
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 149
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the maximum rotation and
is held at that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Dynamic Rack Travel
If equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control, Dynamic Rack Travel
(DRT) is a steering system feature
which enhances driving by providing
additional maximum steering wheel
rotation to allow a tighter turning
radius during low speed driving
conditions. If the vehicle speedincreases or if the suspension
encounters significant wheel travel,
such as a driveway, while at
maximum steering rotation, DRT
may gently push the steering back a
small amount to prevent the front
tires from contacting the vehicle.
This is normal operation. There is
no customer interface or display for
this feature. DRT is not available
when in Track Mode.
Curve Tips
.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable and
steady speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.
There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking. .
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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150 Driving and Operating
1. Ease off the accelerator andthen, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight 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
(Z51 Only)
Vehicles without Z51 package
should not be used for 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 (Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 153
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.
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 0163.
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
This brake burnish procedure
should only be run on vehicles with
the J55 Z51 factory equipped brake
system. 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. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 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
applications. Depending on
conditions, some increase in
brake pedal travel and brake
pedal force may be
experienced.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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154 Driving and Operating
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from100 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.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake
squeal is normal.
Alternative Closed Course Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure
should only be run on vehicles with
the J55 Z51 factory equipped brake
system.
This procedure should only be run
on a track and only on dry
pavement. Brake pedal fade will
occur during this track burnish
procedure and can cause brake
pedal travel and force to increase.
This could extend stopping distance
until the brakes are fully burnished. 1. Start track lapping at lower speeds and lower braking
efforts for three minutes of driving. Allow for increased
braking distances due to
reduced brake output.
2. After Step 1, increase speed and braking effort for the next
six minutes of lapping,
gradually ending up at 90%
effort. Continue to allow for
increased braking distance due
to reduced brake output.
3. Cool the brakes by lapping with minimal light braking for six
minutes.
Brake Cooling Kit
Prior to any track event, high speed
driving event, or competitive driving,
the following should be completed:
. Ensure all brake cooling parts
are correctly and securely
installed.
. Install the rear lower control arm
cooling ducts per the instructions
included with the kit. After any
track event or competitive
driving, remove the rear lower
control arm cooling ducts. These
parts are for track use only. .
Inspect for and remove any
blockage in the ducts.
. Inspect and replace any duct
that has damage.
Passenger Side Front Shown,
Driver Side Front Similar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector

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Driving and Operating 155
Passenger Side Rear Shown,Driver Side Rear Similar
3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct
4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Shock Spring Seat Adjustment
The front shocks, on vehicles
without hydraulic front lift and rear
shocks, have threaded spring seats
that allow adjustment of the preload
on the coil springs. The vehicle
corner weights can be adjusted for track use. If the vehicle trim height
is modified, it should be returned to
normal trim height before street use.
The spring seat can be adjusted
approximately 20 mm (0.8 in) up or
down from the nominal position.
Each complete turn of the spring
seat will change the vehicle height
approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in).
When adjusting the seat to the
upper limit, lift the dust boot and
ensure the seat does not thread off
the center support tube (stop
adjustment when threads no longer
visible). When adjusting the seat to
the lower limit, leave approximately
10 mm (0.4 in) of thread visible for
the lower lock nut to have full thread
engagement.
To adjust the lower spring seat:
1. Raise the vehicle so the tires are completely off the ground.
Front Shown, Rear Similar
2. Loosen the lower spring seat lock nut (2).
3. Thread the lower spring seat lock nut (2) downward off of the
threads to its resting location
on the shoulder of the center
support tube.
4. While holding the center support tube holes, turn the
spring seat (1) upward to
increase spring preload,
or downward to decrease
spring preload.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
156 Driving and Operating
5. Thread the lower lock nut (2)back on to the center support
tube and torque it against the
spring seat (1) to 25 Y
(18.4 lb ft).
Load Limit
Limit vehicle load to the driver only,
with no other cargo. Inflate the front
tires to 159 kPa (23 psi) and the rear
tires to 165 kPa (24 psi). Drive at a
maximum speed of 296 km/h
(184 mph).
Road Course target hot pressures of
220–240 kPa (32–35 psi). Value will
vary based on driving style, track,
temperature, and weather
conditions.
Wheel Alignment
Caution
Using these wheel alignment
settings may cause excessive tire
wear. Only use these wheel
alignment settings for racing or (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
competitive driving. Excessive tire
wear is not covered under the
vehicle warranty.
The racing and competitive driving
wheel alignment settings should be
set as described here.
To achieve the track alignment
specified settings: 1. The upper control arm to body washers on all four corners will
need to be moved from
between the body and the
control arm and relocated
between the head of the bolt
and the control arm.
2. Adjust the lower control arm cam bolt position to achieve
the following specifications.
Front (per corner)
. Caster: +8.0 degrees
. Camber: -3.0 degrees
. Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in Rear (per corner)
.
Caster: 0 degrees
. Camber: -2.5 degrees
. Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in
. Thrust Angle: 0 degrees
After track use, reinstall washers
between the body and the control
arms. Reset to factory alignment
settings.
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.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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158 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering assist. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line. .
Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0182. .
The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0179.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
. Turn on Weather Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0184.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 159
Assistance. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0306. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0170.
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
0 182.
{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).