Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
229
Full-time all-wheel drive
With the four-wheel drive, the drive power is varia-
bly distributed to the front and rear wheels.
Power distribution and wheel speed compensation
between the front and rear axles is realised with a
transfer box.
Distribution of the drive power depends on the
wheel speed difference between the two axles.
The transfer box always controls power distribu-
tion in such a way that optimal propulsion is
achieved, even on an unfavorable road surface.
Full-time four-wheel drive ensures optimal handling
and great stability.
Warning!
In spite of the advantages of four-wheel drive, it is
still the driver’s responsibility to adapt his driving
style and maneuvers in line with road and weather
conditions, as well as the traffic situation.
The increased safety that is provided should not in-
duce you to take greater risks with your safety.
The limits set by the physics of driving cannot be
overcome, even with four-wheel drive.
Risks of accident due to inappropriate speed can-
not be reduced by four-wheel drive.Automatic brake differential (ABD)
The ABD system controls the front and rear axles
separately. If one wheel of an axle starts to spin,
it is braked so that the other wheel on the same
axle can be driven.
The ABD recognises different driving states, and it
features control strategies adapted to these
states. In situations in which little propulsive power
is required, such as when the car moves off on a
level gravel surface, traction control already be-
comes active at low engine speeds. If great
propulsive power is required, e.g. when moving off
on an uphill slope or for rapid acceleration, the
ABD is adapted accordingly.
A special off-road program is used in Low Range
mode.Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the wheels
from spinning by adjusting the engine power,
thereby ensuring good lane-holding ability and a
stable driving behavior.
Shifting Gear, Traction Systems
243
Driving on sandNote on operation
fActivate Low Range and engage differential
locks if necessary.
Tips on driving
Loose sand is an especially tricky surface for off-
road driving.
You can often become stuck in sand within
minutes if you do not drive correctly in such
situations.
fDrive at brisk pace and do not stop under any
circumstances. This will reduce the chance of
the car becoming bogged down.
fFollow existing tracks – provided that they
have not been covered by blown sand, are not
too deep and the car's ground clearance is
sufficient.
Please observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 375.
fAvoid high engine speeds (may. 2,500 rpm).When driving on slopes with soft sand:
fUse the manual select mode M in addition to
the Low Range program.
If your vehicle becomes stuck nevertheless:
fDo not spin the wheels. Instead, use branches,
mats or similar items to provide adequate trac-
tion so that you can drive out of the critical ar-
ea.
Track rutsOther vehicles leave ruts in many off-road courses
or gravel roads.
fPlease observe the chapter “GROUND CLEA-
RANCE” on Page 375.
Caution!
Risk of damage to the vehicle floor when
driving through ruts that are too deep.
fAlways bear in mind the car's ground clear-
ance.
fDo not drive over ruts that are too deep.
Note on operation
fActivate Low Range and engage differential
locks if necessary.
Tips on driving
fIn cases of doubt, drive with one wheel on the
strip of grass between the ruts.
fAvoid high engine speeds (max. 2,500 rpm).
fDrive slowly.
292
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Tire replacementsfUse only tire makes and types tested by
Porsche.
Only tires with the same manufacturer and
with the same specification code (e.g. “N0“,
“N1“...) should be mounted on the vehicle.
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time. Only tires of the same make and type
must be used. Mixed tires are not permissible and
will affect vehicle performance, safety, and can
affect vehicle warranty.
Porsche dealers can recommend the most current
replacement tire options for your vehicle.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km).Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time. Only tires of the same make and type
must be used. Mixed tires are not permissible.
Initially, new tires do not have their full traction.
You should therefore drive at moderate speeds
during the first 60 - 120 miles (100 - 200 km).
If new tires are installed only on one axle, a notice-
able change in handling occurs due to the different
tread depth of the other tires. This happens espe-
cially if only rear tires are replaced. However, this
condition disappears as the new tires are broken
in.
fPlease adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
fUse only plastic valve caps.
fThe rubber valves must be replaced whenever
the tires are changed.
fThe fitting and replacement specifications
must be observed for metal valves.
fOnly use Original Porsche metal valves.
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
295
Snow tiresThe installation of Porsche approved winter tires is
recommended.
Use Porsche approved winter tires for grip on
snow and ice. For optimum performance, stud-
ding can be considered.
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.
fInstall winter tires before driving in such condi-tions.
Before mounting winter tires, consult with your
Porsche dealer. He has the technical information
necessary to advise you on wheel and tire compat-
ibility.
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as
original equipment tires and should be mounted on
all four wheels.
Winter tires with studs should be run at moderate
speeds when new in order to give the studs time
to settle.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases increases risk of a tire failure and
resulting loss of control. Furthermore, low
tire pressure increases rate of wear of the
affected tires and cause damage.
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 exceed the winter tire speed rating.
Snow tires do not have the same degree of trac-
tion on dry, wet or snowfree roads as normal tires.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under these
conditions.
Winter tires do not fulfill their purpose if the tread
depth is less than 5/32 in. (4 mm).
Comply with all state and local laws govern-
ing 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.
Wheel change
fWhen wheels are removed, mark the direction
of rotation and position of each wheel.
Example: FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
fAlways fit the wheels in accordance with the
markings.
380
Index Door-surrounding lighting............................. 162
Drinks holder ..................................... 188
, 192
Closing rear........................................ 193
Opening front ..................................... 192
opening rear ....................................... 193
Removing insert front .......................... 192
Driving
Load .................................................. 209
Off road ............................................. 236
Sand .................................................. 243
Trailer ................................................ 211
Winter ................................................ 220
Driving downhill .......................................... 239
Driving light assistant
Light switch ........................................ 130
Driving light assistant, automatic.................. 131
Driving performance ................................... 373
Driving program
Low Range indicator light .................... 223
Off road .................. 217
, 219
, 222
, 223
Reduced ............................................ 220
Road ................................ 216
, 218
, 223
Driving programme
Off road ............................................. 226
Road .................................................. 226
Driving systems for off-road driving .............. 237
Driving with a trailer .................. 176
, 210
, 372
Drop-center rim .......................................... 298
DVD Player ................................................. 193
EEasy Entry function ....................................... 39
ECON mode ...................................... 146
, 151
Button ....................................... 143, 147Electrical system ........................................ 322
Emergency flasher ...................................... 134
Emergency operation
Central Locking..................................... 26
Sliding/lifting roof................................ 165
Emergency starting ..................................... 343
Emergency unlocking
Filler flap ............................................ 267
Selector lever ..................................... 221
Spare wheel bracket ........................... 321
Emission control................................. 5
, 8, 88
Check engine warning light .................... 88
Emission Control System ............................. 271
Engine
Boost pressure ..................................... 87
Cooling system ..................................... 85
Data................................................... 366
Idling .................................................. 215
Starting and stopping ............................ 72
Engine compartment
Cleaning ............................................. 277
Lid ..................................................... 199
Engine drag torque control .......................... 231
Engine Oil
Performance class.............................. 255
Viscosity............................................. 255
Engine oil ................................................... 251
Change .............................................. 254
Level .................................................. 252
Recommendation ................................ 254
Temperature gauge............................... 84
Topping up ......................................... 253
Engine oil level............................................ 252
Checking ............................................ 252Warning ..............................................252
Engine residual heat ...........................146
, 152
Entry aid.......................................................39
Switching on and off ..............................39
Exhaust gas
Monitoring ..............................................5
Exit aid .........................................................39
Switching on and off ..............................39
FFabric linings ..............................................281
Filler flap ....................................................267
Filling pressure............................................100
Plate ..................................................365
Reducing ...................................316
, 318
Tables ................................................370
Warning light .......80
, 82, 102
, 112
, 124
Warning message................................108
Fire extinguisher..........................................187
Floor mats ..................................................280
Fluids and fuels ...........................................371
Fog lights ...................................................130
Folding wedges...........................................304
Footbrake .....................................................75
Warning light .........................................76
Footwell light ..............................................162
Fresh-air intake ...........................................141
Front seat with memory ..........................37, 38
Front seats ..........................................36
, 188
Adjusting the seats................................36
Seat position.........................................36
Front windscreen wiper ................................136
Fuel ....................................................86, 266
Economy ............................................265