport, Track

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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194 Driving and Operating
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2.
PTM Mode 4 –Sport 2
. For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3.
PTM Mode 5 –Race
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
in other modes.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is off and
engine power is available for
maximum cornering speed. Press and releasegto turn off PTM
and return to the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC systems. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
Off light
gwill go out.
Launch Control (Sport and
Track Mode Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode or PTM, on all vehicles to
allow the driver to achieve high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a
straight line. Launch Control is a
form of TCS that manages tire spin,
and transmissions clutch, while
launching the vehicle. This feature
is intended for use during closed
course race events where
consistent zero to 60 and quarter
mile times are desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
. Competitive Driving Mode or any
of the PTM Modes are selected
(if equipped).
. The vehicle is not moving. .
The wheels and steering wheel
are pointing straight.
Launching the Vehicle
. Ensure the vehicle is in
Competitive Driving Mode or any
of the PTM modes.
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. While maintaining the brake
pedal, the accelerator pedal is
rapidly applied to wide open
throttle. (If the vehicle rolls due
to wide open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal
more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm’ s to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage tire slip and transmissions

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 195
clutch. After the vehicle is launched,
the system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or PTM.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before using
the launch control feature,
otherwise performance will be
limited and damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. SeeNew
Vehicle Break-In 0163.
Limited-Slip Differential
(without Z51)
The mechanical limited-slip
differential can give more traction on
snow, mud, ice, sand, or gravel.
It works like a standard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,
this feature allows the drive wheel
with the most traction to move the
vehicle. See
Competitive Driving
Mode 0192 and
Maintenance Schedule 0286.
Limited-Slip Differential
(with Z51)
The Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential (eLSD) is a hydraulically
actuated clutch system inside the
transaxle. It can infinitely vary the
clutch engagement between 0 and
2250 N*m (1659 lb-ft) of breakaway
torque between the rear wheels.
When necessary it responds from
open to full engagement in fractions
of a second. Smaller clutch
adjustments happen even faster.
The eLSD:
.
Uses the vehicle sensors and
driver inputs to determine the
optimum amount of clutch
engagement for the conditions. .
Improves traction while
cornering by changing the
engagement to achieve a
balance between directional
control and acceleration.
. Provides optimal engagement
for high-speed control and
stability without affecting precise
steering and turn-in.
. Improves vehicle stability during
spirited driving and evasive
maneuvers. It is fully integrated
with the Active Handling and
Performance Traction
Management (PTM) systems (if
equipped).
There are unique calibrations based
on the Traction Control System
(TCS) setting. eLSD modes change
automatically when the traction
control button is pressed. No unique
input from the driver is required.
. Mode 1 is the standard mode
when the vehicle is started.
It provides a touring calibration
with an emphasis on vehicle
stability. Mode 1 is also used in
PTM Wet mode.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 209
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 210
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 224
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 230
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Battery - North America . . . . . . 234
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 235
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 236
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 236
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 238
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 239
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 239
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 267Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267