brakes CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2020 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Instruments and Controls 105
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light
This light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. If it
does not come on, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn if there is a
problem.
If this light stays on or comes on
while driving there is a problem with
the Electric Parking Brake (EPB),
take the vehicle to a dealer as soon
as possible. In addition to the
parking brake, other safety functions
that utilize the EPB may also be
degraded. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeElectric Parking
Brake 0179.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the
system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may
also sound when the light comes on
steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but
the antilock brakes are not
functioning. If both the ABS and the brake
system warning light are on, the
vehicle's antilock brakes are not
functioning and there is a problem
with the regular brakes. See your
dealer for service.
See
Brake System Warning Light
0 104.Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/Stability Control
button.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Instruments and Controls 115
.Brakes
. Steering
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Front Lift System
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. BatteryEngine Power Messages
REDUCED ACCELERATION
DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when the
vehicle propulsion power is
reduced. A reduction in propulsion
power can affect the vehicle's ability
to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your
destination. Under certain
conditions, the performance may be
reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the ignition has been
off for two minutes.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/
H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal, brakes,
suspension, Teen Driver (if
equipped), or tires.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 145
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Track Events and Competitive Driving (Z51 Only) . . . . . . . . . . 150
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 156
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 157
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 159
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 163
Front Air Dam (and Splitter) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . 164
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Active Fuel Management . . . . . 169
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Dual Clutch Transmission
Dual Clutch Transmission . . . . 171
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . 179
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 179
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 181
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Hill Rollback Control . . . . . . . . . . 184
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 184 Front Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . 192
Limited-Slip Differential
(without Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Limited-Slip Differential
(with Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 199
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 200
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . 204
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 205
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
148 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious—or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time. Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops or a brake
fault occurs, the brakes may lose
power assist. More effort will be
required to stop the vehicle. It may
take longer to stop.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering
system, do not drive over curbs,
parking barriers, or similar objects (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
at speeds greater than 3 km/h
(1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane
dividers and speed bumps.
Damage caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
150 Driving and Operating
1. Ease off the accelerator andthen, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin. Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.
Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. 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.
. Try 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.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
(Z51 Only)
Vehicles without Z51 package
should not be used for track events
and competitive driving.
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and
qualified drivers and should not
be used on public roads.
High-speed driving, aggressive
cornering, hard braking, and other
high-performance driving can be
dangerous. Improper driver inputs
for the conditions may result in (Continued)

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
152 Driving and Operating
Caution
Some high octane fuels contain
additives and compounds that
may damage the vehicle and void
the vehicle warranty. See
Prohibited Fuels0205.
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
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified high performance brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point >310 °C
(590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or
unknown, replace the brake fluid
before track events and competitive
driving. Do not use silicone or
DOT-5 brake fluids.
Check the fluid level before each
competitive driving event.
Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system monitors the performance of
the brake system. If the system
detects brake fade, or if the brake
fluid is near the boiling point, the
driver will be alerted. 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.
Stage 1 :
The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Reduce
Braking to Avoid Overheating”
message and brake pedal effort and
travel is increased. When the
message displays, the driver should
decrease brake pedal pressure.
Stage 2 : The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Brakes
Overheated Service Now” message
that the brake fluid temperature is
excessive and is about to boil. The
system increases brake pedal effort
and travel, and will also limit vehicle
speed. The driver should
immediately start a cool down lap if
on the track. If this message
displays, take the vehicle to be
serviced at your dealer.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 153
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake
system can result in brake
damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage
may occur to the powertrain/
engine. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In 0163.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed
as instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor
contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure
should only be run on vehicles with
the J55 Z51 factory equipped brake
system. 1. Apply the brakes 25 times
starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application.
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped
if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications. Depending on
conditions, some increase in
brake pedal travel and brake
pedal force may be
experienced.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
154 Driving and Operating
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake
squeal is normal.
Alternative Closed Course Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure
should only be run on vehicles with
the J55 Z51 factory equipped brake
system.
This procedure should only be run
on a track and only on dry
pavement. 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. Start track lapping at lower speeds and lower braking
efforts for three minutes of driving. Allow for increased
braking distances due to
reduced brake output.
2. After Step 1, increase speed and braking effort for the next
six minutes of lapping,
gradually ending up at 90%
effort. Continue to allow for
increased braking distance due
to reduced brake output.
3. Cool the brakes by lapping with minimal light braking for six
minutes.
Brake Cooling Kit
Prior to any track event, high speed
driving event, or competitive driving,
the following should be completed:
. Ensure all brake cooling parts
are correctly and securely
installed.
. Install the rear lower control arm
cooling ducts per the instructions
included with the kit. After any
track event or competitive
driving, remove the rear lower
control arm cooling ducts. These
parts are for track use only. .
Inspect for and remove any
blockage in the ducts.
. Inspect and replace any duct
that has damage.
Passenger Side Front Shown,
Driver Side Front Similar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
Driving and Operating 157
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 the
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.
Caution
Driving through deep puddles or
standing water can cause water
to come in through the engine air
intake and damage the engine.
If deep puddles or standing water
cannot be avoided, proceed with
caution and do not exceed 8 km/h
(5 mph). Do not drive through
water that may come close to or
cover the vehicle’s underbody.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the 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. See Tires0245.
. 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12470550) - 2020 - CRC - 4/23/20
158 Driving and Operating
{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 0182. .
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) 0179.
. 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.
. Turn off cruise control.
. Turn on Weather Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0184.
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