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Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Example of a tire pressure plate ATire pressure plateDepending on when your vehicle was manufac-
tured, the tire pressure plate in the left door aper-
ture will contain different data.
Information on the tire pressure plate A
A Seating capacity
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, includ-
ing the driver.B Vehicle load limit
Is the maximum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo) for the vehi-
cle. This is the maximum weight of passengers
and cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle.
If a trailer is being towed, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the cargo
load.
Please observe the chapter “LOADING INFOR-
MATION” on Page 221.
C Tire size for the front axle
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
about the current release status.
D Recommended tire pressure for the front axle
These values are for cold tires (68°F/20 °C).
E Tire size for the rear axle
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
about the current release status.
F Recommended tire pressure for the rear axle
These values are for cold tires (68°F/20 °C).
G In vehicles with collapsible spare wheel:
Size and tire pressure of the spare wheel.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
217
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).
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
219
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 265/40 ZR 18 101 Y
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
This information is not included on all tires.
–265 - Indication of tire width in mm
–40 - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
in percent–ZR - code letter for radial tires for speeds
above 150 mph / 240 km/h
There are currently no standards concerning
tire strength at speeds above 150 mph (240
km/h).
–R - Belt type code letter for radial
–18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
–101 - Load capacity coefficient
–Y - Speed code letter
–XL (Extra Load) - Tire with increased load
rating
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
0204, the tire was produced in the 2nd 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.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
221
Loading InformationDefinitionsThe Curb weight - actual weight of your vehicle -
vehicle weight including standard and optional
equipment, fluids and emergency tools. This
weight does not include passengers and cargo.
The Gross Vehicle Weight is sum of the curb
weight and the weight of passengers and cargo
combined.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maxi-
mum total weight of vehicle, passengers, luggage
and optional equipment.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum
load limit for the front or the rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the safety compliance sticker
located in the driver’s side door jamb.
For determining the compatibility of the tire and
vehicle load capabilities:
fPlease observe the chapter “TIRES, RIMS,
TRACKS” on Page 268.
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “101”) is a min-
imum requirement.The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the
maximum total weight rating of vehicle, passen-
gers and cargo.
The Vehicle Capacity Weight - Load Limit - is
the maximum total weight limit specified of the
load (passengers and cargo) for the vehicle. This
is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo
that can be loaded into the vehicle. This informa-
tion can be found on the tire pressure plate.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight is the
sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle ca-
pacity weight and production options weight.
The load rating is the maximum load that a tire
is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
The maximum load rating is the load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation pres-
sure.
The cargo capacity is the permissible weight of
cargo, the subtracted weight of passengers from
the load limit.
fNever exceed the permissible limits.
Danger!
Risk of personal injury, loss of control and
damage to vehicle.
fNever exceed the specified axle loads. Over-
loading can shorten the service life of the tires
and car, as well as lead to dangerous vehicle
reactions and long braking distances. Damage
due to overloading is not covered by the vehi-cle warranty.
222
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Example for determining the combined weight of occu-
pants and cargoVehicle Load CapacityfThe combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed the weight shown on the
tire plate in the vehicle.
Please observe the chapter “VEHICLE IDENTI-
FICATION NUMBER” on Page 264.
fNever exceed the number of passengers
shown on the tire pressure plate in the vehicle.Determining the combined weight of
occupants and cargo:
fAdd the weight of all occupants and then add
the total luggage weight (figure).
Steps for determining correct load limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
pounds" on your vehicle’s placard (depending
on the date of manufacture).
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passenger that will be riding in your vehi-
cle.3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passenger from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 400
lbs. and there will be two - 150 lb passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 100 lbs. (400 -
300 (2 x 150) = 100 lbs.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available car-
go and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
237
Winter drivingThe capacity and ability of the battery to store
power decreases at low outside temperatures.
Moreover, the battery is more heavily loaded in the
winter months, e.g. by the heated rear window,
the more frequent use of additional lights, the
blower and the windshield wipers, etc.
fHave the battery checked before winter
begins.
Keep the battery well charged to prevent it from
freezing.
A discharged battery can freeze even at
23°F/-5 °
C, but a fully charged one only freezes at
-40°F/-40 °C.
Storing up the vehicleIf the vehicle stands for long periods in the garage
or workshop, the doors and lids should be closed.
fPlease observe the chapter “EMERGENCY
UNLOCKING OF THE FRONT LUGGAGE
COMPARTMENT LID” on Page 234.
fWithdraw the ignition key and, if necessary,
disconnect the battery.
When the battery is disconnected, the
alarm system ceases to function!
Even if you put your vehicle out of operation, the
battery still discharges.
fThe battery must be charged, i.e. connected
to a charger, approximately every 6 weeks in
order to preserve functioning.
Always observe the instructions of the charger
manufacturer.
fStore a battery that has been removed in a
dark, cool place, but not subject to frost.
Replacing the batteryThe battery is subject to normal wear: its service
life depends heavily on the care you give it,
climatic conditions and the conditions of use
(distances, loads).
It is not possible to use the details on the battery
case to determine a comparable battery that
meets all the specific requirements of Porsche.
fUse only a battery that meets the specific
requirements of your vehicle as a replacement.
We recommend that you use an Orignal
Porsche battery.
fPlease observe the disposal instructions for
batteries!
268
Vehicle Identification, Technical Data
Tires, Rims, Tracks
Danger!
Installation of sizes not authorized by
Porsche may have a dangerous effect on
the driving stability and could result in
severe personal injury or death.
fBefore mounting new tires, check with yourPorsche dealer about the current release status. Tire Rim Rim offset Track
Summer tires
front 235/40 ZR 18 91Y 8 J x 18 H2
57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear 265/40 ZR 18 101Y XL9 J x 18 H2
43 mm 60.2 in./1528 mm
or front 235/35 ZR 19 87Y8 J x 19 H2
57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear 265/35 ZR 19 94Y9.5 J x 19 H2
46 mm 60.0 in./1522 mm
Snow tiresfront 235/40 R 18 91V M+S8 J x 18 H2
57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear * 255/40 R 18 95V M+S9 J x 18 H2
43 mm 60.2 in./1528 mm
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. “91”) and maximum speed code letter (e.g. “V”) are minimum requirements.
Please observe the chapter “TIRES/WHEELS” on Page 207.
Tire and rim sizes
Extensive tests are performed before specific tires and wheels are approved by Porsche. Your Porsche dealer has information
about approved tires and wheels and is happy to assist you. If aftermarket tires and/or wheels are installed which are not
approved by Porsche, the vehicle’s roadability and handling characteristics might be impaired. Since Porsche has no data on
such combinations, Porsche cannot stand behind the safety or durability of these aftermarket combinations.
* Snow chains Can be mounted only on the rear wheels; maximum speed 30 mph/50 km/h.
Use only Porsche authorized fine-link cross-type or edge chains.
Snow chain clearance can be guaranteed only with the tire + rim combination marked.