flat tire PORSCHE BOXSTER 2006 2.G Owners Manual

12
Controls, Instruments
Dear Porsche Owner A lot has gone into the manufacture of your
Porsche, including advanced engineering, rigid
quality control and demanding inspections.
These engineering and safety features will be
enhanced by you... the safe driver... – who knows his car and all controls,
– who maintains the vehicle properly,
– who uses driving skills wisely, and always
drives within her/his own capabilities and the
level of familiarity with the vehicle.
You will find helpful hints in this manual on how to
perform most of the checks listed on the following
pages.
If in doubt, have these checks performed by your
authorized Porsche dealer.
Before driving off... Check the following items first fTurn the engine off before you attempt any
checks or repairs on the vehicle.
fBe sure the tires are inflated correctly.
Check tires for damage and tire wear.
fSee that wheel bolts are properly tightened
and not loose or missing.
fCheck engine oil level, add if necessary.
Make it a habit to have engine oil checked with
every fuel filling.
fCheck all fluid levels such as windshield was-
her and brake fluid levels.
fBe sure the vehicle battery is well charged and
cranks the engine properly.
fCheck all doors and lids for proper operation
and latch them properly.
fCheck and if necessary replace worn or cra-
cked wiper blades.
fSee that all windows are clear and unobstruc-
ted.
fCheck air intake slots and area between front
lid and windshield are free of snow and ice, so
the heater and the windshield wipers work pro-
perly. fIf a child will be riding in the vehicle, check
child seat/child seat restraint system to ensure
that restraints are properly adjusted.
fCheck all exterior and interior lights for opera-
tion and that the lenses are clean.
fCheck the headlights for proper aim, and if ne-
cessary, have them adjusted.
fCheck under the vehicle for leaks.
fBe sure all luggage is stowed securely.
Emergency equipment It is good practice to carry emergency equipment
in your vehicle.
Some of the items you should have are:
window scraper, snow brush, container or bag of
sand or salt, emergency light, small shovel, first-
aid kit, etc.

Controls, Instruments
103
TPC
Tire pressure monitoringfPlease observe the chapter “TIRES, RIMS,
TRACKS” on Page 282.
The tire pressure monitoring continuously
monitors tire pressure and tire temperature on all
four wheels and warns the driver when the tire
pressure is too low.
The display as well as the settings for the tire
pressure monitoring take place on the on-board
computer.
However, you must still adjust the tire pressure on
the wheel.
fThe driver is responsible for filling the tires
correctly and making the correct settings on
the on-board computer.
The tire pressure monitoring offers the following
functions:
– Display of the actual tire pressure while the
vehicle is in motion
– Display of the deviation from the required
pressure (refilling pressure)
– Display of currently set tire size and type
– Tire pressure warnings in two stages
Safety notes!
Despite the advantages offered by the tire
pressure monitoring, it is still the driver’s
responsibility to update the corresponding
settings in the on-board computer and
maintain the pressure in the tires. Low tire
pressure reduces the road safety of the
vehicle and destroys the tire and wheel.
fWhen a flat tire has been displayed, immedi-
ately stop in a suitable place and check the
tires for damage. If necessary, remedy the
damage with a tire sealant.
fDo not by any means continue to drive with
defective tires.
fSealing the tire with tire sealant is only an
emergency repair, so you can drive to the next
authorized Porsche dealer. The maximum per-
mitted speed is 50 mph (80 km/h).
fDo not drive with tires whose tire pressure
drops again in a short period of time. In cases
of doubt, have tires checked by an authorized
Porsche dealer.
fDefective tires must be immediately replaced
by an authorized Porsche dealer.
Tire repairs are not permissible under any
circumstances.fIf the tire pressure monitoring is defective (e.g.
defective wheel transmitter), contact an
authorized Porsche dealer immediately and
have the damage repaired.
The tire pressure will not be monitored by a
defective tire pressure monitoring.
fTires lose air over time without a tire defect
being present. A tire pressure warning will then
appear in the on-board computer display.
Correct the tire pressure at the next oppor-
tunity.
fThe tire pressure monitoring gives a warning
about tire damage due to natural pressure loss
as well as about a gradual loss of pressure due
to foreign objects.
The tire pressure monitoring cannot warn you
about tire damage that occurs suddenly (e.g.
flat tire due to abrupt external effects).

Controls, Instruments
107
Tire pressure warnings
The tire pressure monitoring warns about loss in
pressure in two stages, depending on the amount
of pressure loss:
Stage 1 – Add air
(3 to 6 psi (0.2 to 0.4 bar) loss in pressure)
Stage 2 – Flat tire
(from 6 psi (0.4 bar) loss in pressure)
Stage 1 – Add air
The pressure in the tire is too low by 3 to 6 psi (0.2
to 0.4 bar).
Driving with insufficient tire pressure reduces the
road safety of the vehicle and destroys the tire and
wheel.
fThe tire pressure warning contains the
affected tire with the tire pressure to be added.
Correct the tire pressure at the next
opportunity.
This tire pressure warning appears with vehicle
stopped and can be acknowledged.
The tire pressure warning light in the instrument
panel goes out when the tire pressure has been
corrected.Stage 2 – Flat tire
The pressure in the tire has dropped by more than
6 psi (0.4 bar). This significant pressure loss is a
danger to road safety.
fWhen the tire pressure warning has appeared
on the on-board computer, stop immediately at
a suitable location. Check the tire for signs of
damage. If necessary, fill in tire sealant and set
the correct tire pressure.
This tire pressure warning appears when driving
and can be acknowledged.
The tire pressure warning light in the instrument
panel goes out when the tire pressure has been
corrected.

Controls, Instruments
121
System fault
Go to workshopSeveral systems may have failed. Adjust your
driving style. Reduce speed.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Failure of fuel level indicator
WorkshopHave the fault remedied at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Service in km/days Service indicator
Bring the vehicle in for service no later than af-
ter the distance/time shown has elapsed.
However, it is the intervals in the “Guarantee
and Maintenance” booklet that are decisive.
Service now Service indicator
Have your vehicle serviced at an authorized
Porsche dealer.
Flat Tire Tire pressure monitoring system has detected a
serious pressure loss.
Stop in a suitable place and check tires for dam-
age. Fill in tyre sealant if necessary.
Add air The tire pressure monitoring system has detect-
ed a gradual pressure loss. Correct tyre pres-
sure at the next opportunity.
TPC inactive
System learningThe tire pressure monitoring system is learning
the wheels on the vehicle. The tire pressure
monitoring system is searching for the tires and
their position. During this period the current
pressure specifications are not available on the
on-board computer.
TPC inactive The tire pressure monitoring system is faulty.
Consult a qualified specialist repairshop.*
Instrument
panelOn-board
computerText display on on-board
computerMeaning/measure

194
Maintenance, Car Care
Fuel Economy Fuel economy will vary depending on where,
when and how you drive, optional equipment
installed, and the general condition of your
car.
A car tuned to specifications and correctly
maintained, will help you to achieve optimal
fuel economy.
fHave your vehicle tuned to specifications.
Air cleaner should be dirt free to allow proper
engine “breathing”.
Battery should be fully charged.
Wheels should be properly aligned.
Tires should be inflated at correct pressure.
fAlways monitor your fuel consumption.
fDrive smoothly, avoid abrupt changes in speed
as much as possible.
fAvoid jack rabbit starts and sudden stops.
fDo not drive longer than necessary in the lower
gears. Shifting into a higher gear early without
lugging the engine will help save fuel.
fProlonged “warm up” idling wastes gas. Start
the vehicle just before you are ready to drive.
Accelerate slowly and smoothly.
fSwitch off the engine if stationary for longer
periods (traffic lights, jams, level crossings). fAny additional weight carried in the vehicle re-
duces fuel economy. Always keep cargo to a
minimum and remove all unnecessary items.
fOrganize your trips to take in several errands
in one trip.
fAll electrical accessories contribute to increa-
sed fuel consumption.
fOnly switch on the air conditioning when neces-
sary.
The EPA estimated m.p.g. is to be used for
comparison purposes, actual mileage may
be different from the estimated m.p.g., de-
pending on your driving speed, weather con-
ditions and trip length. Your actual highway
mileage will probably be less than the esti-
mated m.p.g.
fPlease observe all local and national speed li-
mits.

218
Maintenance, Car Care
Storing your Porsche If you intend to store your Porsche for a prolonged
period, please consult your authorized Porsche
dealer. The staff will be glad to advise you on the
most suitable and necessary methods.
fClean your vehicle thoroughly inside and out-
side.
Clean the engine compartment.
The under carriage and chassis components
should be free of dirt and salt deposits.
fFill up the fuel tank.
fChange the oil and oil filter, and run the engine
for several minutes.
fIncrease the tire pressure to 58 psi (4 bar).
It is not recommended to lift the vehicle, due to
the possibility of corrosion on shock absorber
piston shafts.
The vehicle should be moved slightly, approxi-
mately every four weeks, to prevent flat spot
on the tires. Climate control
The air conditioning system should be in good wor-
king condition and fully charged.
Windshield/Headlight washer
fCheck and correct antifreeze/cleaning solution
level as necessary.
Electrical system
fRemove the battery from the vehicle and store
it in a cool dry place, not on a cement floor.
When the battery is disconnected, the
alarm system is deactivated.
fRecharge the battery every 3 months. If the
battery remains in the vehicle with the cables
connected, it is necessary to check, remove
and recharge the battery every 2-3 weeks.
Do not fast charge the battery.
fPlease observe the chapter “BULB CHART” on
Page 259. Vehicle interior
The interior must be dry, especially in the area of
the floor carpets. The use of drying agents (Silica-
Gel) is recommended in vehicles with leather inte-
rior and in areas with high humidity. The recom-
mended amount is 3 fabric bags of 1.1 lbs. (500
grams) each placed on the floor carpets.
Windows, doors, lids and top must be closed. The
air vents should be opened.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
219 Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Exercise Extreme Caution when
Working on your Vehicle ............................. 220
Tires/Wheels ............................................ 221
Loading Information ................................... 235
Lifting the Vehicle with a Lifting Platform
or Garage Lift ........................................... 237
Flat Tire .................................................... 238
Wheel Bolts ............................................. 241
Spacers ................................................... 244
Electrical System ..................................... 246
Battery .................................................... 249
Jump lead starting .................................... 256
Replacing bulbs ......................................... 258
Headlights ................................................ 261
Turn signal light ......................................... 265
Side marker light ....................................... 268
Tail light .................................................... 269
Additional brake light ................................. 270
Luggage compartment/footwell lights ......... 270
Interior light .............................................. 271
Adjusting Headlights .................................. 272
Towing ..................................................... 274

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
223
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B and C and they represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction perfor-
mance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based on
braking (straight-ahead) traction tests and does
not include cornering (turned) traction, accelera-
tion, hydroplaning or peak traction characteris-
tics. Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire’s resistance to the genera-
tion of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperatures can cause the mate-
rial of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can lead to sudden
tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel than the mini-
mum required by law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloa-
ded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loa-
ding, either separately or in combination, can cau-
se heat buildup and possible tire failure.

224
Practical Tips, Emergency Service
Tire pressures
Warning!
Incorrect tire pressure causes increased tire
wear and adversely affects road handling.
fAlways use an accurate tire pressure gauge
when checking inflation pressures.
fDo not exceed the maximum tire pressure list-
ed on the tire sidewall.
Please observe the chapter “VEHICLE IDENTI-
FICATION NUMBER” on Page 278.
fCold tire inflation pressure means: all tires
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum
(68°F, (20°C)
, when adjusting the inflation pres-
sure.
Avoid sunlight striking the tires before measur-
ing cold pressures, since the pressures would
rise from temperature influence.
fValve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
and thus from leakage.
Always screw caps tightly down.
Replace missing caps immediately.
fUse only plastic valve caps.
fDo not use commercially available sealant or
tire inflating bottles. Only use Porsche approved tire sealant.Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked every 2 weeks when cold (68°F/20°C)
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommend-
ed in this Owner's Manual or on the tire-pressure
plate.
If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated in this Owner's Manual or on the tire-
pressure plate, 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 (TPC)
that illuminates a low tire pressure message when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-in-
flated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
message illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly un-
der-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduc-
es fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPC 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 TPC low tire pressure mes-
sage.
fOn vehicles with tire pressure monitoring:
Please observe the chapter “TPC TIRE
PRESSURE MONITORING” on Page 103.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is increa-
sed.fNever 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.

Practical Tips, Emergency Service
227
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may build up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as “hydroplane” and may cause par-
tial or complete loss of traction, vehicle
control or stopping ability.
fReduce speed on wet surface to prevent this. Tire life Tire life depends on various factors, i. e., road
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
fInspect your tires for wear and damage before
driving off. If you notice uneven or substantial
wear, wheels might need alignment or tires
should be balanced or replaced.
Tire wear The original equipment tires on your Porsche have
built-in tire wear indicators. They are molded into
the bottom of the tread grooves and will appear as
approximately 1/2 in. (12 mm) bands when the
tire tread depth is down to 1/16 of an in.
(1.6 mm).
When the indicators appear in two or more adja-
cent grooves, it is time to replace the tires. We
recommend, however, that you do not let the tires
wear down to this extent.
Worn tires cannot grip the road surface properly
and are even less effective on wet roads.
In the United States, state laws may govern the
minimum tread depth permissible. Follow all such
laws.
Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and could cause serious
personal injuries or death.
fDo not drive with worn tires or tires showing
cuts or bruises as they may lead to sudden
deflation and loss of control which could cause
severe personal injury.
fSpecialized high performance tires on high
performance sports cars exhibit more wear
than those on a family sedan, or even a high
performance sedan.
Therefore, it is important to check your tire
pressure and condition at least every two weeks.
If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly, con-
sult your Porsche dealer.
Uneven wear may not always be due to improper
wheel alignment. It can be the result of individual
driving habits such as cornering at high speeds. If
the tire pressure is not checked and adjusted
regularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.