2010 PORSCHE 911 GT3 traction control

Before driving off...
13
Break in hints for the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers The following tips will be helpful in obtaining
optimum performance from your new Porsche.
Despite the most modern, high-precision manufac-
turing methods, the moving parts must still wear
in with each other. This wearing-in occurs mainly in
the first 2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.Therefore: fPreferably take longer trips.
fAvoid frequent cold starts with short-distance
driving whenever possible.
fAvoid full throttle starts and abrupt stops.
fDo not exceed maximum engine speed of
4,200 rpm (revolutions per minute).
fDo not run a cold engine at high rpm either in
Neutral or in gear.
fDo not let the engine labor, especially when
driving uphill. Shift to the next lower gear in
time (use the most favorable rpm range).
fNever lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds. This rule applies at all times, not just
during the break-in period.fDo not participate in motor racing events,
sports driving schools, etc. during the first
2,000 miles/3,000 kilometers.
There may be a slight stiffness in the steering,
gear-shifting or other controls during the break-in
period which will gradually disappear.
Break in brake pads and brake discsNew brake pads and discs have to be “broken in”,
and therefore only attain optimal friction when the
car has covered several hundred miles or km.
The slightly reduced braking ability must be
compensated for by pressing the brake pedal
harder. This also applies whenever the brake pads
and brake discs are replaced.
A significant amount of brake noise may be heard
during the break-in period.New tires New tires do not have maximum traction. They
tend to be slippery.
fBreak in new tires by driving at moderate
speeds during the first 60 to 120 miles/100 to
200 km. Longer braking distances must be
anticipated.
Engine oil and fuel consumption During the break-in period oil and fuel consump-
tion may be higher than normal.
fPlease see the chapter “TECHNICAL DATA” on
Page 236.
As always, the rate of oil consumption depends on
the quality and viscosity of oil, the speed at which
the engine is operated, the climate and road
conditions, as well as the amount of dilution and
oxidation of the lubricant.
fMake a habit of checking engine oil with every
refueling, add if necessary.
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Operation, Safety
57
ABS Brake System
(Antilock Brake System)The ABS system represents a major contribution
to the enhancement of active safety in your
vehicle. This system prevents the wheels from
locking in a panic stop on almost all road
surfaces. With the ABS system in your vehicle, the
following areas are enhanced: Steering, vehicle remains steerable under all
braking forces when ABS is engaged.
Good directional control, no swerving caused
by locking of wheels under braking conditions.
Shorter stopping distance, stopping distances
are usually reduced because controlled braking is
maximized.
Prevention of wheel lock up, no brake-induced
sliding and thus no localized tire wear from
emergency braking.
The crucial advantage of the ABS system over a
conventional brake system is in the area of
maintaining directional control and maneuverabi-
lity of the car in emergency situations.
Warning!
The increased control that is provided should
not induce you to take greater risks with your
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of
physics cannot be overcome, even with ABS.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by the ABS.
The driver bears the responsibility for all
driving maneuvers.
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws.
Other vehicles not equipped with the ABS
system may not be able to maintain control,
especially on wet or poor road surfaces and
thus may be more likely to impact you from
behind.
fTo minimize that risk, use your ABS system to
increase your ability to maneuver to avoid
dangerous situations and not merely to try to stop in the shortest distance possible.
Operation of the ABS systemA wheel speed sensor is mounted to each of the
four wheels. If wheel lock-up of either of the front
wheels or the rear wheels is sensed during
braking, the brake pressure is adjusted automati-
cally until the wheel no longer slips.
If braking forces approach the wheel lock-up point
for all wheels (panic braking) the ABS system will
intervene to provide a rapid rythmic braking. The
proper operation of ABS is perceived by the driver
as a pulsating brake pedal in conjunction with
audible noise and perhaps some vibration.
fIf you experience these sensations while
driving or a road surface with questionable
traction, reduce vehicle speed appropriate for
the prevailing road conditions.
fIf full braking should be necessary, press the
brake pedal all the way down throughout the
entire braking procedure, regardless of the
pulsating pedal. Do not ease up on pressure
applied to the pedal.
The functional readiness of all the main electrical
components of the ABS is checked by an
electronic monitoring system both before and
while you drive.
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Operation, Safety
59
Porsche Stability Management
(PSM)PSM is an active control system for stabilization of
the vehicle during extreme driving maneuvers.
Warning!
Risk of an accident, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
The increased control that is provided should
not induce you to take greater risks with your
safety. The limits dictated by the laws of
physics cannot be overcome, even with PSM.
The risk of accidents due to inappropriate
speed cannot be reduced, even by PSM.
The driver bears the responsibility for all
driving maneuvers.
fAdapt your driving style to the prevailing road
and weather conditions.
fObey all traffic laws.
Sensors at the wheels, brakes, steering system
and engine continuously measure:
–Speed
– Direction of travel (steering angle)
– Lateral acceleration
– Rate of turn about the vertical axis
– Longitudinal accelerationPSM uses these values to determine the direction
of travel indicated by the driver.
PSM intervenes and helps to correct the course if
the actual direction of motion deviates from the
chosen course (steering-wheel position):
It brakes individual wheels as needed. In addition,
the engine power may be manipulated in order to
stabilize the vehicle.
The events below inform the driver of PSM control
operations and warn him/her to adapt his/her
driving style to the road conditions:
– The multifunctional information light on the
instrument panel flashes.
– Hydraulic noises can be heard.
– The vehicle decelerates and steering-wheel
forces are altered as PSM controls the brakes.
– Reduced engine power.
– The brake pedal pulsates and its position is
changed during braking.
In order to achieve full vehicle deceleration,
foot pressure must be increased after the
brake pedal has begun vibrating.
Advantages of PSM– Improved traction and lane-holding ability in all
driving situations – even on road surfaces with
varying friction.
– The system compensates for undesired lateral
vehicle reactions when the driver releases the
accelerator pedal or brakes when cornering.
This compensation functions up to the
maximum lateral acceleration.
– PSM actively helps stabilize the vehicle as
required during dynamic driving maneuvers
(e.g. rapid steering movements, during lane
changes or on alternating bends).
– Improved braking stability in curves and on
different or varying road surfaces.
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60
Operation, Safety Readiness for operation
PSM is switched on automatically every time you
start the engine.
PSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving.
However, it may make sense to switch off PSM
temporarily in exceptional situations, for example:
– On a loose surface or in deep snow,
– when “rocking the vehicle free” and
– when using snow chains.
Switching off PSMPSM can be switched off in 2 stages:
– Stage 1 SC OFF:
Switch off Stability Control (SC).
– Stage 2 SC+TC OFF:
Also switch off Traction Control (TC).
Danger!
There is a risk of accident due to loss of
control of the vehicle. There is no stabilizing
brake control in either switch-off stages
(even when the brakes are used).
fPSM should always be switched on during
“normal” driving. This particularly applies in wet conditions.
Switching off Stability Control (SC)Precondition:
The light-emitting diode in the SC+TC OFF button
must be off.
fPress SC OFF button.
Stability Control is switched off after a short
delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the system is switched off, the multi-
functional PSM light on the instrument panel
is lit and the message “SC OFF” appears
continuously on the on-board computer.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– When Stability Control is switched off, sportier
Traction Control is activated.
– Brake control is deactivated.
– The ABS remains active.Switching Stability Control (SC) back onfPress SC OFF button.
Stability Control is switched on after a short
delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multi-functional PSM light on the instrument
panel go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.
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Operation, Safety
61
Switching off Stability Control (SC) and
Traction Control (TC)fPress SC+TC OFF button.
Stability Control and Traction Control switch off
completely after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button is lit up.
When the system is switched off, the multifunc-
tional PSM light on the instrument panel is lit
and the message “SC+TC OFF” appears conti-
nuously on the on-board computer.
A gong signal also sounds.
fPush the on-board computer lever forward to
acknowledge the additional message under
the digital speedometer.– All PSM functions are deactivated.
– The ABS remains active.
Note
If the PSM is deactivated directly using the
SC+TC OFF button, the light-emitting diode of the
SC OFF button also lights up.
Switching Stability Control (SC) and
Traction Control (TC) back onfPress SC+TC OFF button.
PSM is switched on after a short delay.
The light-emitting diode in the button and the
multi-functional PSM light on the instrument
panel go out.
The on-board computer shows a message.
– The multifunctional light on the instrument
panel lights up for a lamp check when the
ignition is switched on.
– The light flashes to indicate PSM control
operations.
– In conjunction with a message on the on-board
computer, the light indicates that PSM is fully
or partially deactivated.
An acoustic signal also sounds.
– The light indicates a fault in conjunction with a
message on the on-board computer.
PSM is out of order.fHave the fault repaired at your authorized
Porsche dealer immediately.
fPlease see the chapter “PUTTING VEHICLE
INTO OPERATION” on Page 218.
TowingfPlease see the chapter “TOWING” on
Page 235.Checks on test standsBrake tests must be performed only on plate-
type test stands or roller test stands.
The ignition must be off.
The following limit values must not be exceeded
on roller test stands:
– Testing speed 5 mph (8 km/h)
– Test duration 20 seconds
Handbrake tests on the brake test stand must
only be carried out with the ignition switched
off.
Power measurement
Power measurements on roller test stands are not
approved by Porsche.
Multifunctional PSM light
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Warnings
151
Failure indicator Coolant indicator failed.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Failure
outside temp.
indicatorOutside temperature indicator failed.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Service
wear on
brake padsHave the brake pads changed immediately at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning
Brake fluid levelStop immediately in a suitable place.
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Warning
Brake distributionStop immediately in a suitable place.
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
ABS failure Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
SC off
Continuous display: SC offStability Control (SC) switched off.
SC+TC off
Continuous display: SC+TC offStability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) switched off.
SC+TC on Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) switched on.
PSM failure Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure
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Practical Tips, Emergency Service
185
Treadwear
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
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 var-
iations in driving habits, service practices and dif-
ferences 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 perfor-
mance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based on
braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does
not include cornering (turned) traction, accelera-
tion, hydroplaning or peak traction characteris-
tics. Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the genera-
tion of heat and its 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 degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory 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 combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure, resul-
ting in serious personal injury or death.
Tire pressures
Warning!
Incorrect tire pressure causes increased tire
wear and adversely affects road handling.
This could lead to tire failure, resulting in loss
of control, leading to serious personal injury
or death.
fAlways use an accurate tire pressure gauge
when checking inflation pressures.
fDo not exceed the maximum tire pressure
listed on the tire sidewall.
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
PLATE” on Page 235.
fCold 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 measu-
ring cold pressures, since the pressures would
rise from temperature influence.
fValve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
and thus from leakage.
Always screw caps tightly down.
Replace missing caps immediately.
fUse only plastic valve caps.
fDo not use commercially available sealant or
tire inflating bottles. Only use Porsche approved tire sealant.
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Practical Tips, Emergency Service
187
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 passen-
gers and cargo that can be loaded into the
vehicle.
Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on Page 195.
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.
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build 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.
fReduce speed on wet surface to prevent this. Tire life Tire life depends on various factors, i. e., road
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
fInspect 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 wear The 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.
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