2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE maintenance

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Vehicle Care 243
When to Change Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset Engine Air Filter Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine air
filter is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Air Filter Life under the Maintenance DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 092.
3. Press the thumbwheel under the Air Filter Life page to move to the Reset/
Disable area. Select Reset Air Filter Life with the thumbwheel scroll and then
press the thumbwheel. Then press Yes to
confirm the reset.
4. When the Engine Air Filter Life System is successfully reset, 100% Air Filter Life will
be displayed.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview 0235 for
the location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
Caution
If water is sprayed and enters the engine
air cleaner/filter intake and housing, the
engine could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air cleaner/filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0293.
How to Inspect/Replace the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
air cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine air cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris. Do
not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the convenience net, if equipped.
2. Remove the four lift off bracket bolts (2)to remove the brackets (1).

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 245
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
Convertible
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
Coupe
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank with Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0301.
The fluid requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance Schedule 0293.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0248.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 Vehicle Care
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0305.
Brake linings should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Squeal and Brake Dust
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applies. This does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes.
Vehicles equipped with high performance
brake systems provide superior fade
resistance but will produce increased brake
squeal and brake dust on the wheels and
calipers as compared to standard brake
linings. This is normal. To help reduce squeal, the brake pads are
treated with an anti-squeal paste that may
need to be reapplied periodically as part of
normal vehicle maintenance. The anti-squeal
paste will dissipate over time. Also, the use
of wheel cleaners or power washers directly
on the brake calipers may remove the
anti-squeal paste from the brake pads.
It may be necessary to reapply the
anti-squeal paste if it is removed during
cleaning.
If brake squeal is excessive, the anti-squeal
paste should be reapplied. The anti-squeal
paste should always be reapplied whenever
the brake pads are removed or replaced. See
your dealer for service.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance canchange in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist system is
designed for use with the factory-installed
brake pads or GM-approved replacement
pads. If the brake pads on the vehicle need
to be replaced, use GM-approved brake pads.
If this is not done, the brake fade warning
system may not function properly.
High Performance Brake Lining Cold
Weather Performance
If equipped with high performance brake
components, binding or clunking may be
noticeable when first moving the vehicle
after parking in cold weather when the
brakes have been wet, such as when driving
in the rain or after a car wash. This is
normal for brakes with high friction linings
and does not affect the operation of the
brakes. Apply the brakes several times until
the binding or clunking stops. If the vehicle
is washed before long term storage, drive it
and apply the brakes several times to
thoroughly dry the brakes before storing.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 251
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Underhood Compartment Overview0234 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Caution
If too much brake fluid is added, the
brake fluid can spill and cause vehicle
damage, including damage to electrical
components and surfaces. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 088.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0293. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0301.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number on the
original battery label when a new battery is
needed. For battery replacement, see your
dealer.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear and cracking.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0302.
To replace the windshield wiper blade: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middle of thewiper blade where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end of
the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade. Allowing the wiper blade arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper blade arm to touch the
windshield. 5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade
replacement.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD system.
If the windshield needs to be replaced, be
sure to get one that is designed for HUD or
the HUD image may look out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly,
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an acoustic
windshield. If the windshield needs to be
replaced be sure to get an acoustic
windshield so you will continue to have the
benefits an acoustic windshield can provide.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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254 Vehicle Care
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0293.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should
need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is necessary,
see your dealer.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 269
High Speed Operation Inflation Pressures
Tire Size Cold Inflation Pressure kPa (psi)
245/35ZR19 260 kPa (38 psi)
305/30ZR20 260 kPa (38 psi)
Return the tires to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure when high-speed
driving has ended. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 189 and
Tire Pressure 0267.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflationhas not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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270 Vehicle Care
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0270.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0316.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 189.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be viewed.
For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) 092.
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 189, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0267.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 272, Tire Rotation 0272 and
Tires 0261.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light flashes for about one minute and then