5
Development philosophyPorsche 911 GT3 stands for a sports car with
exceptional performance, both on the road and on
the race track. This objective means that, in the
event of any compromise being required between
sportiness and comfort during the development
process, the tendency will be geared more
towards sportiness. This can result in the following
restrictions in comfort:
– Brake squeal when light pressure applied to
the pedal shortly before stopping.
– Rough engine operation in speed range around
3000 rpm.
– Cracking noise in area of front-axle coil
springs.
– Greater operating force for clutch and gear
shifting.
– Aerodynamic-related extremely low vehicle
position with restrictions in terms of ground
clearance.Sport tiresYour vehicle is equipped with special sport tires
(ultra high performance tires).
This type of tire is approved for use on public
highways and complies with all statutory require-
ments and safety criteria.The design of the tire is also geared towards use
on racing circuits (driver safety training courses,
sports driving schools, Club Sport events) and
provides distinct advantages here in terms of dry
grip and wear compared to conventional road
tires.
The major features are a reduced tread depth and
a special tread pattern and carcass.
Due to ultra high performance design and the
particular manufacturing process of these tires,
they must always be replaced in axle sets (2)
regardless of wear or mileage. Failure to do so
may have a negative affect on the handling charac-
teristics of the vehicle.
The design features of this sports tire result
in the following effects compared with other
summer tires when used under normal
driving conditions:
– Sport tires have a smaller tread depth, and
thus can reach their wear limit sooner.
As with all tires, the attainable mileage
depends on the individual driving style and the
conditions of use.
– Exercise caution when driving on wet roads,
paying special attention to hydroplaning situa-
tions (stagnant water, puddles, lane grooves).
Sport tires have a lower tread depth than
normal tires and you must therefore adapt
speed accordingly when driving on wet
surfaces.– The driver’s skill level must be commensurate
with the vehicle performance levels in the
upper range limits, due to increased safety
risks in the upper range limits.
fAt oudside temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C)
change to winter tires.
fNotify anyone using your car of these charac-
teristics and possible effects.
Danger!
Risk of accident through loss of road surface
contact, control over the vehicle and braking
ability, leading to serious personal injury or
death.
The reduced tire tread depth means that
there is an increased risk of hydroplaning on
wet roads.
fWhen driving on wet or mud-covered roads reduce speed significantly. Danger!
Risk of accident from worn tires.
Sport tires have a smaller tread depth, and
thus can reach their wear limit sooner.
It is important to check tire wear frequently
to avoid risk of serious personal injury or
death from worn tires.
fCheck tire wear frequently.
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64
Operation, Safety
Front Axle Lift SystemThe front axle lift system enables the body to be
electropneumatically raised at the front by about
1.18 in. (30 mm) (front edge of front spoiler).
This in turn enables damage to the body to be
prevented, which e. g. may occur when driving
into multi-level parking garages with steep ramps
or over speed bumps.Readiness for operationThe front axle lift system is operational when the
engine is running and the vehicle is at a standstill
or up to a speed of approx. 30 mph (50 km/h).
The vehicle is automatically lowered to the basic
level again when a speed of approx. 30 mph
(50 km/h) is exceeded.
Raising front axle fPress button in the center console.
The vehicle is raised at the front axle within
approx. 3 seconds.
When the lift function is activated, the light-
emitting diode in the button is lit.The logo “LIFT” also appears next to the digital
speedometer when the front axle is fully raised.
Caution!
Risk of damage through uncontrolled
lowering of the front axle at engine standstill.
In this particular system, the retaining
position cannot be maintained in the upper
position over an extended period without
active replenishing of the pressure accumu-
lator or engine operation.
fAlways park the vehicle in the lowered position.
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Operation, Safety
65
Lowering front axle fPress button in the center console.
The vehicle is lowered to the basic level.
The light-emitting diode in the button and in the
tachometer goes out.
Caution!
Risk of damage through bottoming out the
vehicle.
fDo not lower the vehicle when it is positioned above an obstacle.
Notes on operation
Warning messageFront axle lift system faults are indicated by
a warning message on the on-board computer.
fPlease see the chapter “WARNINGS ON THE
INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE ON-BOARD
COMPUTER” on Page 148.
– When raised, the damping properties of the
front axle change and noise may be heard in
the area of the front axle coil springs during
steering movements.
– The doors must be closed when lowering the
front axle.
–The blowing-off procedure may result in
system-related hissing noise. This does not
represent a malfunction in the lift system.– During extended vehicle immobilization, the
pressure accumulator may be completely
emptied. In this case, the first time the axle is
raised, a period of up to 2 minutes may elapse
before the vehicle height is reached and “LIFT”
is displayed.
– A flashing LED in the button indicates that the
system is currently not available. Possible
causes may be:
> Automatic overload protection is active.
The system will be available again
following a brief cooling-down phase.
The cooling-down phase may be
extended when outside temperatures
are very high.
> The speed threshold of 30 mph
(50 km/h) has been exceeded. The
system will be available again once the
speed falls below the threshold.
> If automatic lowering is actuated by
exceeding a speed of approx. 30 mph
(50 km/h) in combination with hard
acceleration, the required lowering
duration may mean that “LIFT not
lowered” is displayed. The display goes
out again as soon as the front axle has
been completely lowered.
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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
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.
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