sport mode CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 2012 User Guide

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-30 Driving and Operating
The driver may then exit Manual
Paddle Shift mode by holding
either upshift control for more than
one second. The system will
return to automatic shifting after
10 seconds of cruising at a steady
speed and no manual shifts,
or when the vehicle comes to
a stop.
While the Manual Paddle Shift gear
selection system is active, the
transmission will automatically
downshift through the gears as the
vehicle slows. The transmission will
select 2 (Second) gear as the
vehicle stops. From a stop, the
vehicle will start from and hold
2 (Second) gear unless the driver
manually paddle shifts into a
different gear or selects D (Drive).
The driver can select 1 (First) gear
for maximum acceleration from
a stop.
When using the Manual Paddle
Shift feature while in S (Sport Mode),
the current gear will be displayed in
the Driver Information (DIC), or the
Head-Up Display (HUD), if the
vehicle has either of these features.
If the vehicle has a Head-Up
Display (HUD), seeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 5‑31.
The Manual Paddle Shift system
will not allow either an up-shift or a
down-shift if the vehicle speed is too
fast or too slow, nor will it allow a
start from 4 (Fourth) or higher gear.
If up-shifting does not occur when
needed, vehicle speed will be
limited to protect the engine. When the transmission gear does
not respond to a shift change, the
DIC will show an X over the gear
display.
When a requested shift is denied
due to the speed restrictions shown,
the DIC will momentarily show an X
over the gear display and a chime
will sound.
If the vehicle has a HUD, and the
transmission gear does not respond
to a shift change, a chime will sound
and the HUD will momentarily show
an X over the gear display.
Manual Paddle Shift operation is
available for use with Cruise
Control. See
Cruise Control on
page 9‑45 Cruise Control for more
information.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-41
The Performance Traction
Management system contains five
modes. These modes are selected
by turning the Selective Ride
Control/Performance Traction
Management knob on the center
console. The driver scrolls up or
down through modes 1–5 by
rotating the knob to the right or left.
The following is a DIC display
description and the recommended
usage of each mode:
PERF TRAC 1–WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.Intended for all driver skill levels
.Wet or damp conditions
only —not intended for use in
heavy rain or standing water
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions
PERF TRAC 2 –DRY ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
.For use by less experienced
drivers or while learning a new
track
.Dry conditions only
.Active Handling is on and engine
power is slightly reduced
PERF TRAC 3 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING ON
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2
.Active Handling is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2
PERF TRAC 4 –SPORT
ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
.For use by drivers who are
familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3
.Active Handling is off and
available engine power is the
same as mode 3
PERF TRAC 5 –RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
.For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track
.Dry conditions only
.Requires more driving skill than
in other modes
.Active Handling is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed
Press and release the ACTIVE
HANDLING button to turn off
Performance Traction Management
and return to the Active Handling
and Traction Control Systems.
The TRACTION SYSTEM AND
ACTIVE HANDLING-ON message
displays briefly in the DIC and a
chime is heard.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-43
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.
Three Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to
Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.

Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
9-44 Driving and Operating
ZR1 or Z06 with PTM
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 9‑39 for more information.
Three Driver Information Center
(DIC) messages (SERVICE
RIDE CONTROL, SHOCKS
INOPERATIVE, and MAXIMUM
SPEED 129 KM/H (80 MPH) display
when a malfunction occurs with the
Selective Ride Control system.
Refer to Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑44 for more
information.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-19
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W‐30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity grade oils such as
SAE 10W‐30, 10W‐40, or 20W‐50.
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−20°F
(−29°C), an SAE 0W‐30 oil should
be used. An oil of this viscosity
grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity
grade, always select an oil that
meets the dexos1 specification or
equivalent. See “Specification”for
more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
dexos specification and displaying
the dexos certification mark 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
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer that
indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
Z06, ZR1, and Grand Sport models
have 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 changing
the engine oil and filter. See
Engine
Oil on page 10‑14.

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-35
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Wear (ZR1, Z06, and
Grand Sport Only)
The ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport
models do not have built-in brake
pad wear indicators and periodic
visual inspection of the brake pads
is required to determine when to
replace the brake pads. Notice:
Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
.Make sure that the brakes have
been given sufficient time to cool
and then set the park brake.
Rear
Front
.Brake pads can be visually
inspected through the wheel by
inspecting the outer brake pads
at each wheel.
.Brake pads should be replaced
when worn to 2 mm of pad
thickness. New pads are 10 mm
thick.
.In addition, brake pad inspection
is required any time the tires are
removed.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
10-36 Vehicle Care
The ZR1, Z06, and Grand Sport
models also have an electronic
brake pad wear sensor system.
When pads are worn, the CHANGE
BRAKE PADS message displays
in the Driver Information Center.
SeeBrake System Messages on
page 5‑36. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Rotor Wear
ZR1 models have, and Z06 and
Grand Sport models may have,
ceramic brake rotors. Rotors should
be visually inspected whenever the
brake pads are replaced. Rotors
also need to be weighed before
brake pads are replaced to confirm
that the rotor mass is greater than
the wear‐out mass printed on the
rotor. The rotor can be reused if the
weight of the rotor is above the
mass limit. Rotor inspection and
weighing methods can be found in
the service manual. See
Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑18. Brake Rotor Protector
{WARNING
Ceramic rotors will be very hot
after operation and touching them
may cause burns. Be sure brake
system is completely cool prior to
installation of protector, or coming
in contact with them.
Notice: Rotors may be chipped
if hard contact is made with the
wheel during wheel installation or
removal. Always use the rotor
protectors. Be sure to carefully
follow wheel removal and
installation instructions.

Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-57
Low-Profile Tires
Low‐Profile Performance Tire
The original equipment tires on
this vehicle are classified as
low‐profile performance tires.
These tires are designed for
very responsive driving on wet
or dry pavement, however, may
produce more road noise and
tend to wear faster.
Notice:Low‐profile tires are
more susceptible to damage
from road hazards or curb
impact than standard profile
tires. Tire and/or wheel
assembly damage can occur
when coming into contact
with road hazards like,
potholes, or sharp edged
objects, or when sliding into a
curb. The warranty does not
cover this type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
inflation pressure and, when
possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other
road hazards.
Sport Cup Tires
This vehicle may come with
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup competition
oriented tires that are DOT approved
for street use. These tires are
included on the Z06 model with the
Z07 Performance Package and on
the ZR1 model with the PDE High
Performance Package. Sport Cup
tires use a special tread and
compound that provide more
grip than normal road tires.
The minimum tread depth will be
reached earlier than typical tires,
resulting in reduced tire life.
This special tread and compound
will decrease performance in cold
climates, heavy rain, and standing
water.
{WARNING
Driving on wet roads, in heavy
rain, or through standing water
with Sport Cup tires may cause
hydroplaning and loss of control.
Use extreme caution and drive
slowly on wet roads.
{WARNING
Driving with Sport Cup tires on
snow, ice, or cold road surfaces
can cause loss of control or an
accident. Sport Cup tires are a
summer season tires and are not
intended to be driven on snow,
ice, or road surfaces below
10°C (50°F). Do not drive a
vehicle with Sport Cup tires in
these conditions.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-3
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 13-15
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . . 9-39
Competitive Driving, Racingor Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Connections, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . 14-4
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Convertible Top . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-37
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Engine TemperatureGauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Cooling System . . . . . . . .10-25, 10-26 Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-39
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-6 Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5, 13-6
Text Telephone (TTY)Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6
Customer Information Service PublicationsOrdering Information . . . . . . 13-18
Customer Satisfaction
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1, 13-3
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . 13-15
Danger, Warnings, andCautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . 13-20
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Devices, Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Diagnostics, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 Door
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-38
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . 12-5
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Driving Competitive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . 1-24
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-10
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Dual Automatic Climate
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual - 2012
i-8 INDEX
OilEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-19
Engine Oil Pressure
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-29
One-to-Four Shift Light . . . . . . . . 5-22
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
OnStar
®
Additional Information . . . . . . . . 14-5
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
System, In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Operation, Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Ordering
Service Publications . . . . . . . . 13-18
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Overview, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
P
Panel, Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-42
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 9-26
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3 Personalization
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-54
Phone Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 9-24
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Pregnancy, Using Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Privacy
Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-21
Program Courtesy Transportation . . . . 13-14
Proposition 65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3