brakes CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 2/10/21
Instruments and Controls 89
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 0205.
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 088.
Performance Shifting Light
If equipped, this light may display green
when Sport Mode is activated and certain
driving conditions are met. Sport Mode
detects when the vehicle is being driven in a
competitive manner, and adjusts the shifting
of the gears accordingly. See Driver Mode
Control 0208.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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98 Instruments and Controls
.Vehicle Security
.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
.Battery
Engine 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 isdriven. 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.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending on the
vehicle, some may not be available.
For System, Apps, and Personal features and
functions, see
Settings0154. To access the vehicle personalization menu:
1. Touch the Settings icon on the Home Page of the infotainment display.
2. Touch Vehicle to display a list of available options.
3. Touch to select the desired feature setting.
4. Touch
9orRto turn a feature off or on.
5. Touch
zto go to the top level of the
Settings menu.
The menu may contain the following:
Buckle to Drive
This feature can prevent shifting out of Park
when the driver, and if applicable the front
passenger, seat belt is not buckled. See
Buckle To Drive 046.
Touch Off or On.
Driver Mode Customization
Touch and the following may display:
.Z-Mode
.My Mode
.Visualization

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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162 Infotainment System
The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven–the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed detected.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Wide Open Throttle –the number of
times the accelerator pedal was pressed
nearly all the way down.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Automatic Braking, also called
Automatic Emergency Braking (if
equipped) –the number of times the
vehicle detected that a forward collision
was imminent and applied the brakes.
.Reverse Automatic Braking (if equipped) –
the number of times the vehicle detected
that a rearward collision was imminent
and applied the brakes.
.Traction Control –the number of times
the Traction Control System activated to
reduce wheel spin or loss of traction.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.Antilock Braking System Active –The
number of Antilock Brake System
activations.
.Tailgating Alerts –the number of times
the driver was alerted for following a
vehicle ahead too closely.
Report Card Data
Cumulative Data is saved for all trips until
the Report Card is reset or until the
maximum count is exceeded. If the
maximum count is exceeded for a Report
Card line item, that item will no longer be
updated in the Report Card until it is reset.
Each item will report a maximum of
1,000 counts. The distance driven will report
a maximum of 64,374 km (40,000 mi).
To delete Report Card data, do one of the
following:
.From the Report Card display, touch
Reset.
.Touch Clear All Teen Keys and PIN from
the Teen Driver menu. This will also
unregister any Teen Driver keys and
delete the PIN.
Forgotten PIN
See your dealer to reset the PIN.
Trademarks and License
Agreements
FCC Information
See Radio Frequency Statement 0316.
"Made for iPod," and "Made for iPhone,"
mean that an electronic accessory has been
designed to connect specifically to iPod or
iPhone, respectively, and has been certified
by the developer to meet Apple
performance standards. Apple is not
responsible for the operation of this device
or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards. Please note that the use of this

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176 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 177
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Track Events and Competitive Driving(Z51 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Front Air Dam (and Splitter) . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 195
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 197 Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 198
Dual Clutch Transmission
Dual Clutch Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 204
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Hill Rollback Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Front Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Limited-Slip Differential (Without Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Limited-Slip Differential (With Z51) . . . . . 218
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 228
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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178 Driving and Operating
Refer to the infotainment section for more
information on using that system and the
navigation system, if equipped, including
pairing and using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt. See
Seat Belts 045.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they may do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious—or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
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 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.

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180 Driving and Operating
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, 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
loss of control of the vehicle, which could
injure or kill you or others. Always drive
safely.
Participating in track events or other
competitive driving without following the
instructions provided may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty manual before
using the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. See Competitive Driving
Mode 0215.

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182 Driving and Operating
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
prevent the brake master cylinder from
pressurizing the hydraulic system during its
automated self diagnostic tests that can
possibly occur when a door is opened or the
remote key is present.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury and/or vehicle
damage, always disconnect the battery
before performing service work on the
hydraulic brake system. Bleeding the
brake system with the battery connected
can lead to excessive pressurization of
the system during automatic diagnostic
tests or diagnosis of a leak or air in the
braking system. A Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) may set and vehicle speed
may be limited.Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a qualified
high performance DOT 4 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 System Flushing & Bleeding
The J55 brake system requires specific
processes for bleeding and fluid flushing.
These can be found in the service manual.
Properly bleeding the brake system is
required for proper operation of the
hydraulic brake system.
Brake Leak Detection
The hydraulic braking system has advanced
diagnostic capability to help detect hydraulic
leaks, trapped air, and other performance
issues. These diagnostics are active when the hydraulic system is powered. In order to
avoid inadvertently setting a leak Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC), disconnect the battery
before servicing the brake system.
If the vehicle sets a DTC related to a brake
system leak, the Brake System Warning
Light will come on and vehicle speed may
be limited to 100 kph (62 mph). Any time a
leak DTC is set, the vehicle should be
inspected carefully for evidence of a leak
and should be repaired immediately. See
your dealer.
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

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Driving and Operating 183
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.
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. See
New Vehicle Break-In 0192.
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.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 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 applications.

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184 Driving and Operating
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 below also
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.
Removing the ducts helps prevent debris
from being channeled into the rear brakes
during regular use of the vehicle.
.Inspect for and remove any blockage in
the ducts.
.Inspect and replace any duct that has
damage.
Right Side Front Shown, Left Side Front
Similar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector

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186 Driving and Operating
Load Limit
Limit vehicle load to the driver only, with no
other cargo. Inflate the front tires to 159 kPa
(23 psi) and the rear tires to 165 kPa (24 psi).
Drive at a maximum speed of 296 km/h
(184 mph).
Road Course target hot pressures of 220–
240 kPa (32–35 psi). Value will vary based on
driving style, track, temperature, and
weather conditions.
Wheel AlignmentCaution
Using these wheel alignment settings
may cause excessive tire wear. Only use
these wheel alignment settings for racing
or competitive driving. Excessive tire wear
is not covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Caution
Do not use power tools when removing
or installing the fasteners. Damage to the
threads may occur. Use hand tools only,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and do not overtighten. Hand start the
fasteners to ensure that the threads do
not bind or cross thread.
The racing and competitive driving wheel
alignment settings should be set as
described here.
To achieve the track alignment specified
settings: 1. The upper control arm to body washers on all four corners will need to be
moved from between the body and the
control arm and relocated between the
head of the bolt and the control arm.
2. Adjust the lower control arm cam bolt position to achieve the following
specifications.
Front (per corner)
.Caster: +8.0 degrees
.Camber: -3.0 degrees
.Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in
Rear (per corner)
.Caster: 0 degrees
.Camber: -2.5 degrees
.Toe (total): 0.1 degrees toe in
.Thrust Angle: 0 degrees
After track use, reinstall washers between
the body and the control arms. Reset to
factory alignment settings. See your dealer.
Driving 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 the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other (Continued)