2006 PORSCHE BOXSTER winter tires

Controls, Instruments
105
Tire type info in Tire pressure menu
Information about the currently set tires:
–Tire type:
Summer tires, winter tires
–Tire size:
18, 19 inch
“Info tires” shows the current tire settings.
Calling up the “Info tires” display
fPush operating lever forward in order to switch
on the selection field.
fSelect “TPC” with the operating lever.
fPush operating lever forward.
The display changes to the Tire pressure
menu.
fSelect “Info tires” with the operating lever.
fPush operating lever forward.Tire selection in the “Set” menu
fPush operating lever forward in order to switch
on the selection field.
fSelect “TPC” with the operating lever.
fPush operating lever forward.
The display changes to the Tire pressure
menu.fSelect “Set” with the operating lever.
fPush the operating lever forward.
fSelect desired tire type:
summer or winter.
fPush operating lever forward.
A display for confirming the selected type of
tire appears.

228
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Tire care fAvoid damaging tires and wheel rims.
fIf you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
fCheck tires for uneven wear and damage
before driving off.
fRemove imbedded material.
fReplace worn or damaged tires immediately.
fKeep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from tires.
fReplace missing valve stem caps.
fKeep tires inflated correctly.
fWash tires when washing the vehicle.
Also clean inner side of wheels.
fDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
fCheck wheel rims for corrosion.
fRemove road salt, if driving in winter.
Tire damage, puncture fCheck tires for imbedded material, cuts, punc-
tures, cracks and bulges (side wall) before driv-
ing off.
In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain wheth-
er there is a break in the ply with all its conse-
quences or tire damage caused by thermal or me-
chanical overloading due to loss of pressure or
any other prior damage, we recommend that the
tire be replaced for safety reasons.
I f o n e f a u l t y t i re i s re p l a c e d i t s h o u l d b e n o t e d t h a t
the difference in tread depth on one axle must not
exceed 30 %.
Handling inconsistencies may result.
fPerform a visual inspection if necessary.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire pres-
sure increases rate of wear of the affected
tires.
fCheck tires – including sidewalls – regularly for
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
fAfter driving off road, examine tires for signs
of damage such as cuts, tears, bulges or for-
eign objects stuck in the tread. Replace a dam-
aged tire if necessary.
fCross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
possible.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
fIn cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
the inner side) checked by an authorized Porsche dealer.

230
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Wheel alignment, wheel balancing As a precaution, have wheels with summer tires
balanced in the spring, and those with mud and
snow tires before winter.
Unbalanced wheels may affect car handling and
tire life.
Only the specified weights may be used for wheel
balancing.
Self-adhesive weights must not come into contact
with cleaning agents, since they could drop off.
Uneven tread wear indicates wheel imbalance. In
this event, the vehicle should be checked at an au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
Warning!
If, during a journey, uneven running or vibra-
tions occur that could be caused by damage
to tires or the car, the speed must be re-
duced immediately, but without braking
sharply.
If you continue your trip without having the
cause of the fault remedied, you might lose
control of your vehicle which could cause se-
vere personal injury.
fStop the vehicle and check the tires.
fIf no cause for the fault can be found, drive
carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Removing and storing tires fAfter changing, adjust tire pressure and torque
wheel bolts diagonally to 94 ftlb (130 Nm).
Tires must always remain on the same side of
the vehicle.
When wheels are removed, the direction of
rotation and position of each wheel should be
marked.
Example
FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
Wheels must always be fitted in accordance with
their marking.
The preception that tire durability and perform-
ance are immune to the effects of storage and
age is unfounded.
Chemical additives, which make the rubber elas-
tic, lose their effectiveness in the course of time
and the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.
Therefore, the tires should be inspected from
time to time. Note
Under no circumstances should tires older than 6
years be used on your Porsche.
The age of the tire can be obtained from the “DOT”
code number. If, for example, the last four num-
bers read 1204, then the tire was produced in the
12th week of 2004.
fStore tires in a cool and dry place.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
231
Snow tires For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S
tires with studs.
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
possible restrictions.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or
death.
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow
conditions.
fTherefore install M+S tires before driving in such conditions.
Before mounting snow tires, consult with
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical
information necessary to advise you on
wheel and tire compatibility.
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as
original equipment tires and should be mounted on
all four wheels.
Snow tires with studs should be run at moderate
speeds when new in order to give the studs time
to settle.
Danger!
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous and could cause accidents
resulting in serious personal injuries or
death.
fMake sure they are replaced immediately.
fDo not drive a vehicle equipped with snow tires
at prolonged high speed.
Snow tires do not have the same degree of
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as a
normal tire.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under
these conditions. Comply with all state and local laws
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
Danger!
Risk of accident and serious personal injury
or death due to excessive speed.
fAlways check the maximum speed rating on
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
fNever exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires.
fFit winter tires to both axles well before the
cold season begins.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased
to advise you.
Maintenance note
We recommend fitting winter tires on the vehicle at
temperatures below 45°F (7°C ).
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).

234
Practical Tips, Emergency Service E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating
as the factory installed tire.
FRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
G Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.
Speed code letterThe speed code letter indicates the maximum per-
missible speed for the tire.
This code letter is shown on the tire sidewall.
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)Tip on driving
Tires with a maximum speed rating that is lower
than the specified maximum vehicle speed may be
mounted only if they bear an M+S identification on
the tire sidewall.
fPlease note that in addition to the winter tires,
all-season and all-terrain tires are also subject
to speed limits and bear this identification.
Inscription on light alloy wheelsMaintenance note
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Use only plastic valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
Note on operation
fThe rim width in inches A and the rim offset F
are visible from the outside. This information
can be found near the tire valve.
A-Rim width in inches
B- Rim-flange contour code letter
C- Symbol for drop-center rim
D- Rim diameter in inches
E-Double hump
F- Rim offset in mm

296UUndercoating ............................. 200
, 214
, 215
VValves ........................................................ 229
Vanity mirror................................................. 41
Vehicle
Care .................................................. 209
Data bank........................................... 278
Identifikation number ........................... 278
Laying up the car................................ 251
Putting into operation .......................... 252
Washing ............................................. 209
Ventilation .................................................. 133
Vents .................................................130
, 133
Viscosity, engine oil.................................... 190
WWarning messages ..................................... 116
Washer fluid .......................................202
, 286
Washer lever .............................................. 126
Washing ..................................................... 209
Weights...................................................... 287
Welcome Home Function............................. 124
Wheel ............................... 216
, 221
, 282
, 283
Bolts ............................................17, 241
Changing............................................ 242
Checking pressure..........................5, 241
Inscription .......................................... 233
Loading information............................ 235
Pressure plate .................................... 279
Sidewall ............................................. 233Size ................................................... 233
Tire pressure ................................. 5
, 224
Tire sealant ........................................ 239
Windows ............................... 25
, 28, 170
, 214
Washer nozzles................................... 126
Washer system .......................... 202, 286
Windshield wipers .............................. 126, 185
Replacing ........................................... 185
Windstop .................................................... 177
Winter driving
Battery ............................................... 250
Jump lead starting.............................. 256
Winter operation
Coolant .............................................. 186
Seals ................................................. 215
Snow chains ....................................... 232
Tires .................................................. 231
Washer fluid........................................ 202
Wiper blades....................................... 185