
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
225
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 pressure 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-in-
flated. Accordingly, when  the low tire pressure tell-
tale illuminates, you should stop and check your 
tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 
proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can 
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces 
fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect 
the vehicle’s handling  and stopping ability.
Please note that the TP M is not a substitute for 
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s re-
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even 
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trig-
ger illumination of the TP M low tire pressure tell-
tale.
f On vehicles with tire pressure monitoring:
Please see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE 
MONITORING” on Page 147.
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 filling pressure can cause tires to 
overheat and thus be damaged – even invisibly. 
Hidden tire damage is not eliminated by subse-
quently correcting the tire pressure.
Overloading
 Danger!
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of con-
trol and serious personal injury or death.
f Do not overload your vehicle. Be careful about 
the roof load. 
f If loading the vehicle also correct the tire pres-
sure. 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 ve-
hicle reactions and long braking distances.
Damage due to overloading is not covered by the vehicle warranty.
f Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on Page 234.
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR 
COLD TIRES (68 °F/20 °C)” on Page 277.
Example of a tire pressure plateTire pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacity
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, inclu-
ding the driver. 

230
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Note
Under no circumstances sh
ould tires older than 6 
years be used on your Porsche. 
The age of the tire can be obtained from the “DOT” 
code number. If, for example, the last four num-
bers read 1208, then the ti re was produced in the 
12th week of 2008. 
f Store tires in a cool and dry place.  
Snow tires For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S 
tires with studs. 
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for 
possible restrictions. 
 Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the 
vehicle as well as seri ous personal injury or 
death.
The standard tires prof ile and rubber mixture 
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow 
conditions. 
f Therefore install M+S tires before driving in such conditions.  Before mounting snow tires, consult with 
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical 
information necessary to advise you on 
wheel and tire compatibility. 
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as 
original equipment tires and should be mounted on 
all four wheels. 
Snow tires with studs should be run at moderate 
speeds when new in order to give the studs time 
to settle.
 Danger!
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are 
very dangerous and could cause accidents 
resulting in serious personal injuries or 
death. 
f Make sure they are replaced immediately. 
f Do not drive a vehicle equipped with snow tires 
at prolonged high speed. 
Snow tires do not have the same degree of 
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as a 
normal tire. 
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under 
these conditions. 
Comply with all state and local laws 
governing snow tire and tread depth 
requirements.
 Danger!
Risk of accident and se rious personal injury 
or death due to excessive speed.
f Always check the maximum speed rating on 
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
f Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires. 
f Fit winter tires to both axles well before the 
cold season begins. 
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased 
to advise you.
Maintenance note
We recommend fitting snow tires on the vehicle at 
temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) since the driving 
performance of summer tires is reduced at low 
temperatures. Summer tires may be permanently 
damaged at extremely low temperatures.
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their 
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm). 

232
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireATire size
Example: P 295/30 ZR 19 100 Y 
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle. 
This information is not included on all tires.
– 295  - Indication of tire width in mm
– 30  - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio 
in percent –
ZR - code letter for radial tires for speeds 
above 150 mph / 240 km/h
There are currently no standards concerning 
tire strength at speeds above 150 mph 
(240 km/h). 
– R - Belt type code letter for radial
– 19 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
– 100  - Load capacity coefficient
– Y - Speed code letter
– XL (Extra Load)  - Tire with increased load rat-
ing
B TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxxx xxxx
–DOT
The DOT symbol indicates that the tires com-
ply with the requirements of the US Depart-
ment of Transportation and provides informa-
tion about:
– first two-digit code means manufacturer’s iden- tification mark.
– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third four-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means date of manufac- ture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read 
0208, the tire was produced in the 2nd week 
of 2008.
C Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls 
and their material composition.
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure 
to which a tire can be inflated.
f Do not exceed the permissible inflation 
pressure. 

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
233
E Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can 
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always 
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating 
as the factory installed tire.
FRadial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial 
structure.
G Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires.Speed code letterThe speed code letter indicates the maximum per-
missible speed for the tire.
This code letter is shown on the tire sidewall.Tip on driving
Tires with a maximum speed rating that is lower 
than the specified maximum vehicle speed may be 
mounted only if they bear an M+S identification on 
the tire sidewall.
f
Please note that in addition to the winter tires, 
all-season and all-terrain tires are also subject 
to speed limits and bear this identification.
Inscription on light alloy wheelsMaintenance note
fProtect the valve inserts against soiling with 
valve caps.
Use only plastic valve caps.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss 
of air.
Note on operation
f The rim width in inches  A and the rim offset F 
are visible from the outside. 
The information is inscri bed on the back of the 
spokes near the tire valve.
A - Rim width in inches
B - Rim-flange contour code letter
C - Symbol for drop-center rim
D - Rim diameter in inches
E -Double hump
F - Rim offset in mm
T = up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
(Y) = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) as for 
Y tires. Speeds of more than 
300 km/h (186 mph) are also 
possible at a maximum tire load 
capacity of 85 % (confirmation from 
tire manufacturer required for 
speeds of more than 186 mph (300 
km/h)). 

234
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Loading InformationDefinitionsThe Curb weight - actual weight of your vehicle - 
vehicle weight including  standard and optional 
equipment, fluids and emergency tools. This 
weight does not include passengers and cargo.
The Gross Vehicle Weight  is sum of the curb 
weight and the weight of passengers and cargo 
combined.
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating  is the maxi-
mum total weight of vehicl e, passengers, luggage 
and optional equipment.
The Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum 
load limit for the front or the rear axle. This infor-
mation is located on the safety compliance sticker 
located in the driver’s side door jamb. 
For determining the compat ibility of the tire and 
vehicle load capabilities:
f Please see the chapter “TECHNICAL DATA” on 
Page 276.
The load capacity coeffici ent (e.g. “100”) is a min-
imum requirement. The Gross Combined Weight Rating is the 
maximum total weight rating of vehicle, passen-
gers and cargo.
The Vehicle Capacity Weight
 - 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. This informa-
tion can be found on the tire pressure plate.
The maximum loaded vehicle weight  is the 
sum of curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle ca-
pacity weight and production options weight.
The load rating  is the maximum load that a tire 
is rated to carry for a given inflation pressure.
The maximum load rating  is the load rating for 
a tire at the maximum permissble inflation pres-
sure.
The cargo capacity  is the permissible weight of 
cargo, the substracted weight of passengers from 
the load limit.
f Never exceed the permissible limits.
 Danger!
Risk of loss of control, damage to the vehicle 
and serious personal injury or death.
f Never exceed the specified axle loads. 
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. 

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
235
Example for determining the combined weight of 
occupants and cargoVehicle Load CapacityfThe combined weight of occupants and cargo 
should never exceed the weight shown on the 
tire plate in the vehicle.
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE PLA-
TE” on Page 275.
f Never exceed the number of passengers 
shown on the tire pressure plate in the vehicle. Determining the combined weight of 
occupants and cargo:
f
Add the weight of all occupants and then add 
the total luggage weight ( figure).
Steps for determining correct load limit
1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of  occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX 
pounds" on your vehicle’s placard (depending 
on the date of manufacture).
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver  and passengers that will be riding in your vehi-
cle.   3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and 
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX 
pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available  amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. 
For example, if the ”XXX“ amount equals 
400 lbs. and there will be two - 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount of available 
cargo and luggage load capacity is 100 lbs. 
(400 - 300 (2 x 150) = 100 lbs.).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage  and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That 
weight may not safely ex ceed the available car-
go and luggage load capacity calculated in 
Step 4. 

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
251
Winter operation The capacity and ability of the battery to store 
power decreases at low outside temperatures.
Moreover, the battery is more heavily loaded in 
winter months, e.g. by the heated rear window, 
more frequent use of additional lights, the fans 
and the windshield wipers, etc.
f Have the battery checked before the start 
of winter.
Maintenance note
Keep the battery well charged to prevent it 
from freezing.
A discharged battery can freeze at 23 °F (--5 °C), 
but a fully charged battery only freezes at -- 40 °F 
(--40 °C).
A frozen battery must always be thawed before 
connecting jump leads.
Replacing battery The service life of the batt ery is subject to normal 
wear; it depends greatly on care, climatic conditi-
ons, and driving conditions (distances, loads). 
f Only use an original Porsche battery, with the 
correct part number, as a replacement. 
f Please observe the disposal instructions for 
batteries.
Putting vehicle into operationAfter the battery is co nnected or after an exhaus-
tively discharged  battery is charged, the multi-
functional PSM light lights up on the instrument 
panel and a message appears on the on-board 
computer to indicate a fault. 
This fault can be remedied with a few simple 
steps:
1. Start the engine.
2. With the vehicle stationary, perform a few  steering movements to  the left and right and 
then drive a short distance in a straight line 
until the multifunctinal PSM light goes out and 
the message on the on-board computer 
disappears.
3. If the warnings do  not disappear, then:
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized 
Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied.
4. After the warnings disappear: Stop the vehicle in a suitable place. 
f Perform adaptation of the power windows:
Please see the chapter “STORING END 
POSITION OF THE WINDOWS” on Page 28. 

278
Technical Data
Tires, Rims, Tracks BoxsterTiresRim Rim offset Track 
Summer tires front205/55 ZR 17 91Y 7 J x 17 H2 55 mm 58.7 in./1490 mm
rear  235/50 ZR 17 96Y 8.5 J x 17 H2 40 mm 60.4 in./1534 mm
or front 235/40 ZR 18 91Y 8 J x 18 H2 57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear 265/40 ZR 18 101Y XL 9 J x 18 H2 43 mm 60.2 in./1528 mm
or front 235/35 ZR 19 87Y 8 J x 19 H2 57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear 265/35 ZR 19 94Y 9.5 J x 19 H2 46 mm 59.9 in./1522 mm 
or front 235/35 ZR 19 87Y 8.5 J x 19 H2 55 mm 58.7 in./1490 mm
rear 265/35 ZR 19 94Y 10 J x 19 H2 42 mm 60.2 in./1530 mm
Snow tires front205/55 R 17 91V M+S 7 J x 17 H2 55 mm 58.7 in./1490 mm
rear  * 235/50 R 17 96V M+S 8.5 J x 17 H2 40 mm 60.4 in./1534 mm
or front 235/40 R 18 91V M+S 8 J x 18 H2 57 mm 58.5 in./1486 mm
rear  * 255/40 R 18 95V M+S 9 J x 18 H2 43 mm 60.2 in./1528 mm
The load capacity coefficient (e.g. ”91“) and maximum speed code letter (e.g. ”V“) are minimum requirements.