CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2023 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16287457) - 2023 - CRC - 3/10/22
170 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 044.
.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
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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Driving and Operating 171
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle is equipped with an electric
power steering system, which reduces the
amount of effort needed to steer the
vehicle. It does not have power steering
fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
If the vehicle experiences a system
malfunction and loses power steering,
greater steering effort may be required.
Power steering assist also may be reduced if
you turn the steering wheel as far as it can
turn and hold it there with force for an
extended period of time.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Dynamic Rack Travel
Dynamic Rack Travel (DRT) is a steering
system feature of Magnetic Ride Control.
If equipped, this feature provides additional
maximum steering wheel rotation to allow
for tighter turns when driving a low speeds.
As the vehicle speed increases or if the
suspension encounters significant wheel
travel, such as a driveway, while at
maximum steering rotation, DRT may gently
push the steering back a small amount to
prevent the front tires from contacting the
vehicle. This is normal operation. There is no
customer interface or display for this
feature. DRT is not available when in
Track Mode.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable and steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around an obstacle may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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172 Driving and Operating
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
All Z06 models or Stingray models equipped
with Z51 performance package can be used
for track events and competitive driving. For
additional details on vehicle track
preparation, see Chevrolet.com > Corvette
Experience > Guides > Track Prep Guide.
{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

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Driving and Operating 173
using the vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving. SeeCompetitive Driving
Mode 0215.
{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. See New Vehicle Break-In
0 189.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
tightened can cause the wheels to
become loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. SeeCapacities and Specifications
0 315 for wheel nut torque specifications.
For Z06 vehicles only, remove the front
license plate and bracket (if installed) and
remove the front aero covers before track
use. See your dealer for complete procedure.
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 Oil (5.5L LT6
Engine) 0242 or
Engine Oil (6.2L LT2 Engine) 0245.
Check the oil level often during track events
and competitive driving. See “Checking the
Engine Oil" in Engine Oil (5.5L LT6 Engine)
0 242 or
Engine Oil (6.2L LT2 Engine) 0245.

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174 Driving and Operating
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 Fuels0227.
Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Fluid
The transmission fluid and external canister
filter should be changed after every 24 hours
of track use. Change the fluid and external
canister filter as soon as possible if
prompted by the transmission fluid life
monitor that remaining fluid life is low. Stingray
Add an additional 2 L (2 qt) of DCT
transmission fluid before track use. It is not
required to remove the additional 2 L (2 qt)
of DCT fluid after the track event.
Any transmission level set or change should
be performed at your dealer.
Z06
Additional transmission fluid is not required
for the Z06. The Z06 comes track ready
from the factory.
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
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 the system diagnosing 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.

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Driving and Operating 175
Brake System Flushing and Bleeding
The J55, J56, and J57 brake systems require
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. To avoid
inadvertently setting a leak 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 brake system performance. 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, a chime sounds and
brake pedal effort and travel is increased.
When the message displays, the driver
should back up braking points and reduce
brake usage in order to reduce brake
temperature. This will allow for continued
lapping with no speed limitations. Stage 2 :
The Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a “Brakes Overheated Service
Now” message, a chime sounds, and brake
pedal effort and travel is further increased.
This code indicates that the brake fluid
temperature is excessive and is about to
boil. The system limits vehicle speed to
100KPH/62MPH. The driver should
immediately start a cool down lap if on the
track. If this message displays, the vehicle
needs to be serviced. The brake system
needs to cool down, and the brake fluid
must be immediately flushed with DOT4 for
street use, or to a qualified DOT4 race fluid
for track use. Boiled brake fluid is
compromised and must be replaced.
Brake Burnishing
Caution
Performing the brake burnish procedure
on a base brake system can result in
brake damage.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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176 Driving and Operating
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-In0189.
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.
New brake pads must be burnished before
racing or other competitive driving.
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 for J55 (Stingray
with Z51) and J56 (Z06 Standard) Brakes
This brake burnish procedure should only be
performed on vehicles with the Z06 with
J56, or Z51 with J55 factory equipped brake
systems.
1. Using the friction bubble in the Cluster Performance menu, apply the brakes 25
times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. See Instrument Cluster 079. 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.
As with all high performance brake systems,
some amount of brake squeal is normal.
Brake Burnishing Procedure for Z06 with
Available J57 Carbon Ceramic Brakes
This brake burnish procedure should only be
run on Z06 vehicles with J57 factory
equipped brake systems.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances regarding motor vehicle
operation. 1. Using the friction bubble in the Cluster Performance menu, 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 1.6 km
(1.0 mi) between applications. This first
step may be skipped if there are more
than 320 km (200 mi) on the brake pads.

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Driving and Operating 177
2. Apply the brakes 20 times starting at100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h (15 mph)
while decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application. Drive for at least
1.6 km (1.0 mi) between applications.
3. Apply the brakes 12 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 8 km/h (5 mph)
while decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application. Accelerate as
rapidly as possible without activating
traction control between applications.
4. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately 15 km (10 mi) without
using the brakes.
As with all high performance brake systems,
some amount of brake squeal is normal.
Alternative Closed Course Brake Burnishing
Procedure for J55 (Stingray with Z51), J56
(Z06 Standard), and J57 (Z06 Carbon Ceramic)
Brakes
This brake burnish procedure should be run
on vehicles with the Z51 with J55, Z06 with
J56, or Z06 with J57 factory equipped brake
systems. 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
Before 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. 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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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178 Driving and Operating
Right Side Front Shown, Left Side FrontSimilar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm DeflectorRight Side Rear Shown, Left Side Rear Similar
3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct
4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Aerodynamics
Underbody Strake Inspection (For Z06
Vehicles With Spoiler Regular Production
Options (RPO) TOF or TOG)
Left Side Shown, Right Side Similar
For optimal aero performance, ensure the
front strakes are solidly attached to the
underbody and damage free. If not, replace
with service parts.

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Driving and Operating 179
Corvette Z06 Recommended Aerodynamic
Configurations
Rear Spoiler With Tall Wickers Shown, ShortWickers Similar
Front Underwing Stall Gurney Flaps Refer to the following table for setting up
the Z06 for optimized aerodynamic
performance. Street Driving targets the
lowest aerodynamic drag, whereas Track
Driving targets optimal downforce balance.
Setup will vary based on the vehicle’s
front splitter, front underwing, and rear
spoiler/wing configuration.