An Informative Guide to Porsche Maintenance

Porsche is one of the first words that roll off your tongue when prompted to name a sexy car. Unbeknownst to many, the creator - Ferdinand Porsche - initially had an electric vehicle in mind. He made the first one ever at the beginning of the 20th century.

These days, Porsche is a leader in ICE vehicles. They hit top speeds and purr deliriously in the process. Impressive as they are, they are not exempt from maintenance and a regular visit to the Porsche repair shop.

Not sure where to start? Join us as we run through important routine maintenance for your Porsche vehicle.

Change Your Oil

Even Porsche maintenance is not immune from tried-and-tested auto care essentials, such as oil changes. Engine oil is as vital to a vehicle as blood is to your body.

It lubricates your engine's moving parts, improves performance, and promotes longevity. Over time, it degrades under pressure and heat and gets contaminated with dirt and grime.

How Often to Change the Oil

Oil only lasts around 7,500 miles. Even if you don't drive much, you should still change it at least once per six months to a year. Check your Porsche owner's manual for further guidance.

Don't just use the cheapest oil off the shelf. Porsche is a premium vehicle, so she benefits from "top-shelf" oil.

After an oil change, note the number on the speedometer to calculate the next change. Set a reminder for six months, but do keep an eye on the dial if you drive a lot.

Check Your Tires

Tires are more important than we give them credit for. You could have an engine in excellent condition, only for its performance and efficiency to suffer from old tires. 

Your tires are the key to a Porsche's precision handling and on-a-dime braking. Their ability to do this depends on their wear condition and pressure level. Earmark a portion of your Porsche vehicle maintenance to worry about the tires alone.

Maintenance Tips for Tires

First, check the tire pressure. Depending on your make and model, you should aim for 35 psi. Avoid over-inflating or under-inflating your tires, as this can cause serious problems.

Second, examine the treads. Be on the lookout for bald, worn-out, or punctured areas. Poorly-treaded tires will not only ruin your performance, they could risk your life by making you lose control.

Third, bring in your vehicle for a regular tire rotation. The front tires carry the most weight and do the turning, which wears them down faster. A tire rotation swaps the back tires to the front to eek a bit more life out of the full set.

Lastly, check your brake pads. A Porsche needs them to be in tip-top condition to get that proper luxury vehicle handling.

If you've been hearing grinding or squeaking, that's a sign they are worn down or misaligned. Take note if it feels like they are less responsive too. Get them inspected if any issues arise whatsoever.

Get a Good Wash

It might seem like a clean car is just for vanity's sake, right? While that is part of the truth, there's some wisdom behind it.

Dirty cars do not have the same aerodynamic efficiency as clean cars. in fact, taking your Porsche to the wash could improve its fuel efficiency by up to 2 mpg. Your car will also go faster and handle better, even if only by a small margin.

Plus, the paint lasts longer when washed and waxed. The undercarriage also benefits from regular scrubbing and washing.

Tips for Vehicle Cleaning

Give your vehicle a nice, high-quality wash. Make sure to target the wheels and undercarriage if possible. Do so once a week, or more often in extreme, corrosive weather conditions - such as snow-packed, salty winter roads.

Every once in a while, consider getting auto detailing. This gets into the nooks and crannies, spot-cleaning every crevice and tackling problematic stains. Cleaning helps your interior components, especially upholstery, to last longer. 

Check Coolant, Fluids, and Air Filters

Like engine oil, coolant is quintessential for normal function. Coolant keeps your engine below redline temps even at top speeds, thus translating to direct performance and efficiency benefits. As it burns off, your engine could wear down from excess heat.

Other fluids, such as power steering fluid and brake fluid, are vital to their respective functions. Routine maintenance should include checking them.

Air filters keep your engine clean from all the crap that flows through your intake. Clogged filters limit said intake, which reduces fuel efficiency and performance. 

Top Up Fluids and Swap Filters

Fill your coolant chamber with high-quality, antifreeze coolant. Make sure to do the same for the aforementioned fluids, and others such as transmission fluid. Check their level indicators and make sure to screw down their retaining caps well.

If you notice any leaks, it's time for an immediate Porsche repair shop visit. Leaking coolant could leave you with an overheated vehicle on the side of the road. Failing to address these leaks could cause permanent engine damage over time. 

Replace your air filters approximately once every 12,000 miles. Check the manual for guidance on your specific make and model.

Get a Regular Professional Inspection

You can handle the majority of rote Porsche maintenance on your own, but at some point, you need a professional's help. Unless you are an auto mechanic yourself, there are parts of your vehicle you can't maintain. Things like suspension, steering, and engine function.

Think of a professional inspection as a check-up with the doctor. Cars, like humans, need one on a semi-frequent basis. Set an appointment with a mechanic you trust to treat your Porsche right.

Find a Porsche Repair Shop Near You

Porsche maintenance allows you to experience your vehicle the way it was meant to be experienced. Regular oil changes, tire checks, and even washes can make all the difference. At the end of the day, though, it does need a professional inspection from time to time.

Porsche Bakersfield handles all the above and much, much more. Give your Porsche the love it deserves and schedule an appointment at our Porsche repair shop.