Instruments, On-Board Computer
115
With the engine warmed up and running at a speed
of 3000 rpm, the engine oil pressure should be
approx. 3.5 bar or higher.If oil pressure drops abruptly and a message
is displayed on the on-board computer when
the engine is running on or when driving:
fStop immediately in a suitable place.
fSwitch off the engine.
fCheck whether there is an obvious oil leak on
or under the car.
fIf no oil leak can be detected:
Measure the oil level using the on-board
computer with the engine idling.
Please see the chapter “OIL DISPLAY AND
MEASUREMENT OF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL”
on Page 143.
fAdd engine oil if necessary.
Please see the chapter “ENGINE OIL LEVEL”
on Page 160.
Caution!
Risk of engine damage.
fDo not continue driving if there is an obvious oil
leak.
fDo not continue driving if the warning lights
come on even though oil level is correct.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.If the battery voltage drops abruptly, a warning
message will be displayed by the on-board
computer.
If the warning is displayed by the on-board
computer while the engine is running or while
driving:
fStop the car in a safe place and stop the
engine.
Possible causes
– Defect in the battery charging system.
– Broken drive belt.
Warning!
Risk of engine damage with resultant loss of
control and accident, leading to serious
personal injury or death.
A broken drive belt means there is no power
assistance to the steering (more effort is
required to steer) and coolant pump function
will stop.
fDo not continue driving.
fHave the fault remedied at the nearest autho-rized Porsche dealer.
Engine Oil Pressure
Battery
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150
Warnings
Fuel gauge warning
lightConsider remaining range Refuel at next opportunity.
Check engine oil level Start engine oil level measurement in the on-board computer.
Engine oil pressure too low Stop immediately at a suitable place, measure oil level with the on-board computer and, if necessary,
add engine oil.
Warning light
Temperature gaugeEngine temperature too high Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary, add coolant.
Temperature gauge
warning light flashesCheck coolant level Switch engine off and let it cool.
Check coolant level and, if necessary, add coolant.
Check engine
visit workshopStop immediately at a suitable place and check tank cap for proper fastening. If the tank cap was
fastened correctly, consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Reduced engine power Consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Temperature gauge
warning light flashesFailure of
engine compartment blowerConsult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning Battery/generator Stop at a safe place and switch the engine off. Do not continue driving.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Failure
oil pressure
indicatorHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Failure
oil level
indicatorHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Oil temperature
indicator faultyHave the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure
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Maintenance, Car Care
159
Engine-compartment blower, radiator fan The radiator and radiator fan are in the front of the
car.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted on
the engine compartment lid.
Warning!
Risk of injury.
After the engine is switched off, the engine-
compartment temperature is monitored for
approx. 30 minutes.
During this period, and depending on tempe-
rature, the engine-compartment blower may
continue to run or start to run.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the
engine off, the ignition off, and exercise
extreme caution.
Risk of injury. The radiator fan in the front
end of the car may be operating or unexpec-
tedly start operating when the engine is
switched on.
fCarry out work in these areas only with the engine switched off.
Engine Oil It is important to perform oil changes regularly in
accordance with the intervals specified in the
“Maintenance” booklet.Engine oil consumption It is normal for your engine to consume oil.
The rate of oil consumption depends on the quality
and viscosity of oil, the speed at which the engine
is operated, the climate, road conditions as well
as the amount of dilution and oxidation of the
lubricant.
If the vehicle is used for repeated short trips, and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the engine oil
measurement may not show any drop in the oil
level at all, even after 600 miles (1,000 km) or
more. This is because the oil is gradually
becoming diluted with fuel or moisture, making it
appear that the oil level has not changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the
vehicle is driven at high speeds, as on an
expressway, making it then appear that oil is
excessively consumed after driving at high
speeds.
If the conditions you drive your vehicle in are
dusty, humid, or hot, the frequency of the oil
change intervals should be greater. If the vehicle is driven at a high rate of speed,
climatic conditions are warm, and the load is high,
the oil should be checked more frequently, as
driving conditions will determine the rate of oil
consumption.
– The engine in your vehicle depends on oil to
lubricate and cool all of its moving parts.
Therefore, the engine oil should be checked
regularly and kept at the required level.
– Make it a habit to have the engine oil level
checked at every refueling.
– The oil pressure warning light is not an oil level
indicator.
The oil pressure warning light indicates serious
engine damage may be occuring when lit, if
engine rpm is above idle speed.
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Maintenance, Car Care
175
Decals
Caution!
Risk of damage due to separation of the
decal films when using high-pressure
cleaning equipment or steam cleaners.
fDo not use high-pressure cleaning equipment or steam cleaners to clean decal films.
Washing The best method of protecting your car from the
damaging effects of the environment is frequent
washing and the application of a preservative. The
underside of your vehicle should also be
thoroughly washed for cinders, salt or sanding at
winter’s end.
The longer salt, road dust and industrial dust,
dead insects, bird droppings or substances from
trees (resin, pollen) are allowed to remain on the
bodywork, the more serious is their harmful
effect.
New cars should be washed carefully with plenty
of clear water to protect the new paint work. Dark
paint finishes show up the smallest of surface
damage (e.g., scratches) more readily than lighter
colors. Dark colors are also more susceptible to
scratching because of the composition of their
pigments and require particularly careful paint
care.
fDo not wash your car in bright sunlight or while
the bodywork is still hot.
fWhen washing by hand, use abundant water, a
soft sponge or wash brush, and Porsche car
shampoo.
fBegin by spraying the body thoroughly with
water to rinse away loose dirt.
fAfter washing, rinse the car with plenty of
water and then dry with a chamois leather.
Do not use the same chamois leather for
drying as you use for cleaning the windshield
and windows.
Warning!
Moisture which gets on to the brakes during
a car wash can reduce braking efficiency or
make the brakes pull unevenly which could
increase the danger of an accident, causing
serious personal injuries or death.
fAfter washing the car, test the brakes and
steering and briefly brake the discs dry.
When doing this, take care not to hamper other
road users behind you (traffic conditions permitting). Automatic car washes
fPlease see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
Page 173.
Optional add-on parts or parts which project
beyond the contours of the vehicle may be
damaged by design features (e.g. brushes) of
automatic car washes.
The following parts are particularly
susceptible to damage:
– Windshield wipers (always switch them off to
prevent them wiping unintentionally in intermit-
tent or sensor operation)
– External antennas (always unscrew)
– Rear spoiler
– Wheels (the wider the rim and the lower the tire
height, the greater the risk of damage)
– High-gloss wheels (to prevent these from
getting scratched, do not clean with the wheel-
cleaning brushes of the car wash).
fPlease consult the operator before using
automatic car washes.
fWash and dry by hand all points not reached by
a car wash, such as door and lid seams or
door sills.
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176
Maintenance, Car Care Note
Automatic car washes spray water at odd angles
and high pressures, which are not seen in normal
driving. Therefore, water can sometimes find its
way into the passengers compartment during or
shortly after the car wash.
Door lock fTo prevent the door lock from freezing during
the cold season, the lock cylinder should be
covered during a wash.
fShould the lock freeze, use an ordinary de-icer.
In many cases, a well warmed key can help.
Never use excessive force.Paint fNever rub a dusty car with a dry cloth since
dust particles are abrasive and could dull and
damage the surface finish.
The paintwork of your car is exposed to all types
of mechanical and chemical conditions, particu-
larly climatic ones such as bright sunlight, rain,
frost and snow. Ultraviolet light, rapid changes in
temperature, rain, snow, industrial dust and
chemical deposits constantly attack the paint
which is only able to withstand such exposure in
the long term if it is given regular care and atten-
tion.
fDo not apply silicone polishes to the windshield
or windows. fDo not treat matt-painted components with
preservatives or polishes as this will spoil the
matte effect.
Preservation
The paint surface becomes dull over time due to
weathering. It is therefore necessary to preserve
the paint regularly.
This keeps the paint shiny and elastic. Dirt is
prevented from adhering to the paint surface and
industrial dust is prevented from penetrating the
paint.
Provided it is washed and treated with preserva-
tive regularly, the brand new finish of your car will
be retained for years to come.
fApply paint preservative after the car wash and
polish it dry to obtain a bright finish.
Polishing
Do not resort to using Porsche polish until it
becomes evident that the normal preservatives no
longer produce the desired finish.
Spots and stains
fRemove tar stains, grease, oil spots and dead
insects as soon as possible with Insect
Remover. They can cause discoloration if
allowed to remain on the paintwork.
fWash the affected area immediately after
treating it.Minor paint damage
fHave minor paint damage, such as scratches,
scores or chips caused by flying stones,
repaired immediately by your authorized
Porsche dealer before corrosion sets in.
However, if there are already traces of corrosion,
they must first be removed carefully and
thoroughly. Coat the area with a rust-proofing
primer and finish off with a top coat. The paint
code and color number are found on the data bank
in the Maintenance booklet. 10_GT3_21.book Seite 176 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Maintenance, Car Care
181
Storing your Porsche If you intend to store your Porsche for a prolonged
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
most suitable and necessary methods.
fClean your vehicle thoroughly inside and
outside.
Clean the engine compartment.
The under carriage and chassis components
should be free of dirt and salt deposits.
fFill up the fuel tank.
fChange the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
for several minutes.
fIncrease the tire pressure to 58 psi (4 bar).
It is not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to
the possibility of corrosion on shock absorber
piston shafts.
The vehicle should be moved slightly, approxi-
mately every four weeks, to prevent flat spot
on the tires. Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good
working condition and fully charged.
Windshield/Headlight washer
fCheck and correct antifreeze/cleaning solution
level as necessary.
Electrical system
fRemove the battery from the vehicle and store
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
When the battery is disconnected, the
alarm system is deactivated.
fRecharge the battery every 3 months. If the
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
Do not fast charge the battery.
fPlease see the chapter “BATTERY” on
Page 211.Vehicle interior
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather
interior and in areas with high humidity. The
recommended amount is 3 fabric bags of 1.1 lbs.
(500 grams) each placed on the floor carpets.
Windows, doors and lids must be closed. The air
vents should be opened.
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188
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of
control 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,
consult 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.
fI f y o u m u s t d r i v e o v e r a c u r b o r o t h e r o b s t a c l e ,
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 or steam cleaners
can damage the tires.
fPlease see the chapter “HIGH-PRESSURE
CLEANING EQUIPMENT, STEAM CLEANERS”
on Page 174.
fCheck tires for imbedded material, cuts,
punctures, cracks and bulges (side wall)
before driving off.
In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain
whether there is a break in the ply with all its
consequences or tire damage caused by thermal
or mechanical 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.
10_GT3_21.book Seite 188 Donnerstag, 4. Juni 2009 12:48 12
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
189
Danger!
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.
fCheck tires – including sidewalls – regularly for
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
fAfter driving off road, examine tires for signs
of damage such as cuts, tears, bulges or
foreign objects stuck in the tread. Replace a
damaged tire if necessary.
fCross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
possible.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
fIn cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
the inner side) checked by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Tire replacements If in doubt, contact your authorized Porsche
dealer.
Use only tire makes and types approved by
Porsche.
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
replacement tire, make sure that you
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
Only tires with the same make and with the
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
can be mounted.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
Porsche dealer about the current release
status.
Use tires with “ZR” quality standards. There
are currently no standards concerning tire
strength at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h).
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 especially 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
Please observe the installation and replacement
instructions for valves.
fUse only genuine Porsche metal valves.
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
of air.
fUse only plastic valve caps.
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