Two Iconic Porsche – Under the Lights
This week, we joined the team from Tide Media Studio to film content for a brand-new YouTube series called Under the Spotlight.
Seasonal Tips for Daily Drivers and Fair Weather Drivers during the Winter Months
Driving your Porsche through the winter – Tips to help you stay safe and secure.
Winter is the very worst time to have car trouble, when it’s dark, cold, and wet we need reliable transport. We highly recommend visiting for a swift check prior to the worst of the weather. However, for those of you that live too far away, here are a few essentials from our checklist that you may be able to deal with yourself:
- Battery: Cold weather means batteries have less power. Any weakness, sluggishness starting means it could let you down. Have your battery tested now before it leaves you stranded.
- Cooling System: A sweet odour might be the first sign of a leak, before it becomes serious, or any warning lights are triggered check it.
- Check coolant level, checking the strength of the antifreeze solution is essential for cold weather.
- Tyres: Ideally install winter or all-season tyres with good tread depth. At the very least check tread depth of your existing tyres paying particular attention to the very inside edge. We recommend at least 3mm tread depth, depth of the tread is an essential factor in clearing water and reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Keep tyre pressures at the recommended levels.
- Wiper Blades and Fluid: Replace old wiper blades and use winter-grade windshield washer fluid.
- Check the Oil level and consider the viscosity. If you are travelling to colder climates (skiing) oil becomes thicker and you may need a different grade.
- Lights: Are your headlights well aligned? Ensure that all exterior lights (headlights, rear lights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators) are working properly. (we can upgrade most models).
- Brakes: Check your brake pads for wear, the discs check for corrosion, deep grooves and lips. The brake fluid attracts moisture and should be tested/flushed and changed every two years, lack of use makes no difference to the fluid.
- Heater and Air conditioning: Heating efficiency is obvious, whilst functioning air conditioning will quickly clear mist from the interior windows.
- Check Belts and Hoses: Cold weather can make belts and hoses more prone to cracking. Inspect them for frayed edges or cracks, and for correct tension. Any screeching noise on startup is indicative of imminent failure.
- Fuel Tank keep it Full: Maintaining a full tank of fuel can prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and help in case of unexpected delays or emergencies.
- Water ingress: Is your car steaming up easily? Is there any evidence of damp inside? Leaks are not uncommon and left unattended are potentially serious because the wiring and often ECU is on the floor. Fixing sooner than later is essential.
- Rubber seals. Spread Vaseline or rubber protectant on a clean seal to help prevent the doors from freezing shut.
Keep in the Car:
- Jump leads, a good quality set can help you or help someone else.
- High visibility jackets are inexpensive and are legal requirements in Europe, and should be here too. Ditto a Warning triangle.
- A good torch.
- Window scraper.
Our team can help you with any of the above, call Leanne on 01752 840307 and press 1 for service.
Storing your car or using infrequently?
Are you storing your Porsche over the winter?
Whether keeping your car tucked up or have it ready to use on a nice day, here are our tips.
- Store Indoors: If possible, store your cabriolet in a garage or covered storage area during the winter. Consider a breathable cover if this is not an option.
- Battery Maintenance: Cold weather can be hard on car batteries. Make sure your battery is in good condition and fully charged. If your car won’t be driven much during the winter, use a modern smart optimizer charger to maintain the battery. (we can supply).
- Rodent protection. These can cause havoc, both outside and inside the car. They love nibbling on expensive components. Consider using methods to deter the furry things eating or nesting in or on your car.
- Fluid Check: Check all fluids levels in your vehicle, waiting for a warning light is often too late.
- Antifreeze Protection: Ensure that your engine coolant has the correct mixture of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing. Antifreeze has a corrosion inhibitor which dilutes with age, so a flush and fresh coolant is a smart idea.
- Wash and Wax: Give your Porsche thorough wash and wax before winter, ideally dry it off and run it on the road for ten minutes prior to parking it. Avoid parking it wet.
- Undercarriage Protection: If you were to use it on salted roads a thorough pressure wash underneath is really helpful. Boat chandlers supply a Salt Away solution which is very beneficial.
- Soft Top Care: If your Cabriolet has a fabric soft top, clean and treat it with a fabric protectant . Leave the top erected whilst in storage.
- Interior Protection: Consider using moisture-absorbing products or desiccants inside the vehicle to prevent mold and mildew growth. If possible leave the windows open a small amount.
- Fuel Additive: Consider adding a fuel stabiliser to your fuel tank to prevent fuel from deteriorating during long periods of inactivity.
- Starting it occasionally for just a few minutes might not be a great plan. If you do start it, then the oil must get to temperature in order to evaporate the moisture. Otherwise it may be better to not run it until ready to drive.
- Tyres. It may be useful to over inflate if the car is static. Tyre ‘shoes’ spread the load and help prevent a flat spot.
If you have any additional seasonal maintenance questions, contact our service desk on 01752 840307 (Option 1) or email us at service@williamscrawford.co.uk
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