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picking up car, need basic operational information
My dealer will be out of town when I pick up my 08 this Friday, the other dealer employees have limited knowledge about vettes, I wanted to know if anyone can share some basic information about the cars operation (6spd coupe) that a newbie should know before driving it, other than the recommended break in?
always leave it in reverse when shut-off. Push the exit button AND the door at the same time. Leave traction control on, unless you know what you're doing.
I believe that parking in reverse is not a requirement anymore.
Read the manual on break-in. Brakes, diff, trans. all need breaking in.
Don't head straight into a steep incline / driveway. Go at an angle. That front end can easily scrape. Frequently you'll hear the air dam scrape but it's designed to take it.
You NEED to read the owner's manual before you go near the car... otherwise you may encounter a host of headaches.
I was able to download a pdf of the entire 2006 owner's manual (free) prior to picking up my `06 (back in late `05)... I read the entire manual at least 5 times, cover to cover, before I picked up my car. It felt good knowing all the basics of the car before taking it out on my own... because the car CAN potentially cause some serious confusion to those not familiar.
Here's a link to a pdf of the 2007 owners manual (basically the same as `08)... read it thoroughly and you'll be ok:
Some good basic tips in this thread. Wait for about 500 miles before you really romp on it, and its suggested not to cruise at a constant speed for the 1st 500 miles as well.
Otherwise, just enjoy it. Be careful, and feel it out before you get too cocky. I dont know that reading the manual is really necessary. While it obviously wouldnt hurt, this isnt a rocket ship, its just a sports car. lol Best of luck and be safe.
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
You've got 3 1/2 days to read the FAQ here. The manuals are in there. It isn't that complicated. It's only a car. You don't need reverse any more. You do need to know where the emergency latches for the doors are and you probably should learn where the hatch key goes and where the emergency driver's door and gas door pulls are in the back. Learn how to turn on the wipers and not turn off the automatic lights, just in case. I can't think of anything else that can kill you on the way home if you use a little common sense like not flooring it leaving the dealer's lot as some people have been known to do before getting into the ambulance.