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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Snow chains
Warning!
Risk of damage to body, axle or brake com-
ponents.
fUse only the fine-link snow chains recom-
mended and authorized by Porsche so that
sufficient clearance between the wheel well
and the chain is assured.
fFollow instructions issued by the supplier of the chains.
The best possible handling characteristics are
achieved when snow chains are fitted on all four
wheels of the vehicle. However, it is also possible
to fit snow chains on only one axle (preferably the
rear axle).
fRemove spacers if 18 inch tires, snow chains
or a collapsible spare wheel are mounted.
Caution!
Risk of damage to wheel housings if the
spacers on the rear axle are not removed be-
fore fitting the snow chains.
f17 mm spacers must always be removed from the rear axle when snow chains are to be fitted.
fFor information on the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “SPACERS” on
Page 314.
For information about removing the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “CHANGING A
WHEEL WITH REMOVAL OF 17 MM SPACER”
on Page 323.
fBefore fitting chains, remove accumulated ice
and snow from the wheel well.
fVehicles with snow chains must not be driven
faster than 30 mph (50 km/h).
Different states and countries have varying statu-
tory requirements regarding maximum speed.
fCheck with local authorities for possible
restrictions.
fRemove chains as soon as the roads are free
of ice and snow.
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
309
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 255/55R18 109 Y
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
This information is not included on all tires.
–255 - Indication of tire width in mm
–55 - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
in percent
–R - Belt type code letter for radial–18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
–109 - Load capacity coefficient
–Y - Speed code letter
B TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxxx xxxx
–DOT
The DOT symbol indicates that the tires com-
ply with the requirements of the US Depart-
ment of Transportation and provides informa-
tion about:
– first two-digit code means manufacture’s iden-
tification mark.
– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third four-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means date of manufac-
ture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read
1204, the tire was produced in the 12th week
of 2004.
C Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls
and their material composition.
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
to which a tire can be inflated.
fDo not exceed the permissible inflation pres-
sure.
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.
F Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.
GRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
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.
fPlease observe the chapter “SPEED LIMITS
FOR TIRES” on Page 106.
Inscription on light alloy wheelsNote on operation
fThe rim width in inches G and the rim offset L
are visible from the outside. This information
can be found near the tire valve.
G-Rim width in inches
H- Rim-flange contour code letter
I- Symbol for drop-center rim
J- Rim diameter in inches
K-Double hump
L- Rim offset in mm
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
313
CompressorOn vehicles without level-control systems, there is
an additional compressor with pressure tester
under the loadspace floor.
fPlease observe the chapter “INFLATING TIRES
ON VEHICLES WITHOUT AIR SUSPENSION” on
Page 327.
On vehicles with level control, you can use the
compressor of the level-control system to fill the
tires.
The filler hose required for this purpose can be
found under the left rear seat.
fPlease observe the chapter “FOLDING REAR
SEATS FORWARD” on Page 41.
Wheel BoltsfAlways clean the wheel bolts before installing.
Maintenance note
fWheel bolts must not be greased.
fReplace damaged wheel bolts.
Only use the original Porsche wheel bolts spe-
cially designed for this vehicle type.Tightening torque
Tightening torque of the wheel bolts 118 ftlb.
(160 Nm).
Security wheel boltsThe adapter (wrench socket) for the security
wheel bolts is located in the tool box.
To loosen or tighten the wheel bolt with anti-theft
protection, the adapter must be used between the
wheel bolt and the wheel bolt wrench.
fWhen positioning the wrench socket, ensure
that it engages fully in the teeth of the wheel
bolt.
Note on operation
fOn vehicles with 17 mm spacers on the rear
axle, the wheels are secured with steel nuts.
There is no anti-theft protection for the wheel
nuts.
fIf the wheels have to be removed at the work-
shop, please do not forget to hand over the
socket for the security wheel bolts along with
the car key.
Page 314 of 420
314
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
SpacersfUse the spacers only together with wheels
approved by Porsche.
Before having spacers fitted, find out about the
current approval status.
fRemove spacers if 18 inch tires, snow chains
or a collapsible spare wheel are mounted.
Danger!
Risk of accident if the spacers are not re-
moved before mounting 18 inch tires or col-
lapsible spare wheel.
f17 mm spacers are always to be removed be-
fore mounting 18 inch tires or a collapsible
spare wheel, because the wheel cannot be fit-ted correctly. Caution!
Risk of damage to wheel housings if the
spacers on the rear axle are not removed be-
fore fitting the snow chains.
f17 mm spacers must always be removed from the rear axle when snow chains are to be fitted.Note on operation
fTo remove or mount the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “CHANGING A
WHEEL WITH REMOVAL OF 17 MM SPACER”
on Page 323.
Please observe the chapter “FITTING THE
17 MM SPACER” on Page 324.
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
323
Changing a wheel with removal of 17 mm
spacer
Danger!
Risk of accident if the spacers are not re-
moved before mounting 18 inch tires or col-
lapsible spare wheel.
f17 mm spacers are always to be removed be-
fore mounting 18 inch tires or a collapsible
spare wheel, because the wheel cannot be fit-ted correctly. Caution!
Risk of damage to wheel housings if the
spacers on the rear axle are not removed be-
fore fitting the snow chains.
f17 mm spacers must always be removed from the rear axle when snow chains are to be fitted.
fRemove spacers if 18 inch tires, snow chains
or a collapsible spare wheel are mounted.
fIt is not necessary to use a assembly aid for
mounting a wheel or spare wheel of the same
quality.
fFor information on the spacers: Please
observe the chapter “SPACERS” on Page 314.
Puller1. Remove plastic covers from the wheel nuts
with the puller D from the toolbox.2. Remove wheel nuts.
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Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
325
Collapsible spare wheelThe collapsible spare wheel is fastened under the
floor in the luggage compartment.
On vehicles with 17 mm spacers:
fBefore fitting a collapsible spare wheel on the
rear axle always remove the corresponding
spacer.
For information on the spacers: Please
observe the chapter “SPACERS” on Page 314.
For information about removing the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “CHANGING A
WHEEL WITH REMOVAL OF 17 MM SPACER”
on Page 323.
1. Take out rotary knob A and put it on bolt B.
2. Unscrew the screw and take out the collapsible
spare wheel.
3. Mount the collapsible spare wheel on the vehi-
cle before inflating it. Leave the car jacked up.
Please observe the chapter “LIFTING THE
VEHICLE WITH A JACK” on Page 319.
4. Inflate the tire.
Please observe the chapter “TIRE PRES-
SURES, COLD” on Page 385.
Warning!
Risk of accident.
fThe collapsible spare wheel must be used only
over short distances in cases of emergency.
For safety reasons, replace the tires before
the wear indicators appear (webs in the tire
grooves, 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) high).
fNever deactivate the Porsche Stability Man-
agement (PSM) system.
fAvoid hard acceleration and high cornering
speeds.
The maximum permitted speed is 50 mph
(80 km/h) and must not be exceeded
because of altered driving characteristics and
for reasons of wear.
The tread depth of the spare wheel is subject
to the same laws as the original tires.
fDo not use a collapsible spare wheel from a
different vehicle type.
fDo not mount the collapsible spare wheel from
your car on a different vehicle.
fOnly fit one collapsible spare wheel on the
vehicle at a time.
fOn vehicles with air suspension, use the tire fill-
ing connection A only to inflate the collapsible
spare wheel.
fTo avoid damage, do not use automatic car washes when the spare wheel is installed.
Page 327 of 420
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
327
Checking tire pressure with a pressure
gauge1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gauge onto the valve stem.
Note on operation
fDo not press too hard or force the valve stem
sideways, or air will escape.
If the sound of air escaping from the tire is
heard, reposition the pressure gauge.
3. Read the tire pressure on the gauge stem and
compare it to the permissble tire pressure.
This information can be found on the tire pres-
sure plate.
Please observe the chapter “TIRE PRES-
SURES, COLD” on Page 385.
4. Remove the pressure gauge.
fPlease observe the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE”
on Page 102.
Inflating tires on vehicles without air
suspension1. Open front lid of the compressor.
2. Screw filler hose A of the compressor onto the
tire valve.3. Remove cover A of the engine-compartment
cover.
Please observe the chapter “CONNECTING
JUMPER CABLES” on Page 356.
f f f