Maintenance, Car Care
279
Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
plastic partsfUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
detergent to clean headlights, lights, plastic
parts and surfaces.
Do not clean when dry.
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth.
Gently wipe the surface without applying too
much pressure.
The Porsche inside window cleaner is also
suitable for cleaning plastic surfaces.
Follow the cleaning instructions on the
container.
Never use other chemical cleaners or
solvents.
fRinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
Door, roof, lid and window sealsfWash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salt or grit)
from all seals regularly using warm soapy wa-
ter. Do not use any chemical cleaning agents
or solvents.
When there is a frost hazard, the outer door seals
and the lid seals can be protected against freezing
into place by a suitable care product.
In order to prevent damage to the anti-fric-
tion coating, the inner door seals must not be
treated with care products.Light alloy wheelsfPlease observe the chapter “AUTOMATIC CAR
WASHES” on Page 275.
Pitting may occur if metallic particles which cause
contact corrosion (e.g. brass or copper in brake
dust) are allowed to remain on the aluminum too
long.
fIf possible, wash the wheels with a sponge or
wash brush about every two weeks. In areas
where road salt or grit is spread on winter
roads or there is a lot of airborne industrial
dust, it is best to clean the wheels weekly.
The Porsche Light Alloy Wheel Cleaner
(ph-value 9.5) can be used for this pur-
pose.
If the ph-value of the detergent is in-
corect, the protective coating on the
wheels will be destroyed.Polishes which dissolve oxides, such as those
frequently used for other metals, or abrasive
tools or agents are unsuitable because they
break down the oxide film of the protective
coating and will cause discoloration of the
wheel.
fEvery three months, after cleaning, coat the
wheels with a car wax or non-corrosive grease
(e.g. vaseline).
Using a clean cloth thoroughly rub the grease
into the surface.
Danger!
Danger of accident if cleaning agents
(e.g. wheel cleaning agents) come into
contact with the brake discs. The resulting
film on the brake discs can impair braking
performance.
fMake sure that no cleaning agent comes into
contact with the brake discs.
fIf cleaning agent has come into contact with
the brake discs, thoroughly clean the brake
discs with a strong jet of water.
fPaying attention to any road users behind you, dry the brake discs by applying the brakes.
280
Maintenance, Car Care
Leather careCharacteristics and special features
The natural surface markings of leather, e.g.
creases, healed scars, insect sting marks, struc-
tural differences and slight variations in shade and
grain add to the attractiveness of the natural leath-
er product.
A special mention must be made here of natural
leather. For natural leather, carefully selected
hides of the highest quality are used. It is not
covered completely with dye on production. “Na-
ture’s signature” is therefore easily recogniza-
ble.This fine material is distinguished by an out-
standing seating comfort, special suppleness and
a typical patina.Leather care and treatment
fClean all types of leather regularly to remove
fine dust using a soft, damp, white woollen
cloth or a commercially available microfibre
cloth.
fRemove heavy contamination with Porsche
leather cleaner.
Please always follow the instructions for use
given on the containers.
Caustic cleaners and hard cleaning objects
must not be used.
Perforated leather must under no circum-
stances get wet on its reverse side.
Once cleaned, leather (particularly the heavily
stressed leather seats) must be treated only with
Porsche leather care liquid.
Carpets and matsfUse only a vacuum cleaner or a medium stiff
brush.
fRemove stains and spots with Porsche stain
remover.
The Porsche range of accessories includes floor-
mats to protect the carpets in summer and winter.
Warning!
Risk of an accident.
fAlways check the movement of the pedals be-
fore driving and make sure that they are not ob-
structed by a floor mat or any other object.
fSecure the floor mat to prevent it from sliding
into positions that could interfere with the safe
operation of your vehicle - do not lay them
loosely in the vehicle.
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to offer you
floor mats of correct size including a securing possibility.
Maintenance, Car Care
281
Airbags
Danger!
There is a danger of serious personal injury
or death if the airbag system is impaired by
improper cleaning work.
fDo not make any modifications whatsoever on
individual components such as the padded
covers of the steering wheel, the front seats,
the roof pillars and the rooflinings.
fLet your authorized Porsche dealer clean these components.
Fabric liningsFabric linings on pillars, headliner and sun visors,
etc., must be treated only using suitable cleaning
agents or a suitable dry foam and a soft brush.
AlcantarafDo not use a leather care product to clean Al-
cantara.
For regular care it is sufficient to clean the cover
with a soft brush. Strong abrasion or rubbing when
cleaning will permanently change the surface.
Cleaning when lightly soiled
fWet a soft cloth with water or a neutral soap
solution and wipe off the dirt.
Cleaning when heavily soiled
fWet a soft cloth with lukewarm water or
thinned white spirit and dab the dirt from the
outside in.
Safety beltsfUse a mild detergent to clean soiled belts.
fWhen drying, avoid direct sunlight.
fOnly use suitable cleaning agents.
fDo not tint or bleach the belts.
The belt fabric could be weakened, thus affect-
ing safety.
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.
296
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
Snow chains
Warning!
Risk of damage to body, axle or brake com-
ponents.
fUse only the fine-link snow chains recommend-
ed 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 302.
For information about removing the spacers:
Please observe the chapter “CHANGING A
WHEEL WITH REMOVAL OF 17 MM SPACER”
on Page 311.
Different states and countries have varying statu-
tory requirements regarding maximum speed.
fCheck with local authorities for possible re-
strictions.
fRemove chains as soon as the roads are free
of ice and snow.
302
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 311.
Please observe the chapter “FITTING THE
17 MM SPACER” on Page 312.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
305
A- Filler bottle
B- Filler hoseTire sealantThe tire sealant can be used to seal small cuts, es-
pecially in the tire tread.
Sealing the tire with the tire sealant is only an
emergency repair, so you can drive to the next
workshop. Even with the tire air-tight, it may be
used only for short journeys in an emergency.
On vehicles without level control, the tire sealant
and a compressor with pressure tester can be
found under the cargo floor in the luggage com-
partment.The tire sealant comprises:
– A filler bottle
– A filler hose
– A valve turner and
– A spare valve insert.
Danger!
Risk of accident.
fUse the tire sealant only in the case of cuts or
punctures no larger than 0.15 in. (4 mm).
fNever use the tire sealant if the rim is dam-aged.
Warning!
The sealant is highly flammable and harmful
to health.
fFire, naked flame and smoking are prohibited
when handling tire sealant.
fAvoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.
fKeep tire sealant away from children.
fDo not inhale vapours.
In case of contact with the sealant:
fIf sealant gets on the skin or in the eyes,
thoroughly rinse the affected part of the body
off without delay.
fChange soiled clothing immediately.
fVisit a doctor immediately in the event of an al-
lergic reaction.
fIf sealant was swallowed, thoroughly rinse out
the mouth without delay and drink plenty of wa-
ter.
Do not induce vomiting.
See a doctor immediately.
Practical Tips, Minor Repairs
307
Lifting the vehicle with a jack
Warning!
Danger of injury. The car may slip off the
jack.
fMake sure that no one is in the vehicle when
jacking up and changing a wheel.
fNever jack up the vehicle when it is parked on
a surface that slopes up, down or to the side.
fUse the jack only to raise the car for wheel
changing.
fAlways place the car on stable supports if work
has to be carried out under the car.
The car jack is not suitable for this.
Danger of injury if the level-control system
operates during the wheel change.
fSet the car to jacking mode before raising the
car.
Please observe the chapter “RAISING VEHICLE
WITH THE JACK” on Page 246.
Risk of injury and damage if the vehicle is not
secured.
fSecure the vehicle against rolling.
fPlease observe the chapter “SECURING THE VEHICLE AGAINST ROLLING” on Page 304.Maintenance note
The jacking point on the vehicle must be free of
dirt.
1. Slightly slacken the wheel bolts of the wheel to
be changed.
2. Only set up the jack at the rear jacking point
designed for the purpose. The jack foot must
be in contact over its whole area and must be
positioned directly below the head piece.
Use a suitable support if necessary.
3. Hold jack still and wind it up until its head en-
ters the jacking point on the vehicle.
Only jack vehicle up until the wheel to be
changed is completely off the ground.
4. After lowering the vehicle, remove the jack.
Front jacking pointJacking points
fSet up jack only at the points provided A or B.