Porsche 911 Carrera (2010 year). Manual - part 14
Windows
Wiper blades
Undercoating
The road dust which settles on the windshield and
Wiper blades that are in perfect condition are vital
As it is not possible to exclude the risk of damage
windows contains particles of tire rubber and oil
for a clear view.
to this protective coating in day to day driving, it
residue. The interior trim and upholstery release
is advisable to have the underside of the car in-
f Please see the chapter “WIPER BLADES” on
particles, particularly in strong sunlight, which col-
spected at certain intervals - preferably before
Page 223.
lect on the insides of the windows. These deposits
the start of winter and again in spring - and the un-
are augmented by impurities in the air which en-
f Replace the wiper blades twice per year (be-
dercoating restored as necessary.
ters the car through the fresh air vents.
fore and after the cold season) or whenever
Your authorized Porsche dealer is familiar with the
wiper performance deteriorates or the blades
f Clean all windows regularly, inside and outside,
bodyseal treatment procedures and has the nec-
are damaged.
with Porsche window cleaner.
essary equipment for applying factory approved
f Periodically clean the wiper blades with
materials. We recommend that you entrust them
f If you use a chamois leather for the windows,
Porsche window cleaner, especially after the
with such work and inspections.
do not use it for paintwork as it will otherwise
vehicle has been washed in a car wash.
pick up a certain amount of preservative or
Unlike conventional spray oils, undercoating and
If they are very dirty (e.g. with insect remains),
polish and could smear the windows and thus
rust-proofing compounds based on bitumen or
they can be cleaned with a sponge or cloth.
impair vision.
wax do not attack the sound-proofing materials ap-
If the wiper blades rub or squeak, this can be as a
plied at the factory.
f Remove dead insects with Porsche insect re-
result of the following:
mover.
Warning!
- If the vehicle is washed in an automatic car
Note
wash, residues may adhere to the windshield.
Danger of fire resulting in serious personal
These wax residues can be removed only by
injury or death.
Door windows feature a water-repellent (hydro-
using window cleaner concentrate.
phobic) coating which prevents soiling of the
f Do not apply additional undercoating or rust-
windows.
- The wiper blades may be damaged or worn.
proofing on or near the exhaust manifold, ex-
This coating is subject to natural wear and can be
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat
- Replace damaged or worn wiper blades imme-
renewed.
shields. During driving the substance used for
diately.
f Consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
undercoating could overheat and ignite.
f Please see the chapter “WASHER FLUID” on
Page 220.
f Before applying fresh underseal, carefully re-
move any deposits of dirt and grease. Once it
f Please contact your authorized Porsche dealer
has dried, the new undercoating compound
for further information.
forms a tough protective coating which pro-
vides efficient rust-proofing of the floor panels
and components.
228 Maintenance, Car Care
f Always apply a fresh coating of suitable pre-
The resulting film on the brake discs can im-
Door, roof, lid and window seals
servative to unprotected areas after cleaning
pair braking performance.
the underside of the body, the transmission,
Caution!
f Make sure that no cleaning agent comes into
the engine or carrying out repairs to under-
contact with the brake discs.
The lubricant coating on the inner door
body, engine or transmission components.
seals, convertible top and hardtop seals may
f If cleaning agent has come into contact with
Effective rust-proofing is particularly important
be damaged by unsuitable cleaning and care
the brake discs, thoroughly clean the brake
during the cold weather season. If your car is driv-
agents.
discs with a strong jet of water.
en frequently in areas where salt has been spread
f Do not use any chemical cleaning agents or
on the roads, the whole engine compartment
f Paying attention to any road users behind you,
solvents.
should be cleaned thoroughly after the winter to
dry the brake discs by applying the brakes at
prevent salt from causing any lasting damage. A
short intervals.
f Do not use any preservative agents.
full under-body wash should also be performed at
the same time.
Metal particles (such as brass or copper in brake
f Wash dirt (e.g. abrasion, dust, road salt and
dust) must not remain too long on alloy wheels.
grit) from all seals regularly using warm soapy
Contact corrosion can cause pitting.
water.
Stainless steel exhaust tailpipes
Cleaners with an oxide-removing effect or the
f If there is a risk of frost, protect the outer door
Stainless steel exhaust tailpipes can discolor due
wrong pH value, as are commonly used for other
seals and lid seals against freezing into place
to soiling, strong heat, and combustion residues.
metals, as well as mechanical tools and products,
with a suitable care product.
The original polish can be achieved again using
will damage the oxide layer and are therefore
commercially available metal polishing paste or
unsuitable.
Headlights, lights, interior and exterior
metal polish.
f Use only cleaners for alloy wheels
plastic parts, adhesive films
(pH value 9.5). Products with the wrong
Light alloy wheels
pH value can destroy the protective layer
Use only clean water and a little dishwashing
on the wheels.
detergent to clean light lenses, plastic headlight
f Please see the chapter “WASHING” on
We recommend Porsche cleaner for alloy rims.
lenses, plastic parts and surfaces.
Page 225.
Do not clean when dry.
f If possible, wash the wheels every two weeks
Use a soft sponge or a soft, lint-free cloth. Gently
with a sponge or washing brush. If the wheels
wipe the surface without applying too much
Warning!
are exposed to road salt, grit or industrial dust,
pressure.
Danger of accident resulting in serious per-
weekly cleaning is necessary.
sonal injury or death if cleaning agents (e.g.
An interior window cleaner can also be used to
wheel cleaning agents) come into contact
clean plastic surfaces (always read the cleaning
with the brake discs.
instructions on the container). We recommend
Porsche interior window cleaner.
Maintenance, Car Care
229
f Gently wipe the surface without applying too
f Remove heavy contamination with a leather
Carpets and floor-mats
much pressure.
cleaner.
Always read the instructions for use given on
f Use only a vacuum cleaner or a medium stiff
f Do not clean when dry.
the containers.
brush.
f Never use other chemical cleaners or
We recommend Porsche leather cleaner.
f Remove stains and spots with Porsche stain
solvents.
Treat cleaned leather only with a leather care pro-
remover.
f Rinse cleaned surfaces with clear water.
duct.
To protect carpets, the Porsche range of accesso-
We recommend the Porsche leather care product.
ries includes mats of the correct size and with the
Leather
appropriate fastening.
Cleaning airbags covers
Characteristics and special features
Warning!
The natural surface markings of leather, e.g.
Danger!
Risk of an accident resulting in serious per-
creases, healed scars, insect sting marks, struc-
There is a danger of serious personal injury
sonal injury or death.
tural differences and slight variations in shade and
or death if the airbag system is impaired by
grain add to the attractiveness of the natural leath-
improper cleaning work.
f Always check the movement of the pedals be-
er product.
fore driving and make sure that they are not ob-
f Do not make any modifications whatsoever on
structed by a floor-mat or any other object.
Observe the following care instructions:
individual components such as the padded
covers of the steering wheel, passenger side
f Secure the floor-mat to prevent it from sliding
Caution!
instrument panel, the front seats and the door
into positions that could interfere with the safe
operation of your vehicle - do not install them
linings.
The leather will be damaged by the use of
loosely in the vehicle.
unsuitable cleaning and care agents and by
f Let your authorized Porsche dealer clean
Your Porsche dealer will be glad to offer you
incorrect treatment.
these components.
nonskid floor-mats of the correct size.
f Do not use caustic cleaners or hard cleaning
aids.
Cleaning fabric linings
f Perforated leather must under no
circumstances get wet on its reverse side.
f Fabric linings on pillars, convertible top liner
and sun blinds, etc. must be cleaned only
f Clean all types of leather regularly to remove
using suitable cleaning agents or a suitable dry
fine dust using a soft, damp, white woollen
foam and a soft brush.
cloth or a commercially available microfibre
cloth.
230 Maintenance, Car Care
Alcantara
Storing your Porsche
Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good
f Do not use a leather care product to clean
If you intend to store your Porsche for a prolonged
working condition and fully charged.
Alcantara.
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
For regular care it is sufficient to clean the cover
Windshield/Headlight washer
most suitable and necessary methods.
with a soft brush.
f Check and correct antifreeze/cleaning solution
f
Clean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out-
level as necessary.
Heavy abrasion or rubbing when cleaning causes
side.
a lasting change in the surface.
Clean the engine compartment.
Electrical system
The under carriage and chassis components
Cleaning when lightly soiled
f Remove the battery from the vehicle and store
should be free of dirt and salt deposits.
f Wet a soft cloth with water or a neutral soap
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
f
Fill up the fuel tank.
When the battery is disconnected, the
solution and wipe off the dirt.
alarm system is deactivated.
f
Change the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
Cleaning when heavily soiled
for several minutes.
f Recharge the battery every 3 months. If the
f Wet a soft cloth with lukewarm water or
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
f
Increase the tire pressure to 50 psi (3.5 bar).
thinned white spirit and dab the dirt from the
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
It is not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to
outside in.
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
the possibility of corrosion on shock absorber
Do not fast charge the battery.
piston shafts.
Cleaning Safety belts
The vehicle should be moved slightly, approxi-
f Please see the chapter “BATTERY” on
mately every four weeks, to prevent flat spot
Page 261.
f Use mild detergent to clean soiled belts.
on the tires.
Vehicle interior
f When drying, avoid direct sunlight.
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
f Only use suitable cleaning agents.
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
f Do not tint or bleach the belts.
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather inte-
The belt fabric could be weakened, thus affec-
rior and in areas with high humidity. The recom-
ting safety.
mended 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.
Maintenance, Car Care
231
232 Maintenance, Car Care
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Exercise Extreme Caution when Working
on your Vehicle
234
Tires/Wheels
235
Loading Information
246
Wheel Bolts
248
Changing a wheel
249
Flat Tire
251
Lifting the Vehicle with a Lifting Platform or
Garage Lift
254
Spacers 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S
255
Electrical System
257
Battery
261
Replacing the remote-control battery
266
Emergency Starting with Jumper Cables
267
Bulb chart
269
Lights, Replacing Bulbs
269
Headlights
270
Number Plate Light
277
Changing Light-Emitting Diodes and
Long-Life Bulbs
277
Adjusting Headlights
278
Towing
280
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
233
f
In particular, be very careful to ensure that
f
Do not smoke or allow an open flame around
Exercise Extreme Caution when
items of clothing (ties, shirt, sleeves etc.), jew-
the battery or fuel.
Working on your Vehicle
elry, long hair, hand or fingers cannot get
Keep a fire extinguisher in close reach.
caught in the engine-compartment blower, fan,
Danger!
f
Incomplete or improper servicing may cause
belts or other moving parts.
problems in the operation of the car. If in doubt
Ignoring the following instructions may
The radiator and radiator fans are in the front
about any servicing, have it done by your au-
cause serious personal injury or death.
of the car.
thorized Porsche dealer.
The engine-compartment blower is mounted
f
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle
Improper maintenance during the warranty pe-
on the engine-compartment lid.
is a potentially hazardous area. If you are not
riod may affect your Porsche warranty cover-
The engine-compartment blower can start or
fully familiar with proper repair procedures, do
age.
continue running as a function of temperature,
not attempt the adjustments described on the
even with the engine switched off.
f
Supplies of fluids, e.g. engine oil, brake fluid or
following pages.
Carry out work in these areas only with the en-
coolant, are hazardous to your health.
This caution also applies to the entire vehicle.
gine off, the ignition switched off, and exercise
Keep these fluids out of children’s reach and
f
Only work on your vehicle outdoors or in a well
extreme caution.
dispose of them in accordance with the appro-
ventilated area.
priate regulations.
f
Your Porsche is equipped with an electronic ig-
f
Ensure that there are no open flames in the
nition system. When the ignition is on, high volt-
f
Some countries require additional tools and
area of your vehicle at any time when fuel
age is present in all wires connected with the
special spare parts to be carried.
fumes might be present. Be especially cau-
ignition system; therefore, exercise extreme
Please make enquiries before driving abroad.
tious of such devices such as hot water heat-
caution when working on any part of the engine
ers which ignite a flame intermittently.
while the ignition is on or the engine is running.
f
Before working on any part in the engine com-
f
Always support your car with safety stands if it
partment, turn the engine off and let it cool
is necessary to work under the car.
down sufficiently. Hot engine compartment
Jacks are not suitable for this kind of work.
components can burn skin on contact.
f
When working under the car without safety
f
Be alert and cautious around engine at all
stands but with the wheels on the ground,
times while the engine is running.
make sure the car is on level ground, the
If work has to be performed with the engine
wheels are blocked, and that the engine
running, always set the parking brake, and
cannot be started.
make sure the shift lever is in neutral position
Remove the ignition key.
or the PDK selector lever in position P or N.
234 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Danger!
Tires/Wheels
Risk of loss of control and serious personal
The original equipment tires and wheel rims on
injury or death.
your Porsche comply with all applicable Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
f
If while driving, your vehicle experiences a sud-
den vibration or ride disturbance, and/or you
For your safety remember the following:
suspect that possible damage to your tires or
vehicle has occurred, you should immediately
-
Wheel rims and wheel bolts are matched to fit
reduce your speed without excessive use of
your Porsche.
the brakes.
-
If you intend to use other than original equip-
ment wheels, be sure that they conform to
f
Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, and in-
Porsche specifications for your model.
spect the tires.
Only tires with the same make and with the
If you cannot determine the cause for the dis-
turbance, have your vehicle towed to the near-
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
est Porsche or tire dealer to have your vehicle
can be mounted.
or tire(s) inspected.
-
The use of wheel rims and wheel bolts that do
f
Continuing to operate the vehicle without cor-
not meet specifications of the original factory
rection could result in a loss of control and
Example
installed equipment will affect the safe opera-
serious personal injury.
tion of your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
-
Before you plan on exchanging wheels, or
snow tires already mounted on the wheel rims,
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
consult your authorized Porsche dealer. Your
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and max-
dealer has the technical information necessary
imum section width.
to advise you which wheel rims and wheel bolts
are compatible with the original factory instal-
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal
lations.
Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
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
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
235
and a half (1-1/2) times as well on the government
tire failure.
f
Cold tire inflation pressure means: all tires
course as a tire graded 100.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perform-
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum
The relative performance of tires depends upon
ance which all passenger car tires must meet un-
(68 °F/20 °C), when adjusting the inflation
the actual conditions of their use, however, and
der the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
pressure.
may depart significantly from the norm due to var-
109.
Avoid sunlight striking the tires before measur-
iations in driving habits, service practices and dif-
Grades B and A represent higher levels of per-
ing cold pressures, since the pressures would
ferences in road characteristics and climate.
formance on the laboratory test wheel than the
rise from temperature influence.
minimum required by law.
f
Valve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
Traction AA, A, B, C
and thus from leakage.
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
Warning!
Always screw caps tightly down.
AA, A, B, and C and they represent the tire’s ability
The temperature grade for this tire is established
Replace missing caps immediately.
to stop on wet pavement as measured under con-
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overload-
f
Use only plastic valve caps.
trolled conditions on specified government test
ed.
surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
f
Do not use commercially available sealant or
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive
A tire marked C may have poor traction perform-
tire inflating bottles. Only use Porsche
loading, either separately or in combination, can
ance.
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure, result-
approved tire sealant.
ing in serious personal injury or death.
Warning!
f
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.
The traction grade assigned to this is based on
Tire pressures
braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does
not include cornering (turned) traction, accelera-
Warning!
tion, hydroplaning or peak traction characteris-
tics.
Incorrect tire pressure causes increased tire
wear and adversely affects road handling.
This could lead to tire failure, resulting in loss
Temperature A, B, C
of control, leading to serious personal injury
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
or death.
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the gener-
f Always use an accurate tire pressure gage
ation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
when checking inflation pressures.
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
f Do not exceed the maximum tire pressure list-
Sustained high temperatures can cause the mate-
ed on the tire sidewall.
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE PLA-
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
TE” on Page 285.
236 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Each tire, should be checked every 2 weeks when
f Never let air out of hot tires.
cold (68 °F/20 °C) and inflated to the inflation
This could cause the tire pressure to fall below
pressure recommended in this Owner's Manual or
the prescribed value.
on the tire-pressure plate.
Insufficient tire filling pressure can cause tires to
If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
overheat and thus be damaged - even invisibly.
size indicated in this Owner's Manual or on the tire-
Hidden tire damage is not eliminated by subse-
pressure plate, you should determine the proper
quently correcting the tire pressure.
tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
Overloading
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring (TPM)
that illuminates a low tire pressure message when
Danger!
one or more of your tires is significantly under-in-
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of con-
flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
trol and serious personal injury or death.
message illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
f Do not overload your vehicle. Be careful about
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly un-
the roof load.
der-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
f If loading the vehicle also correct the tire pres-
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduc-
sure. Tire pressure for loaded vehicle can be
Example of a tire pressure plate
es fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
found on the tire pressure plate and in the
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
chapter technical data.
Tire pressure plate
Please note that the TPM is not a substitute for
f Never exceed the specified axle load.
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s re-
Information on the tire pressure plate
Overloading can shorten the service life of the
sponsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even
tires and car, as well as lead to dangerous ve-
A Seating capacity
if under-inflation has not reached the level to trig-
hicle reactions and long braking distances.
Maximum number of vehicle occupants, inclu-
ger illumination of the TPM low tire pressure mes-
Damage due to overloading is not covered by
ding the driver.
sage.
the vehicle warranty.
f On vehicles with tire pressure monitoring:
Please see the chapter “TPM TIRE PRESSURE
f Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
MONITORING” on Page 143.
TION” on Page 246.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURES FOR
increased.
COLD TIRES (68 °F / 20 °C)” on Page 289.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
237
B Vehicle load limit
Tire traction
Tire wear
Is the maximum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo) for the vehi-
Warning!
The original equipment tires on your Porsche have
cle. This is the maximum weight of passengers
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
and cargo that can be loaded into the vehicle.
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as
wedge of water may build up between the
Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
TION” on Page 246.
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in.
known as “hydroplane” and may cause par-
(1.6 mm).
C Tire size for the front axle
tial or complete loss of traction, vehicle
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
control or stopping ability.
When the indicators appear in two or more adja-
about the current release status.
cent grooves, it is time to replace the tires. We
f Reduce speed on wet surface to prevent this.
recommend, however, that you do not let the tires
D Recommended tire pressure for the front axle
wear down to this extent.
These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly
Tire life
E Tire size for the rear axle
and are even less effective on wet roads.
Check with your authorized Porsche dealer
Tire life depends on various factors, i. e., road
Snow tires lose their traction capability when their
about the current release status.
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).
F Recommended tire pressure for the rear axle.
habits, type of tires and tire care.
In the United States, state laws may govern the
These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
f Inspect your tires for wear and damage before
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such
G In vehicles with collapsible spare wheel:
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial
laws.
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires
Size and tire pressure of the spare wheel.
should be balanced or replaced.
238 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Danger!
Tire care
Tire damage, puncture
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of con-
f
Avoid damaging tires and wheel rims.
High-pressure cleaning units can damage the
trol of the vehicle and could cause serious
tires.
personal injuries or death.
f
If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
f Please see the chapter “HIGH-PRESSURE
f Do not drive with worn tires or tires showing
CLEANING UNITS, STEAM CLEANERS” on
cuts or bruises as they may lead to sudden
f
Check tires for uneven wear and damage
Page 224.
deflation and loss of control which could cause
before driving off.
severe personal injury.
f Check tires for imbedded material, cuts, punc-
f
Remove imbedded material.
tures, cracks and bulges (side wall) before driv-
f Specialized high performance tires on high
f
Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
ing off.
performance sports cars exhibit more wear
than those on a family sedan, or even a high
f
Keep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from tires.
In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain wheth-
performance sedan.
er there is a break in the ply with all its conse-
f
Replace missing valve stem caps.
Therefore, it is important to check your tire
quences or tire damage caused by thermal or me-
pressure and condition at least every two
f
Keep tires inflated correctly.
chanical overloading due to loss of pressure or
weeks.
any other prior damage, we recommend that the
f
Wash tires when washing the vehicle. Also
tire be replaced for safety reasons.
clean inner side of wheels.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly, con-
If one faulty tire is replaced it should be noted that
sult your Porsche dealer.
f
Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the difference in tread depth on one axle must not
Uneven wear may not always be due to improper
the wheels.
exceed 30%.
wheel alignment. It can be the result of individual
f
Check wheel rims for corrosion.
Handling inconsistencies may result.
driving habits such as cornering at high speeds. If
the tire pressure is not checked and adjusted
f
Remove road salt, if driving in winter.
f Perform a visual inspection if necessary.
regularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
239
Danger!
Tire replacements
If new tires are installed only on one axle, a notice-
able change in handling occurs due to the different
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
If in doubt, contact your Porsche dealer.
tread depth of the other tires.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
Use only tire makes and types approved by
This happens especially if only rear tires are re-
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
Porsche.
placed. However, this condition disappears as the
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire pres-
new tires are broken in.
sure increases rate of wear of the affected
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
tires.
f Please adjust your driving style accordingly.
replacement tire, make sure that you
f
Check tires - including sidewalls - regularly for
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
qualified tire technician.
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
f
After driving off road, examine tires for signs
Valves
of damage such as cuts, tears, bulges or for-
Only tires with the same make and with the
Rubber valve stems must be replaced every time
eign objects stuck in the tread. Replace a dam-
same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1”...)
aged tire if necessary.
a tire is replaced.
can be mounted.
For metal valves, the installation and replacement
f
Cross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
instructions must be observed.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
possible.
Porsche dealer about the current release
f Use only genuine Porsche metal valves.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
status.
f
In cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
f Protect the valve inserts against soiling with
Use tires with “ZR” quality standards. There
the inner side) checked by an authorized
valve caps.
are currently no standards concerning tire
Porsche dealer.
Soiled valve inserts can cause a gradual loss
strength at speeds above 150 mph (240 km/h).
of air.
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
f Use only plastic valve caps.
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).
240 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Parking at the curb
Wheel alignment, wheel balancing
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitoring
(TPM) sensors
Warning!
As a precaution, have wheels with summer tires
balanced in the spring, and those with mud and
Before changing wheels, make sure that the
Hard impacts against curbs (or traffic
snow tires before winter.
wheels are compatible with your vehicle's TPM.
islands) are dangerous and may cause hid-
Unbalanced wheels may affect car handling and
den tire damage which is not noticeable until
f Check this with your authorized Porsche
tire life.
later. Such damage can result in accidents at
dealer.
Only the specified weights may be used for wheel
high speeds causing serious personal injury
balancing.
or death.
Removing and storing tires
Self-adhesive weights must not come into contact
Depending on the force of impact, the edge
with cleaning agents, since they could drop off.
of the rim can also be damaged.
f After changing, adjust tire pressure and torque
Uneven tread wear indicates wheel imbalance. In
wheel bolts diagonally to 94 ftlb (130 Nm).
f If you are in doubt, have the wheel checked by
this event, the vehicle should be checked at an au-
an expert, particularly if you suspect damage
thorized Porsche dealer.
Tires must always remain on the same side of
on the inside.
the vehicle.
Warning!
When wheels are removed, the direction of
f If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
rotation and position of each wheel should be
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle. Exercise
If, during a trip, uneven running or vibrations
marked.
care when parking along curbs.
occur that could be caused by damage to
tires or the car, the speed must be reduced
Example
immediately, but without braking sharply.
If you continue your trip without having the
FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
cause of the fault remedied, you might lose
Wheels must always be fitted in accordance with
control of your vehicle which could cause se-
their marking.
rious personal injury or death.
The perception that tire durability and perform-
f Stop the vehicle and check the tires.
ance are immune to the effects of storage and
f If no cause for the fault can be found, drive
age is unfounded.
carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche
Chemical additives, which make the rubber elas-
dealer.
tic, lose their effectiveness in the course of time
and the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.
Therefore, the tires should be inspected from
time to time.
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
241
Note
Before mounting snow tires, consult with
Danger!
your Porsche dealer. He has the technical
Under no circumstances should tires older than 6
Risk of accident and serious personal injury
information necessary to advise you on
years be used on your Porsche.
or death due to excessive speed.
wheel and tire compatibility.
The age of the tire can be obtained from the “DOT”
f Always check the maximum speed rating on
Snow tires should have the same load capacity as
code number. If, for example, the last four num-
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
original equipment tires and should be mounted on
bers read 1208, then the tire was produced in the
all four wheels.
f Never exceed the maximum speed rating of
12th week of 2008.
Snow tires with studs should be run at moderate
the tires.
f Store tires in a cool and dry place.
speeds when new in order to give the studs time
to settle.
f Fit winter tires to both axles well before the
Snow tires
cold season begins.
Danger!
Your authorized Porsche dealer will be pleased
For a better grip on snow and ice, use radial M+S
to advise you.
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
tires with studs.
very dangerous and could cause accidents
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
Maintenance note
resulting in serious personal injuries or
possible restrictions.
We recommend fitting snow tires on the vehicle at
death.
temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) since the driving
Danger!
f Make sure they are replaced immediately.
performance of summer tires is reduced at low
temperatures. Summer tires may be permanently
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
f Do not drive a vehicle equipped with snow tires
damaged at extremely low temperatures.
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or
at prolonged high speed.
death.
Winter tires lose their traction capability when their
Snow tires do not have the same degree of
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture
tread depth falls below 5/32 in. (4 mm).
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as a
are optimized for wet and dry driving condi-
normal tire.
tions, and may not prove favorable for snow
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under
conditions.
these conditions.
f Therefore install M+S tires before driving in
Comply with all state and local laws
such conditions.
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
242 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Snow chains
911 Carrera, 911 Carrera S
Fitting snow chains
Caution!
The use of snow chains is not permitted when
Risk of damage to body, axle or brake com-
5 mm spacers are mounted.
ponents.
f Fit snow chains only to the rear wheels, and
Caution!
only with the tire/rim combination listed in the
Technical Data.
Risk of damage to the wheel housings if the
To ensure adequate clearance between chain
5 mm spacers are not removed before fitting
and body, Porsche recommends only the use
snow chains.
of fine-link chains such as those approved by
f To permit the fitting of snow chains, have the
Porsche.
5 mm spacers removed on all 4 wheels.
f Follow instructions issued by the supplier of
the chains.
f To fit/remove the spacers:
Please consult an authorized Porsche dealer.
Different states and countries have varying statu-
f Please see the chapter “SPACERS 911
tory requirements regarding maximum speed.
CARRERA, 911 CARRERA S” on Page 255.
Check with local authorities for possible restric-
tions.
Tire designations
f Remove chains as soon as the roads are free
of ice and snow.
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
243
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
0204, the tire was produced in the 2nd week
Example of Inscription
-
ZR - code letter for radial tires for speeds
of 2004.
above 150 mph / 240 km/h
Inscription on radial tire
C Tire ply composition and material
There are currently no standards concerning
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls
tire strength at speeds above 150 mph
A Tire size
and their material composition.
(240 km/h).
Example: P 295/30 ZR 19 100 Y
D Maximum permissible inflation pressure
-
R - Belt type code letter for radial
– P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
-
19 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
This information is not included on all tires.
to which a tire can be inflated.
–
100 - Load capacity coefficient
-
295 - Indication of tire width in mm
f Do not exceed the permissible inflation
–
Y - Speed code letter
–
30 - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
pressure.
in percent
-
XL (Extra Load) - Tire with increased load rat-
ing
244 Practical Tips, Emergency Service