2021 CHEVROLET CORVETTE checking oil

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Driving and Operating 181
{Warning
Some of the adjustments and procedures
specified in this section may require
specialized skill, training, and equipment.
Failure to perform these procedures
properly could cause malfunction,
potentially resulting in death, personal
injury, or damage to the vehicle or
property. Do not attempt to perform
these adjustments or procedures unless
properly qualified.
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. See Capacities 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 Oil0237.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil0237.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
238 Vehicle Care
.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.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it with a clean lint-free paper towel or a cloth.
Re-insert the dipstick and push it all the
way in until it stops.
4. Remove the dipstick again and read the level on the cross-hatched area. Re-insert
the dipstick and push it all the way in
until it stops.
5. Turn the engine off.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
240 Vehicle Care
4. Remove the engine oil filter and allowthe oil to drain.
5. Inspect the drain plug O-ring seal and replace if it is damaged. Reinstall the
drain plug into the oil pan and tighten it
to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
6. Replace the oil filter and tighten it three-quarters to one turn after the
gasket makes contact. See Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0302 for the correct
filter.
7. Remove the oil fill cap from the external engine oil tank.
Add oil to the oil tank through the
opening in the fill tube. See Capacities
and Specifications 0305.
8. Install the oil fill cap and insert the dipstick, if removed.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury and/or
engine damage, always install the engine
oil dipstick and oil fill cap until fully
seated to a stop. If not fully seated, oil
could escape on to hot exhaust parts and
cause a fire. 9. Start the engine and check the oil level
as described under "Checking the Engine
Oil." previously in this section.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and the
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0301.
Specification
Use engine oils that meet the dexos2
specification.
Engine oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos2 specification are
marked with the dexos2 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
GM recommends Mobil 1 engine oils that
show the dexos2 approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-40 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” previously in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos2
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
242 Vehicle Care
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a
special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
the dealer. Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found
in the service manual. To purchase a service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0315.
Caution
Use of the incorrect transmission fluid
may damage the vehicle, and the
damage may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the correct
transmission fluid. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
Change the fluid and filter at the proper
intervals. See Maintenance Schedule 0293.
Be sure to use the correct fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0301.
Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid Life
System
When to Change the Dual Clutch
Transmission Fluid
This vehicle has a computer that indicates
when to change the transmission fluid. This
is based on a combination of factors which
include temperature and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
a fluid change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the fluid life system to
work properly, the system must be reset
every time the fluid is changed. When the
system has calculated that fluid life has
been diminished, it indicates that a fluid
change is necessary. A CHANGE
TRANSMISSION FLUID SOON message comes
on. Change the fluid as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi). Failure
to change transmission fluid at required
intervals could lead to suboptimal
transmission performance. 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.
How to Reset the Dual Clutch
Transmission Fluid Life System
Reset the system whenever the transmission
fluid is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next transmission fluid change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select the Oil & Fluid Life page under the Maintenance DIC menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 092.
3. Press the thumbwheel under the Oil & Fluid Life page to move to the Reset/
Disable display area. Select Reset
Transmission Fluid with the thumbwheel
scroll then press the thumbwheel. Then
press Yes to confirm the reset.
4. When the Transmission Fluid Life System is successfully reset, 100% Transmission
Fluid Life will be displayed.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
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.