lock CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8 2021 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
Driving and Operating 175
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 176
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Track Events and Competitive Driving(Z51 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Front Air Dam (and Splitter) . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 194
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . 195 Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 196
Dual Clutch Transmission
Dual Clutch Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 203
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Hill Rollback Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Front Lift System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Competitive Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Limited-Slip Differential (without Z51) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Limited-Slip Differential (with Z51) . . . . . 217
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 228
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14622938) - 2021 - CRC - 9/22/20
178 Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the maximum rotation and is held
at that position for an extended period of
time, power steering assist may be reduced.Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Dynamic Rack Travel
If equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
Dynamic Rack Travel (DRT) is a steering
system feature which enhances driving by
providing additional maximum steering
wheel rotation to allow a tighter turning
radius during low speed driving conditions.
If 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 a problem 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

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 179
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 0214.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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182 Driving and Operating
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-In0190.
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.
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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 183
1. Start track lapping at lower speeds andlower 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.
Passenger Side Front Shown, Driver Side Front Similar
1. Front Brake Cooling Duct
2. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector
Passenger Side Rear Shown, Driver Side Rear Similar
3. Rear Knuckle Mounted Cooling Duct
4. Rear Lower Control Arm Cooling Duct
Shock Spring Seat Adjustment
The front shocks, on vehicles without
hydraulic front lift and rear shocks, have
threaded spring seats that allow adjustment
of the preload on the coil springs. The
vehicle corner weights can be adjusted for
track use. If the vehicle trim height is
modified, it should be returned to normal
trim height before street use.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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184 Driving and Operating
The spring seat can be adjusted
approximately 20 mm (0.8 in) up or down
from the nominal position. Each complete
turn of the spring seat will change the
vehicle height approximately 1.5 mm
(0.06 in). When adjusting the seat to the
upper limit, lift the dust boot and ensure
the seat does not thread off the center
support tube (stop adjustment when threads
no longer visible). When adjusting the seat
to the lower limit, leave approximately
10 mm (0.4 in) of thread visible for the
lower lock nut to have full thread
engagement.
The following procedure can be complex and
should only be performed by trained
personnel. See your dealer.
To adjust the lower spring seat:1. Raise the vehicle so the tires are completely off the ground.
Front Shown, Rear Similar
2. Loosen the lower spring seat lock nut (2).
3. Thread the lower spring seat lock nut (2) downward off of the threads to its
resting location on the shoulder of the
center support tube.
4. While holding the center support tube holes, turn the spring seat (1) upward to
increase spring preload, or downward to
decrease spring preload.
5. Thread the lower lock nut (2) back on to the center support tube and torque it
against the spring seat (1) to 25 Y
(18.4 lb ft).
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 Alignment
Caution
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.

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186 Driving and Operating
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.
SeeTires 0261.
.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.
{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 0205.
.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) 0203.
.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.

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 187
.Turn off cruise control.
.Turn on Weather Mode. SeeDriver Mode
Control 0207.
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
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 311. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0196.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 205.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,

Chevrolet Corvette Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 Driving and Operating
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
SeeShifting Into Park 0194 and
Engine Exhaust 0196.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 15 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 30 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
{Warning
To prevent exhaust gases from entering
the vehicle and heat from damaging the
vehicle, the engine cover and all fluid fill
plugs must be secured before closing the
tonneau cover (convertible only) and
operating the vehicle. Make sure all bolts
are torqued to GM specifications.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.

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Driving and Operating 197
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. SeeShifting Into Park
0 194 and
Engine Exhaust 0196.
Dual Clutch Transmission
This vehicle is equipped with a dual clutch
transmission that contains an integrated
rear differential. The dual clutch
transmission provides an extremely
connected feel due to the direct connection
between the engine and gear box. This
arrangement provides very fast shift times
for maximum performance. Automatic
driving mode is selected by pulling D on the
transmission range selection panel and provides fully automatic shifting operation
which can be further refined using driver
mode control. Upshifts may be delayed
regardless of mode selection or ambient
temperature until the engine is warmed up.
Manual operation can also be selected. See
Manual Mode later in this section.
This transmission is electronically controlled.
The shift switches are on the center console.
The selected gear position will illuminate red
on the shift switch, while all others will
display in white. The indicator on the shift
switch may flash if the shift is not
immediate or if the gear is not fully
engaged. This may occur in very cold
conditions or when Double Paddle Declutch
is used.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If ENGINE START/STOP is pressed twice while
at a relatively high speed, the engine will
turn off and the transmission will
automatically shift into N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, P (Park) can be selected.
P :
This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the vehicle to ensure
the vehicle does not move.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and shift to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0194.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift into P (Park)
automatically unless N (Neutral) is selected.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift into and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park 0194 and
Shifting out of Park 0195.