CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010 6.G Owners Manual

Launch Control
A Launch Control feature is available, within
Competitive Driving Mode (except ZR1) or Performance
Traction Management (ZR1), on vehicles with a manual
transmission to allow the driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is
a form of traction control that manages tire spin while
launching the vehicle. This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events where consistent
zero to sixty and quarter mile times are desirable.
Launch Control is only available when the following
criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is selected (except ZR1)
or any of the Performance Traction Management
modes are selected (ZR1). The TCS light comes
on the instrument panel and the appropriate
DIC message displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing straight.
.The clutch is pressed and the vehicle is in
first gear.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly applied to wide
open throttle. The Launch Control feature will initially limit engine
speed as the driver rapidly applies the accelerator pedal
to wide open throttle. A smooth, quick release of the
clutch, while maintaining the fully pressed accelerator
pedal, will manage wheel slip. Complete shifts as
described in
Manual Transmission Operation
on
page 3‑32.
After the vehicle is launched, the system continues in
Competitive Mode (except ZR1) or Performance
Traction Management (ZR1).
Competitive Driving Mode, Performance Traction
Management, and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race track and not
intended for use on public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of driver experience or
familiarity with the race track.
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Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction is
low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control system called
Magnetic Selective Ride Control. The system provides
the following performance benefits:
.Reduced Impact Harshness
.Improved Road Isolation
.Improved High-Speed Stability
.Improved Handling Response
.Better Control of Body Ride Motions
Except ZR1
This knob is located on
the center console. Turn it
to select the suspension
of your choice.
TOUR : Use for normal city and highway driving.
This setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT : Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to the road conditions.
The setting can be changed at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and the vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best
handling while providing a smooth ride. The Tour and
Sport modes will feel similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving conditions change.
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Three Driver Information Center (DIC) messages
(SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 KM/H) display
when a malfunction occurs with the Selective Ride
Control system . Refer to DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for more information.
ZR1
This knob is located on
the center console. Turn it
to select the suspension
of your choice. The knob
will return to the center
position when released.
The switch will illuminate
the current suspension
setting.
TOUR : Use for normal city and highway driving.
This setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT : Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to the road conditions. The setting can be changed at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and the vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best
handling while providing a smooth ride. The Tour and
Sport modes will feel similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving conditions change.
The Selective Ride knob will not display the
Tour or Sport setting when the Performance Traction
Management mode is selected. When this mode is
selected, turning the Selective Ride knob will change
the Performance Traction Management mode and the
suspension setting will be determined automatically.
See
Competitive Driving Mode
on page 5‑9for
more information.
Three Driver Information Center (DIC) messages
(SERVICE RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS INOPERATIVE
and MAXIMUM SPEED 80 MPH (129 KM/H) display
when a malfunction occurs with the Selective Ride
Control system . Refer to DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑52for more information.
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Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist
Steering System
This system continuously adjusts the effort felt when
steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease when
parking, yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight. Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking
—if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time because
there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action —steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking
on
page 5‑4. It is better to remove as much speed as
possible from a collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the
space available.
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An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, it can be
turned a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that the vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches),
about one-eighth turn, until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
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Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
.Look down the road, to the sides, and to
crossroads for situations that might affect a
successful pass. If in doubt, wait.
.Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double‐solid line on your
side of the lane.
.Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
.Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
.When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems —brakes,
steering, and acceleration —do not have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the
driver has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and
by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid,
too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid. If the traction control system
is off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
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If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best 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. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. 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.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the
braking skid.Racing or Other Competitive Driving
Racing or competitive driving may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty book before using the
vehicle for racing or other competitive driving.
Notice: If you use the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more oil
than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. For information on how to add
oil, see Engine Oil on page 6‑19.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Only: Be sure to check
the oil level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick.
Except Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport: Be sure to check
the oil level often during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near 1 L (1 quart)
above the upper mark that shows the proper
operating range on the engine oil dipstick. After the
competitive driving, remove excess oil so that the
level on the dipstick is not above the upper mark
that shows the proper operating range.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport Only: For racing or
competitive driving, it is recommended that the brake
fluid be replaced with a high performance brake fluid
that has a dry boiling point greater than 279°C (534°F).
5-19

After conversion to the high performance brake fluid,
follow the brake fluid service recommendations outlined
by the fluid manufacturer. Do not use silicone or
DOT‐5 brake fluids.
If the vehicle is a Z06, ZR1, or Grand Sport model, it
has greaseable outer ends on both of the rear toe‐links.
Under normal use, lubrication should be performed as
described in the maintenance schedule. See Scheduled
Maintenance
on page 7‑3and Recommended Fluids
and Lubricantson page 7‑10. If using the vehicle for
racing, lubrication should be performed at the end of
each racing day. See your dealer/retailer for lubrication
and make sure any needed repairs are made at once.
Proper procedures for performing these services can be
found in the service manual. See Service Publications
Ordering Information on page 8‑16.
If the vehicle is used for racing or other competitive
driving, the rear axle fluid temperatures may be higher
than would occur in normal driving. We recommend that
the rear axle fluid be drained and refilled with new fluid
after every 24 hours of racing or competitive driving.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑10for what fluid to use.
ZR1 Brake Burnish Procedure
Notice: These procedures are specific to the ZR1
with ceramic brake rotors. These procedures should
not be run on other Corvette models as damage
may result.
Notice: The new vehicle break‐in period should be
completed before performing the brake burnish
procedure or damage may occur to the powertrain/
engine. See New Vehicle Break-In on page 3‑21.
When performed as instructed, these procedures will
not damage the brakes. During the burnishing
procedure, the brake pads will smoke and produce an
odor. The braking force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure is complete, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
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Street High Performance Brake Burnishing
Procedure
Run this procedure in a safe manner and in compliance
with all local and state ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation. Run this procedure only on dry
pavement. 1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without activating traction control to a speed
of 97 kph (60 mph).
2. Use enough pedal force to completely stop the vehicle in 4 to 5 seconds. If ABS activates, braking
is too hard.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2, 50 times. This should take about 10 minutes.
4. After completing the 50 stops, cool the brakes by driving for 8 km (5 miles) at 97 kph (60 mph).
As with all high performance brake systems, some
amount of brake squeal is normal.
Racing/Track Brake Burnish Procedure
To prepare the ZR1 brake system for track events and
racing, the Street High Performance Brake Burnish as
described previously should be completed.
In addition to completing the Street High Performance
Brake Burnishing Procedure, the following additional
procedure needs to be completed to make the
ZR1 brake system ready for track events and racing.
This procedure should only be run on a track and only
on dry pavement.
Notice: 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. Drive a normal first lap and not too aggressive.
2. Laps 2 and 3 should be gradually driven faster and more aggressive, while allowing for reduced brake
output and increased stopping distance due to
brake fade.
3. Lap 4 as near to full speed, while allowing for reduced brake output and increased stopping
distance due to brake fade.
4. Laps 5 and 6 should be cool down laps
5. Lap 7 should be normal driving or an easy out lap.
5-21

Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired —by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
.Drive defensively.
.Do not drink and drive.
.Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
.Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light
up so much road ahead.
.Watch for animals.
.When tired, pull off the road.
.Do not wear sunglasses.
.Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
.Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean —inside and out.
.Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns
or curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and 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 of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or
flowing water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal
until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
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