Tips for a Newbie
Discussion
The subject says it all, what tips would you give for driving, caring, and maintaining a Porsche (other than drive it like it's stolen!).
To get the ball rolling, coming from the world of more sedate saloons I rarely pushed the engine. Now that there is something worth pushing I have started to pay attention to the low end of an otherwise much ignore gage on all my previous cars:
- Don't stress the engine until the temp gage gets to 80
To get the ball rolling, coming from the world of more sedate saloons I rarely pushed the engine. Now that there is something worth pushing I have started to pay attention to the low end of an otherwise much ignore gage on all my previous cars:
- Don't stress the engine until the temp gage gets to 80
Sounds like someone who is happy with their boxster 
Congratulations on your purchase.
If you tell us which gen/engine you have, some of the more knowledgeable might give you a few pointers.
More info might help - are you into how it looks or how it goes or how it handles?
(I'm guessing 'all'
)
Congratulations on your purchase.
If you tell us which gen/engine you have, some of the more knowledgeable might give you a few pointers.
More info might help - are you into how it looks or how it goes or how it handles?
(I'm guessing 'all'
)I'll probably get roasted for this but a Porsche is just a car like any other.
If you want to care for it, it's the oil temperature reading that is a better yardstick, as the coolant temperature gets to 'normal' before the engine is fully at running temperature.
Other than that, there is probably a different thermostat you can fit to the 987.2?
The only tip I can give you, on a convertible front, is you should buy the Autoglym clean/reproof twin-pack that Halfords sells for about 20 GBP. Follow the instructions! Also, when you apply the reproofer, shove an old blanket on the bodywork under where the hood drains off to the sides/boot.
but a Porsche is just a car like any other.If you want to care for it, it's the oil temperature reading that is a better yardstick, as the coolant temperature gets to 'normal' before the engine is fully at running temperature.
Other than that, there is probably a different thermostat you can fit to the 987.2?
The only tip I can give you, on a convertible front, is you should buy the Autoglym clean/reproof twin-pack that Halfords sells for about 20 GBP. Follow the instructions! Also, when you apply the reproofer, shove an old blanket on the bodywork under where the hood drains off to the sides/boot.
Main learning for me is be careful about surface corrosion on the brake discs. It can be more prevalent simply because you may not drive it as much as a regular car so it builds up more easily and because the car is relatively over-braked so gentle braking doesn't burn it off as easily. If you drive the car regularly it isn't a problem but if more an occasional car and not garaged I would try to drive it once a week and stab the brakes a few times.
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
Main learning for me is be careful about surface corrosion on the brake discs. It can be more prevalent simply because you may not drive it as much as a regular car so it builds up more easily and because the car is relatively over-braked so gentle braking doesn't burn it off as easily. If you drive the car regularly it isn't a problem but if more an occasional car and not garaged I would try to drive it once a week and stab the brakes a few times.
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
Main learning for me is be careful about surface corrosion on the brake discs. It can be more prevalent simply because you may not drive it as much as a regular car so it builds up more easily and because the car is relatively over-braked so gentle braking doesn't burn it off as easily. If you drive the car regularly it isn't a problem but if more an occasional car and not garaged I would try to drive it once a week and stab the brakes a few times.
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
Not doing this caused my first Box to fail its first MOT!
As above, give the oil a chance to properly warm up - my 997 doesn't go above 2000 revs until the oil is warm, but I'm fussy. Once up to temp use all the revs available ;-)
The oil level gauge in the dash is worth watching upon first switch on of the day.
If not a daily driver keep the discs dry, and if you wash the car run it around the block to dry the brakes if you're not gooing to use it soon after.
Keep an eye on the tyres if you're not used to higher performance cars and tyres - tyre wear could catch you out, as could less grip than you may be used to if the ambient temp is particularly low.
Boxsters are great - enjoy your car!
The oil level gauge in the dash is worth watching upon first switch on of the day.
If not a daily driver keep the discs dry, and if you wash the car run it around the block to dry the brakes if you're not gooing to use it soon after.
Keep an eye on the tyres if you're not used to higher performance cars and tyres - tyre wear could catch you out, as could less grip than you may be used to if the ambient temp is particularly low.
Boxsters are great - enjoy your car!
Firstly, Boxsters are just like most cars when it comes to maintenance. Don't get too stressed out and enjoy the drive. However, I would strongly recommend that you try to get some additional "roadcraft" training so that you can improve your own skills and know your limits as you are likely to hit these long before you hit the limits of the car.
To that end, I believe that there is a training forum elsewhere on PistonHeads.
If you are going for a spirited weekend drive (as opposed a gentle commute to work) then check the tyre pressures as this can make a profound difference to the cars handling. Unfortunately the best time to check the oil levels is after the drive as the computer will not allow this to be checked with a cold engine. So get into the habit of checking after a spirited drive. This also allows the engine to idle for at least 60 seconds before you shut it down so that any hotspots should dissipate.
To that end, I believe that there is a training forum elsewhere on PistonHeads.
If you are going for a spirited weekend drive (as opposed a gentle commute to work) then check the tyre pressures as this can make a profound difference to the cars handling. Unfortunately the best time to check the oil levels is after the drive as the computer will not allow this to be checked with a cold engine. So get into the habit of checking after a spirited drive. This also allows the engine to idle for at least 60 seconds before you shut it down so that any hotspots should dissipate.
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