2009 PORSCHE PANAMERA page 42

272
Maintenance and Car Care
Polishing
Only when the original
shine can no longer be
obtained using preservatives should paint polish
be used to clean the paint.
We recommend Porsche paint polish.
Removing spots and stains
f Remove tar spatters, traces of oil, insects etc.
as soon as possible using an insect remover,
as they discolor the paint if left to work on it
over time.
f Wash the treated areas carefully afterwards.
Repairing minor paint damage
f Have minor paint damage (cracks, scratches
or stone damage) repaired immediately
before corrosion begins.
Please contact a qualif ied specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools.
If traces of corrosion have already formed, these
must be thoroughly removed. An anti-corrosion
primer must then be applied to these spots,
followed by top-coat paint. Paint data can be found on the vehicle data
carrier.
f
Please see the chapter “VEHICLE DATA BANK”
on page 323.
Cleaning the engine compartment
Caution!
Risk of damage, e.g. to the alternator,
painted surfaces, and the valve covers.
f Never use high-pressure cleaners with
a round-jet nozzle.
f Always observe a minimum distance of 20 in.
(50 cm).
f Always cover the lid of the brake fluid reservoir
prior to cleaning with a high-pressure cleaner.
Never point the cleaning jet directly at the lid.
f Do not point the cleaning jet directly at any of the aforementioned components.
Note on operation
If the vehicle is driven frequently on salted
or gritted roads:
f Have the engine compartment cleaned
regularly.
Cleaning windowsfClean all windows regularly, inside and out,
with window cleaner.
We recommend Porsche window cleaner.
f Do not use the same chamois for painted
surfaces and for drying the windows.
Preservative residues could reduce
transparency.
f Remove insect residues with insect remover.
Note
The front side windows have a water-repellent
(hydrophobic) coating, which prevents soiling
of the windows.
This coating is subject to natural wear and can
be renewed.
f Please contact a qualified specialist workshop.
We recommend that you have an authorized
Porsche dealer to do this work as they have
trained workshop personnel and the necessary
parts and tools.

Maintenance and Car Care
273
Care of windshield wiper bladesWindshield wiper blades that are in perfect
condition are vital for a clear view.
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
page 261.
f Have the wiper blades replaced twice per year
(before and after the cold season) or if wiper
performance deteriorates or the blades are
damaged.
f Clean the wiper blades with window cleaner at
regular intervals, especially after washing the
vehicle in a car wash.
We recommend Porsche window cleaner.
If wiper blades are very dirty (e.g. covered with
insect remains), they can be cleaned with
a sponge or cloth.
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this may be due
to the following:
– If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car wash, wax residues may adhere to
the windshield. These wax residues can
be removed only by using window
cleaner concentrate.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
page 259. Contact your authorized Porsche dealer for more
information.
– The wiper blades may be damaged or worn.
f
Have damaged wiper blades replaced
immediately.
UndercoatingThe underside of your car is durably protected
against chemical and mechanical influences.
As it is not possible to ex clude the risk of damage
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it
is advisable to have the underside of the car
inspected at certain intervals - preferably before
the start of winter and again in spring - and the
undercoating restored as necessary.
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the
necessary equipment for applying factory
approved materials. We recommend that you
entrust them with such work and inspections.
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or
wax do not attack the sound-proofing materials
applied at the factory.
Warning!
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold,
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
shields. During driving the substance used for undercoating could overheat and ignite.
f Before applying fresh underseal, carefully
remove deposits or dirt and grease. Once it
has dried, the new undercoating compound
forms a tough protective coating which
provides efficient rust-proofing of the floor
panels and components.
f Always apply a fresh coating of suitable preser-
vative to unprotect areas after cleaning the
underside of the body, the transmission, the
engine or carrying out repairs to under-body,
engine or transmission components.
Effective rust-proofing is particularly important
during the cold weather season. If your car is
driven frequently in areas where salt has been
spread on the roads, the whole engine compart-
ment should be cleane d thoroughly after the
winter to prevent salt from causing any lasting
damage. A full under-body wash should also be
performed at the same time.

274
Maintenance and Car Care
Cleaning headlights, lights, interior and
exterior plastic components, adhesive
foils, radar sensor for adaptive cruise
control and rearview cameraObserve the following points:
fUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
liquid or interior window cleaner to clean
headlights, lights, plastic components
and surfaces.
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth.
Note
An interior window cleane r can also be used to
clean plastic surfaces (always read the cleaning
instructions on the container!).
We recommend Porsche interior window cleaner.
f Gently wipe the surface without applying
too much pressure.
f Do not clean when dry.
f Never use other chemical cleaners
or solvents.
f Rinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
Alloy wheelsMetal particles (e.g. brass or copper in brake
dust) must not remain too long on alloy wheels.
Contact corrosion can cause pitting.
Note
Cleaners with an oxide-removing effect or
wrong pH value, as are commonly used for
other metals, as well as mechanical tools and
products, will damage the oxide layer and are
therefore unsuitable.
fUse only cleaners for alloy wheels
(pH value 9.5). Products with the wrong
pH value can destroy the protective layer
on the wheels.
We recommend Porsche cleaner for light
alloy rims.
f If possible, wash the wheels every two weeks
with a sponge or washing brush. If the wheels
are exposed to road salt, grit or industrial dust,
weekly cleaning is necessary.
f Every three months, after cleaning, treat the
wheels with car wax or an acid-free grease
(e.g. Vaseline).
Rub the grease in well with a soft cloth.
f Please see the chapter “CLEANING IN CAR
WASHES” on page 271.
Danger!
Danger of accident resulting in serious
personal injury or death 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.
f Make sure that no clea ning agent comes into
contact with the brake discs.
f If cleaning agent has come into contact with
the brake discs, clean the brake discs
thoroughly with a strong jet of water.
f Paying attention to any road users behind you, dry the brake discs by applying the brakes.
Stainless steel tailpipesStainless steel tailpipes can discolor due to
soiling, strong heat and combustion residues.
The original shine can be achieved again using
commercially available metal lustre paste or metal
polish.

276
Maintenance and Car Care
Cleaning air bag covers
Danger!
Risk of serious or fatal injury from impaired
operation of the air bag system caused by
incorrect cleaning.
f While it is appropriate to use normal surface
cleaning methods on the interior of your
vehicle, do not undertake deep cleaning of air
bag-related components, such as the
padded covers on the steering wheel,
the underside of the instrument panel,
front seats, roof pillars, roof liners and the
rear interior trim panels, and around the
seat backrest.
f Have your authorized Porsche dealer to clean these components.
Cleaning fabric liningsfFabric linings on pillars, roofliner and sun
blinds, etc. must be cleaned only using
suitable cleaning agents or a suitable dry
foam and a soft brush.
Alcantara careDo not use leather care products to
clean Alcantara.
For regular care, it is sufficient to clean the
cover with a soft brush.
Strong abrasion or rubbing when cleaning will
produce a lasting change to the surface.
Cleaning when lightly soiled
f Wet a soft cloth with water or a neutral
soap solution and wipe off the dirt.
Cleaning when heavily soiled
f Wet a soft cloth with lukewarm water or diluted
white spirit and dab the dirt from the outside
in.Cleaning the seat beltsfUse mild detergent to clean soiled belts.
f When drying, avoid direct sunlight.
f Only use suitable cleaning agents.
f Do not tint or bleach the belts.
The belt fabric could be weakened,
thus affecting safety.
Storing your PorscheIf you wish to keep your Porsche off the road for
a lengthy period, we recommend that you contact
your authorized Porsche dealer.
They will be glad to advise you about the
necessary measures, e.g. corrosion prevention,
care, maintenance and storage.
Further important information on laying up your
Porsche can be found in other sections.
fPlease see the chapter “BATTERY” on
page 303.
For information on locking the vehicle when
the battery is disconnected:
f Please see the chapter “NOT ALL VEHICLE
DOORS ARE LOCKED” on page 36.

278
Minor Repairs
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
f The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardou s area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
f O n l y w o r k o n y o u r v e h i c l e o u t d o o r s o r i n a w e l l
ventilated area.
f Ensure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially
cautious of devices such as hot water heaters
which ignite a flame intermittently.
f Before working on any part in the engine
compartment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
f Be alert and cautious around the engine at all
times while it is running. If you have to work on
the engine while it is running, always put the
parking brake on and put the PDK selector
lever in position P or N.
f In particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.),
jewelry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get caught in the fan, belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The fans can start or continue running as a
function of temperature,
even with the engine
switched off.
Carry out work in these areas only with the
engine off and exercise extreme caution.
f Your Porsche is equipped with an electronic
ignition system. When the ignition is on, high
voltage is present in all wires connected with
the ignition system; therefore, exercise
extreme caution when working on any part of
the engine while the ignition is on or the engine
is running.
f Always support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car. The jack
supplied with the car is not adequate for this
purpose.
Switch off level control of air suspension and
height adjustment.
Please see the chapter “RAISING THE VEHICLE
WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM, TROLLEY JACK
OR STANDARD JACK” on page 290.
f When working under the car without safety
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
make sure the car is on level ground, the
wheels are blocked, and that the engine
cannot be started.
Withdraw ignition keys (switch ignition off in
vehicles that have Porsche Entry & Drive). f
Do not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
f Incomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty
period may affect your Porsche warranty
coverage.
f Supplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, washer fluid,
brake fluid or coolant, are hazardous to your
health.
Keep these fluids out of children's reach and
dispose of them in accordance with the
appropriate regulations.
f Some countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried in your
vehicle. Please make enquiries before driving
abroad.
Note
The tools required for changing a wheel (e.g. jack,
wheel bolt wrench, assembly aids) are not
supplied as standard with the vehicle. Your
authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you.

Minor Repairs
281
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specific
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C and they represent the tire's ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turned)
traction, acceleration, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics. Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and it
s ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperatures can cause the
material of the tire to de generate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the labora tory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combin ation, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure, resulting
loss of control, leading to serious personal
injury or death.
Tire pressures
Danger!
Risk of accident.
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
pressure increases rate of wear of the
affected tires and cause damage.
f Always use an accurate tire pressure gage
when checking inflation pressures.
f Do not exceed the maximum tire pressure
listed on the tire sidewall. (Also refer to
”Technical data“).
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
PLATE” on page 283.
f Cold tire inflation pressure means: all tires
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum
68 °F (20 °C), when adjusting the inflation
pressure. Avoid sunlight striking the tires
before measuring cold pressures, since the
pressures would rise from temperature
influence.

282
Minor Repairs
f
Valve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
and thus from leakage. Always screw caps
tightly down. Replace missing caps
immediately.
f Use only plastic valve caps.
f For safety reasons, don't use tire inflating
bottles.
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F/20 °C)” on page 326.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pr essure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires).
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring (TPM)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as po ssible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failur e. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency an d tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPM is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPM low tire pressure
tell-tale.
For further information on the tire pressure
monitoring:
f
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING (TPM)” on page 127.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is
increased.
f Never let air out of hot tires. This could cause
the tire pressure to fall below the prescribed
value.
Insufficient tire pressure can cause tires to over-
heat and thus be damaged – even invisibly. Hidden
tire damage is not eliminated by subsequently
correcting the tire pressure. Overloading
Danger!
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of
control and serious pers onal injury or death.
f Do not overload your vehicle. Be careful about
the roof load.
f If you plan to load the vehicle, first correct the
tire pressure. Tire pressure for loaded vehicle
can be found on the tire pressure plate and in
the chapter technical data.
f Never exceed the specified axle load.
Overloading 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 vehicle warranty.
Tire damage may also be caused by
overloading, and this damage is not covered by your tire warranty.
f Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on page 236.

Minor Repairs
283
Example of a tire pressure plateTire Pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacityMaximum number of vehicle occupants,
including the driver.
B Vehicle 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.
Please see the chapter “LOADING
INFORMATION” on page 236. C Original tire size
Size of tires mounted at the factory.
D Recommended cold tire inflation pressure These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may bu ild up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as “hydroplane” and may cause
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle
control or stopping ability.
f Reduce speed on wet surfaces to prevent this.
Tire lifeTire life depends on various factors, i.e., road
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
f Inspect your tires for wear and damage before
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires
should be balanced or replaced.Tire wearThe original equipment tires on your Porsche have
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in (1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more
adjacent grooves, it is time to replace the tires.
We recommend, however, that you do not let the
tires wear down to this extent.
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern the
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such
laws.