2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 coolant level

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
2 Introduction
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about the
vehicle, use the Index in the back of the
manual. It is an alphabetical list of what is
in the manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle labels
and in this manual describe hazards and
what to do to avoid or reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a high
level of risk which will result in serious
injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that could
result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that could
result in property or vehicle damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a safety
symbol which means“Do not,” “Do not do
this,” or“Do not let this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and labels that
use symbols instead of text. Symbols are
shown along with the text describing the
operation or information relating to a
specific component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:Shown when the owner’s manual has
additional instructions or information.
*: Shown when the service manual has
additional instructions or information.
0: Shown when there is more information
on another page — “see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may
be found on the vehicle and what they
mean. See the features in this manual for
information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
z: Carbon Monoxide
9:Dispose of Used Components Properly
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure Water
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child Restraints

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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180 Driving and Operating
Be sure to follow all service procedures
before driving the vehicle at track events or
competitively.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads, tighten
the wheel nuts with a torque wrench to
the proper torque specification. Wheel
nuts that are improperly or incorrectly
tightened can cause the wheels to
become loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. SeeCapacities and Specifications
0 305 for wheel nut torque specifications.
If equipped, the front license plate bracket
should be removed and replaced with the
aero cover for track use.
Engine Sound Management Setting Caution
Do not place the vehicle in Engine Sound
Management–Stealth mode. Damage
could result to exhaust valve actuators.
Engine Oil
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track events and
competitive driving, the engine may use
more oil than it would with normal use.
Low oil levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and maintain
the proper level. See Engine Oil0238.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0238.
Engine Cooling
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.
Fuel
Unleaded gasoline, rated at 93 octane or
higher, is required.
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain additives
and compounds that may damage the
vehicle and void the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels 0226.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid
The transmission fluid and external filter
should be changed after every 24 hours of
track usage. If prompted by the transmission
fluid life monitor that remaining fluid life is
low, the fluid and external filter should be
changed as soon as possible.
Add an additional 2 L (2 qt) of DCT
transmission fluid prior to track usage. It is
not required to remove the additional 2 L
(2 qt) of DCT fluid.
Any transmission level set or change should
be performed at your dealer.
Brakes
Battery Disconnect
Disconnect the battery before servicing the
hydraulic brake system. It is critical to
disconnect the battery before bleeding the
system, replacing the pads, or any other
work. The battery must be disconnected to

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
238 Vehicle Care
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). SeeCooling System 0245.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter (Under Access Panel). See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 243.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0245.
4. Dry Sump Engine Oil Tank and Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0238.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0238.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, pay careful attention to engine oil.
Follow these important steps:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” later in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” later in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0241.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking the Engine Oil
1. Engine Oil Dipstick
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be parked on a level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0235 for the
location.
The vehicle has a racetrack-ready dry sump
engine lubrication system. This high
performance system operates differently
than a standard engine lubrication system
and requires a special procedure when
checking the engine oil level. Follow this
procedure closely. The engine oil level must be checked when
the engine is warm. Cold oil level in the dry
sump tank may not indicate the actual
amount of oil in the system. Engine oil is
contained in an external tank, separate from
the engine. Under normal operating
conditions, the oil pan under the engine
does not store any oil. If the vehicle has
been parked for an extended period without
the engine being started, some oil will seep
back into the oil pan. This will reduce the
amount of oil held in the dry sump tank
and there could be no engine oil on the
dipstick. This is normal since the dipstick is
designed to read the engine oil level only
after the engine has run long enough to
reach normal operating temperature. Do not
add engine oil based on cold engine dipstick
readings. The engine oil level on the dipstick
must be checked while the engine is running
at idle.
To check the engine oil:
1. Turn the engine on and let it warm up to at least 80 °C (175 °F).
2. Once the engine is warm, check the oil while the engine is running at idle.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
246 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a mixture of 40% DEX-COOL coolant and
60% clean, drinkable water. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −28 °C
(−18 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
If ambient temperatures are anticipated
below
−28 °C (−18 °F), make sure a proper
mixture ratio of 50% DEX-COOL coolant and
50% clean, drinkable water is used.
Checking Coolant
Be sure the cooling system is cool and that
the vehicle is on a level surface.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. If coolant
is visible but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill line, add a mixture of
40% DEX-COOL coolant and 60% clean,
drinkable water at the coolant recovery
tank, but be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine Overheating
0 248. The surge tank is in the engine
compartment. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0235.
When the engine is cold, the coolant level
should be at the COLD FILL indicator in the
coolant surge tank.
When the engine is hot, the level could be
higher than the COLD FILL indicator. If the
coolant is below the COLD FILL indicator
when the engine is hot, there could be a
leak in the cooling system.
If the coolant is low, add the coolant or take
the vehicle to your dealer for service.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Vehicle Care 247
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure 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 coolant is needed, be sure the cooling
system is cool, then add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture directly to the
surge tank. 1. Open the Hatch/Trunk. See Hatch (Trunk)
0 19.
2. When the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap and
engine, is no longer hot, remove the
pressure cap.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one-quarter turn
and then stop.
If a hiss is heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
3. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
4. Fill the coolant surge tank with theproper mixture until the level inside
stabilizes at the COLD FILL indicator in
the surge tank.
5. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine and let it run until
the engine is hot.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level stabilizes at the COLD FILL
indicator in the coolant surge tank.
6. Replace the pressure cap tightly.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
248 Vehicle Care
7. Verify coolant level after the engine isshut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 3−7.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of
engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant temperature
gauge on the instrument cluster. See Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge 083. The
vehicle may also display a message on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the hatch
but to get service help right away, see
Roadside Assistance Program 0311.
If the decision is made to lift the hatch,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface. Then check to see if the engine cooling fans
are running. There are two cooling fans
located in the front (one at each corner) and
two cooling fans in the rear (one on each
side of the engine). If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be running.
If they are 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 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
Water from rain and car washes could enter
the engine compartment and contact hot
surfaces. If steam is coming from the engine
compartment 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 too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
294 Service and Maintenance
transmission performance. The transmission
fluid must be changed at least every three
years and the Fluid Life System must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will change the fluid and
reset the system. If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the fluid must be changed at
72 000 km (45,000 mi) since the last fluid
change. SeeDual Clutch Transmission Fluid
Life System 0242.
Air Conditioning Desiccant (Replace Every
Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This service
requires replacement of the desiccant to
help the longevity and efficient operation of
the air conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Required Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0238 and
Engine Oil Life System 0241.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air filter
and reset the engine air filter life system.
See Engine Air Filter Life System 0242.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0245.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0249.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0267.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 272.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 283.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0283.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and driveshafts
for excessive wear, lubricant leaks, and/or
damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots, loose or missing boot clamps, center bearing
excessive looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check
051.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0283.
.Check parking brake and dual clutch
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 252.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0253.