Maintenance, Car Care
229
fAlways apply a fresh coating of suitable pre-
servative to unprotected 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 driv-
en frequently in areas where salt has been spread
on the roads, the whole engine compartment
should be cleaned 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.Stainless steel exhaust tailpipesStainless steel exhaust tailpipes can discolor due
to soiling, strong heat, and combustion residues.
The original polish can be achieved again using
commercially available metal polishing paste or
metal polish.Light alloy wheels fPlease see the chapter “WASHING” on
Page 225.
Warning!
Danger of accident resulting in serious per-
sonal 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 im-
pair 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 at
short intervals.
Metal particles (such as brass or copper in brake
dust) must not remain too long on alloy wheels.
Contact corrosion can cause pitting.
Cleaners with an oxide-removing effect or the
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 alloy rims.
fIf 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.
Door, roof, lid and window seals
Caution!
The lubricant coating on the inner door
seals, convertible top and hardtop seals may
be damaged by unsuitable cleaning and care
agents.
fDo not use any chemical cleaning agents or
solvents.
fDo not use any preservative agents.
fWash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salt and
grit) from all seals regularly using warm soapy
water.
fIf there is a risk of frost, protect the outer door
seals and lid seals against freezing into place
with a suitable care product.Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
plastic parts, adhesive filmsUse only clean water and a little dishwashing
detergent to clean light lenses, plastic headlight
lenses, 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.
An interior window cleaner can also be used to
clean plastic surfaces (always read the cleaning
instructions on the container). We recommend
Porsche interior window cleaner.
234
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle
Danger!
Ignoring the following instructions may
cause serious personal injury or death.
fThe engine compartment of any motor vehicle
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
not attempt the adjustments described on the
following pages.
This caution also applies to the entire vehicle.
fO 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.
fEnsure that there are no open flames in the
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
fumes might be present. Be especially cau-
tious of such devices such as hot water heat-
ers which ignite a flame intermittently.
fBefore working on any part in the engine com-
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
components can burn skin on contact.
fBe alert and cautious around engine at all
times while the engine is running.
If work has to be performed with the engine
running, always set the parking brake, and
make sure the shift lever is in neutral position
or the PDK selector lever in position P or N.fIn particular, be very careful to ensure that
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), jew-
elry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get
caught in the engine-compartment blower, fan,
belts or other moving parts.
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
of the car.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted
on the engine-compartment lid.
The engine-compartment blower 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 en-
gine off, the ignition switched off, and exercise
extreme caution.
fYour Porsche is equipped with an electronic ig-
nition system. When the ignition is on, high volt-
age 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.
fAlways support your car with safety stands if it
is necessary to work under the car.
Jacks are not suitable for this kind of work.
fWhen 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.
Remove the ignition key.fDo not smoke or allow an open flame around
the battery or fuel.
Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
fIncomplete or improper servicing may cause
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
about any servicing, have it done by your au-
thorized Porsche dealer.
Improper maintenance during the warranty pe-
riod may affect your Porsche warranty cover-
age.
fSupplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, 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 appro-
priate regulations.
fSome countries require additional tools and
special spare parts to be carried.
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
235
Tires/Wheels The original equipment tires and wheel rims on
your Porsche comply with all applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
For your safety remember the following:
– Wheel rims and wheel bolts are matched to fit
your Porsche.
– If you intend to use other than original equip-
ment wheels, be sure that they conform to
Porsche specifications for your model.
Only tires with the same make and with the
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
can be mounted.
– The use of wheel rims and wheel bolts that do
not meet specifications of the original factory
installed equipment will affect the safe opera-
tion of your vehicle.
– Before you plan on exchanging wheels, or
snow tires already mounted on the wheel rims,
consult your authorized Porsche dealer. Your
dealer has the technical information necessary
to advise you which wheel rims and wheel bolts
are compatible with the original factory instal-
lations.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and serious personal
injury or death.
fIf while driving, your vehicle experiences a sud-
den vibration or ride disturbance, and/or you
suspect that possible damage to your tires or
vehicle has occurred, you should immediately
reduce your speed without excessive use of
the brakes.
fStop the vehicle as soon as possible, and in-
spect the tires.
If you cannot determine the cause for the dis-
turbance, have your vehicle towed to the near-
est Porsche or tire dealer to have your vehicle
or tire(s) inspected.
fContinuing to operate the vehicle without cor-
rection could result in a loss of control and serious personal injury.
ExampleUniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and max-
imum section width.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
Tr e a d w e a r
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specific govern-
ment test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
239
Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and could cause serious
personal injuries or death.
fDo not drive with worn tires or tires showing
cuts or bruises as they may lead to sudden
deflation and loss of control which could cause
severe personal injury.
fSpecialized high performance tires on high
performance sports cars exhibit more wear
than those on a family sedan, or even a high
performance sedan.
Therefore, it is important to check your tire
pressure and condition at least every two weeks.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly, con-
sult your Porsche dealer.
Uneven wear may not always be due to improper
wheel alignment. It can be the result of individual
driving habits such as cornering at high speeds. If
the tire pressure is not checked and adjusted
regularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.
Tire care fAvoid damaging tires and wheel rims.
fIf you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
fCheck tires for uneven wear and damage
before driving off.
fRemove imbedded material.
fReplace worn or damaged tires immediately.
fKeep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from tires.
fReplace missing valve stem caps.
fKeep tires inflated correctly.
fWash tires when washing the vehicle. Also
clean inner side of wheels.
fDo not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
fCheck wheel rims for corrosion.
fRemove road salt, if driving in winter.
Tire damage, puncture High-pressure cleaning units can damage the
tires.
fPlease see the chapter “HIGH-PRESSURE
CLEANING UNITS, STEAM CLEANERS” on
Page 224.
fCheck tires for imbedded material, cuts, punc-
tures, cracks and bulges (side wall) before driv-
ing off.
In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain wheth-
er there is a break in the ply with all its conse-
quences or tire damage caused by thermal or me-
chanical overloading due to loss of pressure or
any other prior damage, we recommend that the
tire be replaced for safety reasons.
If one faulty tire is replaced it should be noted that
the difference in tread depth on one axle must not
exceed 30%.
Handling inconsistencies may result.
fPerform a visual inspection if necessary.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
243
Snow chains
Caution!
Risk of damage to body, axle or brake com-
ponents.
fFit snow chains only to the rear wheels, and
only with the tire/rim combination listed in the
Technical Data.
To ensure adequate clearance between chain
and body, Porsche recommends only the use
of fine-link chains such as those approved by
Porsche.
fFollow instructions issued by the supplier of the chains.
Different states and countries have varying statu-
tory requirements regarding maximum speed.
Check with local authorities for possible restric-
tions.
fRemove chains as soon as the roads are free
of ice and snow. 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S
Fitting snow chains
The use of snow chains is not permitted when
5 mm spacers are mounted.
Caution!
Risk of damage to the wheel housings if the
5 mm spacers are not removed before fitting
snow chains.
fTo permit the fitting of snow chains, have the 5 mm spacers removed on all 4 wheels.
fTo fit/remove the spacers:
Please consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
fPlease see the chapter “SPACERS 911
CARRERA, 911 CARRERA S” on Page 255.
Tire designations Due to new speed and load ratings for radial tires,
new designations have come into force for snow
tires for your Porsche.
The designation to be used for ZR tires is e.g.,
265/40 ZR 18 (Z = code letter for radial tires for
speeds above 150 mph / 240 km/h).
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
249
Changing a wheel
Warning!
Risk of serious personal injury or death. The
car may slip off the jack.
fMake sure that no one is in the vehicle when
jacking up and changing a wheel.
fAlways place the car on stable supports if work
has to be carried out under the car.
Risk of damage to the brake discs of the
Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB).
fAlways screw in both assembly aids when changing a wheel.
Note
The tools required for changing a wheel (e.g. jack,
wheel bolt wrench, assembly aids) are not sup-
plied with the car.
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased to
advise you.1. Apply the handbrake fully and engage 1st gear
or PDK selector-lever position P and remove
the ignition key.
2. Switch on the hazard warning lights if neces-
sary.
3. Secure the car against rolling away, e.g. by
means of wedges under the wheels on the op-
posite side.
This is particularly important on slopes.
4. Slightly slacken the wheel bolts of the wheel to
be changed.
5. Lift the car only at the specified jacking points.
6. Raise the car until the wheel lifts off the
ground.
Please see the chapter “LIFTING THE VEHICLE
WITH A LIFTING PLATFORM OR GARAGE LIFT”
on Page 254.
7. Remove 1 or 2 wheel bolts (see respective
illustration).
8. Screw in assembly aids instead of the wheel
bolts.
Screw in assembly aid for vehicles without Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake9. Remove the remaining wheel bolts.
Note on operation
fTo remove or mount the spacers:
Please see the chapter “SPACERS 911
CARRERA, 911 CARRERA S” on Page 255.
250
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Screw in two assembly aids for vehicles with Porsche
Ceramic Composite Brake10.Take the wheel off and put a new wheel on.
Please see the chapter “WHEEL BOLTS” on
Page 248.
11.Insert wheel bolts and tighten by hand.
12.Remove assembly aids, screw in remaining
wheel bolts.
Initially tighten bolts only slightly in diagonally
opposite sequence so that the wheel
is centred.13.Inflate the tire if necessary.
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.
14.Lower the car fully and remove the jack.
15.Tighten wheel bolts in diagonally opposite
sequence.
fImmediately after changing a wheel, use
a torque wrench to check the prescribed
tightening torque (96 ftlb./130 Nm).
Note on operation for vehicles with
Tire Pressure Monitoring
fOn vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring, the
settings on the on-board computer must be
updated after the wheel change.
fPlease see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING” on Page 143.
Checking tire pressure with a
pressure gage1. Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
2. Press the pressure gage 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 gage.
3. Read the tire pressure on the gage stem and
compare it to the permissble tire pressure.
This information can be found on the tire pres-
sure plate or in the chapter Technical Data.
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.
4. Remove the pressure gage.
fPlease see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING” on Page 143.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
251
Flat Tire
Warning!
Failure to follow these instructions may result
in serious personal injury to you or to by-
standers.
fIf you have a flat tire, move a safe distance off
the road. Turn the emergency flasher on and
use other warning devices to alert other motor-
ists. Set the parking brake.
fDo not park your vehicle where it may contact
dry grass, brush or other flammable materials.
The hot parts of the exhaust system could set
such materials on fire, thereby causing both
property damage and serious personal injury or death.
A tire sealant and compressor with pressure
tester are located in the luggage compartment.
fPlease observe the safety and operating in-
structions on the special sealant bottle with a
special Porsche part number and on the com-
pressor – these are essential.Important note
Sealing the tire with the tire repair kit is only
an emergency repair. Even with the tire air-
tight, it may be used only for short journeys
in an emergency.
The maximum permitted speed is 50 mph
(80 km/h).
fDo not use commercially available sealant or
tire inflating bottles.
Use only the tire sealant located in the luggage
compartment.
Warning!
Risk of accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
fHave tires replaced by a specialist workshop
as soon as possible.
fAvoid hard acceleration and high cornering speeds.