Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
186 Driving and Operating
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires 0261.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.When driving downhill in D (Drive), the
vehicle may automatically downshift to
assist with speed control.
.A lower gear may also be selected to
provide further speed control.
{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 0205.
.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) 0203.
.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.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 187
.Turn off cruise control.
.Turn on Weather Mode. SeeDriver Mode
Control 0207.
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
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 311. 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 0196.
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
0 205.
{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,
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 191
During the first 800 km (500 mi), engine
torque will be limited in low gears.
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. This rule applies at all times, not
just during the break-in period.
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.
Front Air Dam (and Splitter)
If equipped, the front air dam and splitter
have minimal ground clearance.
Under normal operation, the components
will occasionally contact some road surfaces
(speed bumps, driveway ramps, etc.). This
can be heard inside the vehicle as a scraping
noise. This is normal and does not indicate a
problem.
Use care when approaching bumps or
objects on road surfaces and avoid them
when possible.
If equipped, the Front Lift System may be
used to increase front air dam or splitter
clearance. See Front Lift System 0213.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with parts
containing carbon fiber, sheet-molding
compound, or other composite materials.
Dealer-installed accessories may also contain
composite materials. These parts and
accessories may include the splitter or rocker
extensions.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts containing carbon
fiber and other composite materials can
be sharp. Contact with these parts could
result in injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts, including when
washing the vehicle. If the parts are
damaged, replace the parts promptly
with replacements from your dealer.
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break under
pressure, resulting in property damage or
injury. Do not stand on the rocker
extension or use it as a step.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 201
When in Manual Paddle Shift mode,
if upshifting does not occur when needed,
vehicle speed will be limited to protect the
engine. When in Temporary Manual Paddle
Shift mode, the transmission will
automatically upshift if the accelerator pedal
is pressed all the way to the floor.
Manual Paddle Shift can be used with cruise
control. SeeCruise Control 0218.
The vehicle speeds required for Manual
Paddle Shift upshifts depend on several
vehicle inputs, which will vary the allowed
upshift speed by a few km/h (mph).
To prevent damage to the powertrain,
Manual Paddle downshifts to a lower gear
cannot be done above certain speeds. For vehicles with an Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (Z51)
Upshift Allowed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
2nd 15 9 3rd 25 16
4th 36 22 5th 47 29
6th 60 37 7th 76 47
8th 92 57
Maximum Downshift Inhibit Speed (into gear) At Approximately
km/h mph
1st 30 19
2nd 63 39 3rd 104 65
4th 164 102 5th 232 144
6th 304 189 7th 380 236
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
206 Driving and Operating
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used when TCS
begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. Cruise control
may be reengaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control 0218.
If the driver disables TCS, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control will also be
disabled if Performance Traction
Management (PTM) is selected, or if
StabiliTrak is turned off.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0187 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated
.Flash when ABS is active
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
=comes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
=comes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
=comes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
The TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button is on the
center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
218 Driving and Operating
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the Traction Control System (TCS) begins
to limit wheel spin while you are using
cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0205.
When road conditions allow for using safely
again, cruise control can be turned back on. If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
Cruise control will disengage if either TCS or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
is turned off.
1:
Press to turn cruise control on or off.
A white indicator comes on in the
instrument cluster when cruise is turned on.
+RES : If there is a set speed in memory,
press briefly to resume to that speed or
press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control
is already engaged, use to increase vehicle
speed. SET–
:Press briefly to set the speed and
activate cruise control. If cruise control is
already engaged, use to decrease vehicle
speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 079. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Setting Cruise Control
If
1is on when not in use, SET– or +RES
could get pressed and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
1off when cruise is not
being used.
1. Press
1to turn the cruise system on.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET– on the steering
wheel.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 079.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 219
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more, briefly press +RES. The
vehicle returns to the previous set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold +RES until the desired
speed is reached, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
Do one of the following:
.Press and hold SET– until the desired
lower speed is reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press SET–. For each
press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower. Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise control, briefly pressing SET–
will
result in cruise set to the current vehicle
speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you may have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your speed.
When going downhill, you may have to
brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage.
Cruise Control in Manual Paddle Shift Gear
Selection
When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are not
being used, cruise control operates in the
same manner as D (Drive). When the vehicle is in M (Manual Mode)
and the manual paddle shift controls are
being used, cruise control operates as
follows:
.If cruise control is active and a gear is
selected with the manual paddle shift
controls, the vehicle speed is maintained
in the driver selected gear and will not
automatically upshift or downshift the
transmission while the driver’s gear
selection is active.
.If driving in hilly terrain, cruise control
may not be able to maintain vehicle
speed if an upshift or downshift is not
selected by the driver. While driving on
hilly terrain and cruise control is active
with a manual paddle shift gear selection,
the driver must select the proper gear for
the terrain or select D (Drive) on the
shifter for full automatic transmission
operation.
Ending Cruise Control
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.Press*.
.To turn off cruise control, press1.
Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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220 Driving and Operating
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
1is pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. See Defensive Driving 0177.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash.
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes. Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience”
underVehicle
Personalization 097.
Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.