tires PORSCHE PANAMERA 2009 1.G Information Manual

Minor Repairs
281
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specific
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1-1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
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
controlled conditions on specified government
test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this is based
on braking (straight-ahead) traction tests
and does not include cornering (turned)
traction, acceleration, hydroplaning or peak
traction characteristics. Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and
C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and it
s ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperatures can cause the
material of the tire to de generate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the labora tory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combin ation, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure, resulting
loss of control, leading to serious personal
injury or death.
Tire pressures
Danger!
Risk of accident.
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire
pressure increases rate of wear of the
affected tires and cause damage.
f Always use an accurate tire pressure gage
when checking inflation pressures.
f Do not exceed the maximum tire pressure
listed on the tire sidewall. (Also refer to
”Technical data“).
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
PLATE” on page 283.
f Cold tire inflation pressure means: all tires
must be cold, ambient temperature maximum
68 °F (20 °C), when adjusting the inflation
pressure. Avoid sunlight striking the tires
before measuring cold pressures, since the
pressures would rise from temperature
influence.

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f
Valve caps protect the valve from dust and dirt,
and thus from leakage. Always screw caps
tightly down. Replace missing caps
immediately.
f Use only plastic valve caps.
f For safety reasons, don't use tire inflating
bottles.
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F/20 °C)” on page 326.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pr essure label, 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 (TPM)
that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under-
inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and check
your tires as soon as po ssible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failur e. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency an d tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Please note that the TPM is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s
responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPM low tire pressure
tell-tale.
For further information on the tire pressure
monitoring:
f
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING (TPM)” on page 127.
When tires are warm, the tire pressure is
increased.
f Never let air out of hot tires. This could cause
the tire pressure to fall below the prescribed
value.
Insufficient tire pressure can cause tires to over-
heat and thus be damaged – even invisibly. Hidden
tire damage is not eliminated by subsequently
correcting the tire pressure. Overloading
Danger!
Risk of damage to vehicle parts, loss of
control and serious pers onal injury or death.
f Do not overload your vehicle. Be careful about
the roof load.
f If you plan to load the vehicle, first correct the
tire pressure. Tire pressure for loaded vehicle
can be found on the tire pressure plate and in
the chapter technical data.
f Never exceed the specified axle load.
Overloading can shorten the service life of the
tires and car, as well as lead to dangerous
vehicle reactions and long braking distances.
Damage due to overloading is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Tire damage may also be caused by
overloading, and this damage is not covered by your tire warranty.
f Please see the chapter “LOADING INFORMA-
TION” on page 236.

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Example of a tire pressure plateTire Pressure plateInformation on the tire pressure plate
A Seating capacityMaximum number of vehicle occupants,
including the driver.
B Vehicle load limit Is the maximum total weight limit specified of
the load (passengers and cargo) for the
vehicle. This is the maximum weight of
passengers and cargo that can be loaded into
the vehicle.
Please see the chapter “LOADING
INFORMATION” on page 236. C Original tire size
Size of tires mounted at the factory.
D Recommended cold tire inflation pressure These values are for cold tires (68 °F/20 °C).
Tire traction
Warning!
When driving on wet or slushy roads, a
wedge of water may bu ild up between the
tires and the road. This phenomenon is
known as “hydroplane” and may cause
partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle
control or stopping ability.
f Reduce speed on wet surfaces to prevent this.
Tire lifeTire life depends on various factors, i.e., road
surfaces, traffic and weather conditions, driving
habits, type of tires and tire care.
f Inspect 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 wearThe 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
adjacent 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.

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Danger!
Driving on worn tires can result in loss of
control of the vehicle and could cause
serious personal injuries or death.
f Do 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.
f If you notice that tires are wearing unevenly,
consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Uneven wear may not alwa ys 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 no t checked and adjusted
regularly, abnormal tire wear can also occur.
Tire caref Avoid damaging tires and wheel rims.
f I f y o u m u s t d r i v e o v e r a c u r b o r o t h e r o b s t a c l e ,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle.
f Check tires for uneven wear and damage
before driving off.
f Remove imbedded material.
f Replace worn or damaged tires immediately.
f Keep oil, fuel, brake fluid, etc. away from tires.
f Replace missing valve stem caps.
f Keep tires inflated correctly.
f Wash tires when washing the vehicle. Also
clean inner side of wheels.
f Do not use abrasive cleaners when washing
the wheels.
f Check wheel rims for corrosion.
f Remove road salt, if driving in winter.
Tire damage, puncturefPlease see the chapter “HIGH-PRESSURE
CLEANING EQUIPMENT” on page 270.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases risk of a tire failure and resulting
loss of control. Furthermore, low tire pres-
sure increases rate of wear of the affected
tires.
f Check tires – including sidewalls – regularly for
foreign bodies, nicks, cuts, cracks and bulges.
f Cross curb edges slowly and at right angles if
possible.
Avoid driving over steep or sharp curbs.
f In cases of doubt, have the wheel (particularly
the inner side) checked by an authorized Porsche dealer.

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In case of tire damage, where it is uncertain
whether there is a break in the ply with all its
consequences or tire damage caused by thermal
or mechanical overloading due to loss of pressure
or any other prior damage, we recommend that
the tire be replaced for safety reasons.
If one faulty tire is replac ed it should be noted that
the difference in tread depth on one axle must not
exceed 30%. Handling inconsistencies may result.
f Perform a visual inspection if necessary.Tire replacementsfUse only tire makes and types tested by
Porsche.
If you do not use a Porsche recommended
replacement tire, make sure that you
purchase your new tires from a reputable tire
dealer and that the dealer complies with all
manufacturers warnings for those tires.
Only tires with the same manufacturer and
with the same specific ation code (e.g. “N0”,
“N1”…) should be mounted on the vehicle.
Before mounting new tires, check with your
Porsche dealer about the current release
status.
Tires should be replaced no less than on one axle
at the time. Only tires of the same make and type
must be used. Mixed tire s are not permissible and
will affect vehicle performance, safety, and can
affect vehicle warranty. Porsche dealers can recommend the most current
replacement tire options for your vehicle.
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).
Tires must always remain
on the same side of
the vehicle.
When wheels are removed, the direction of
rotation and position of each wheel should be
marked.
If new tires are installed only on one axle, a
noticeable change in hand ling occurs due to the
different tread depth of the other tires. This
happens especially if only rear tires are replaced.
However, this condition disappears as the new
tires are broken in.
f Please adjust your driving style accordingly.
Installation of new tires should only be done by a
qualified tire technician.
Valves
f Use only plastic valve caps.
f The rubber valves must be replaced whenever
the tires are changed.
f The fitting and replacement specifications
must be observed for metal valves.
f Only use Original Porsche metal valves.
f Protect the valve inserts against soiling with
valve caps. Soiled valve inserts can cause a
gradual loss of air.
Parking at the curb
Danger!
Hard impacts against curbs (or traffic
islands) are dangerous and may cause
hidden tire damage which is not noticeable
until later. Such damage can result in
accidents at high speeds causing serious
personal injury or death. Depending on the
force of impact, the edge of the rim can also
be damaged.
f After such an impact, have the wheel checked
by an expert.
f If you must drive over a curb or other obstacle,
drive slowly and at an obtuse angle. Exercise care when parking along curbs.
Maintenance note
Tire repairs are not permissible under any
circumstances.
Wheel alignment, wheel balancingAs a precaution, have wheels with summer tires
balanced in the spring, and those with mud and
snow tires before winter. Unbalanced wheels may
affect car handling and tire life.
Only the specified weights may be used for wheel
balancing.

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Self-adhesive weights must not come into contact
with cleaning agents, since they could drop off.
Uneven tread wear indica
tes wheel imbalance. In
this event, the vehicle should be checked at an
authorized Porsche dealer.
Danger!
If, during a trip, uneven running or vibrations
occur that could be caused by damage to
tires or the car, the speed must be reduced
immediately, but without braking sharply. If
you continue your trip without having the
cause of the fault reme died, you might lose
control of your vehicle which could cause
serious personal injury or death.
f Stop the vehicle and check the tires.
f If no cause for the fault can be found, drive
carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Wheels with Tire Pressure Monitoring
(TPM) sensorsBefore changing wheels, make sure that the
wheels are compatible with your vehicle’s TPM.
fCheck this with your authorized Porsche
dealer.Removing and storing tiresfAfter changing, adjust tire pressure and torque
wheel bolts diagonally.
Please see the chapter “CHANGING A WHEEL”
on page 291.
f Store tires in a co ol and dry place. Rotate
periodically to avoid flat spots.
f Avoid contact with fuel, oil and grease.
Tires must always remain on the same side of
the vehicle.
When wheels are removed, the direction of
rotation and position of each wheel should be
marked. Example
FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
Wheels must always be fitted in accordance with
their marking.
The perception that tire durability and
performance are not affected by storage and age
is unfounded.
Chemical additives, which make the rubber
elastic, lose their effectiveness over the course of
time and the rubber becomes brittle and cracks.
Therefore, the tires should be inspected from
time to time.
Note
Under no circumstances should tires older than
6 years be used on your Porsche.
The age of the tire can be obtained from the ”DOT“
code number. If, for example, the last three
numbers read 1208, then the tire was produced in
the 12th week of 2008.

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Snow tiresThe installation of Porsche approved snow tires is
recommended.
Use Porsche approved snow tires for grip on snow
and ice.
Check with your local Motor Vehicle Bureau for
possible restrictions.
Danger!
Risk of loss of control and damage to the
vehicle as well as serious personal injury or
death.
The standard tires profile and rubber mixture
are optimized for wet and dry driving
conditions, and may not prove favorable for
snow conditions.
f Install snow tires before driving in such conditions.
Before mounting snow tires, consult with your
Porsche dealer. They have the technical
information necessary to advise you on wheel and
tire compatibility.
f Snow tires should have the same load capacity
as original equipment tires and should be
mounted on all four wheels.
Danger!
Risk of serious personal injury or death.
Driving the vehicle with low tire pressure
increases increases risk of a tire failure and
resulting loss of control. Furthermore, low
tire pressure increases rate of wear of the
affected tires and cause damage.
Tires with badly worn treads and studs are
very dangerous and could cause accidents
resulting in serious pe rsonal injuries or
death.
f Make sure they are replaced immediately.
f Do not exceed the snow tire speed rating.
Snow tires do not have the same degree of
traction on dry, wet or snowfree roads as normal
tires.
Furthermore, snow tires wear rapidly under these
conditions. Maintenance note
We recommend fitting winter tires on the vehicle at
temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C) since the driving
performance of summer tires is reduced at low
temperatures. Summer tires may be permanently
damaged at extremely low temperatures.
Winter tires do not fulfill their purpose if the tread
depth is less than 5/32 in. (4 mm).
Comply with all state and local laws
governing snow tire and tread depth
requirements.
Danger!
Risk of accident and serious personal injury
or death due to excessive speed.
f Always check the maximum speed rating on
the tire sidewall on any tire on the vehicle.
f Never exceed the maximum speed rating of the tires.
Wheel change
f When wheels are removed, mark the direction
of rotation and position of each wheel.
Example: FR (front right), FL, RR and RL.
f Always fit the wheels in accordance with the
markings.

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Snow chains
Warning!
Risk of damage to body, axle or brake
components.
f Use only the fine-link snow chains recom-
mended and authorized by Porsche so that
sufficient clearance between the wheel well
and the chain is assured.
f Please see the chapter “WHEELS, TIRES” on
page 325.
f Follow instructions issued by the supplier of the chains.
Fit snow chains only on the rear axle.
f Remove spacers if snow chains are mounted.
f Before fitting chains, remove accumulated ice
and snow from the wheel well.
f Vehicles with snow chains must not be driven
faster than 30 mph (50 km/h) .
Different states and countr ies have varying statu-
tory requirements regarding maximum speed.
f Check with local authorities for possible
restrictions.
f Remove chains as soon as the roads are free
of ice and snow.
Example of InscriptionInscription on radial tireA – Tire size
Example: P 265/40ZR18 (101Y)
–P - The tire is designed for Passenger vehicle.
This information is not included on all tires.
– 265 - Indication of tire width in mm
– 40 - Indication of tire height to tire width ratio
in percent
– ZR - Belt type code letter for radial
– 18 - Indication of rim diameter in inches
– 101 - Load capacity coefficient –
Y - Speed code letter
– XL (Extra Load) - Tire with increased load
rating
B – TIN (Tire Identification Number)
Example: DOT xx xx xxxx xxxx
–DOT The DOT symbol indicates that the tires
comply with the requirements of the
US Department of Transportation and provides
information about:
– first two-digit code means manufacture’s identification mark.

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– second two-digit code means tire size.
– third four-digit code means tire type code.
– fourth four-digit code means date of manufacture.
If, for example, the last four numbers read
1204, the tire was produced in the 12th week
of 2004.
C – Tire ply composition and material
The number of layers in the tread and sidewalls
and their material composition.
D – Maximum permissibl e inflation pressure
The maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
to which a tire can be inflated.
f Do not exceed the permissible inflation
pressure.
E – Maximum Load rating
The maximum load in kilograms and pounds can
be carried by the tire. If you replace tires always
use a tire that has the same maximum load rating
as the factory installed tire.
F – Radial
The identification indicates if the tire has radial
structure.
G – Term of tubeless or tube tire
Identification for tubeless tires. Speed code letters
The speed code letter
Y indicates the maximum
permitted speed for the tire.
This code letter is shown on the tire sidewall.
Tip on driving
Tires with a maximum speed rating that is lower
than the specified maximum vehicle speed may be
mounted only if they bear an M+S identification on
the tire sidewall.
f Please note that in addition to snow tires,
all-season tires are also subject to speed limits
and bear this identification.
G- Rim width in inches
H - Rim-flange contour code letter
I - Symbol for drop-center rim
J - Rim diameter in inches
K -Double hump
L - Rim offset in mmInscription on alloy wheelsThe information is inscribed on the back of the
spokes near the tire valve.
T
= up to 118 mph (190 km/h)
H = up to 131 mph (210 km/h)
V = up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
W = up to 167 mph (270 km/h)
Y = up to 186 mph (300 km/h)
(Y) = up to 186 mph (300 km/h) as for Y tires.
Speeds of more than 185 mph
(300 km/h) are also possible at
a maximum tire load capacity of 85 %
(confirmation from tire manufacturer
required for speeds of more than
185 mph (300 km/h)).

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Screw in one assembly aid on vehicles without PCCB8. Screw in assembly aids instead of wheel bolts.
Caution!
Risk of damage to brake discs.
f Always screw in the assembly aids when changing a wheel.
Screw in two assembly aids on vehicles with PCCB9. Remove the remaining wheel bolts.
10.Take the wheel off and put a new wheel on.
fPlease see the chapter “WHEEL BOLTS” on
page 293.
11.Insert wheel bolts and tighten by hand.
12.Remove assembly aids and screw in remaining wheel bolts.
Initially tighten bolts only slightly in
diagonally opposite sequence so that
the wheel is centerd. 13.Inflate the tire if necessary.
f
Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE FOR
COLD TIRES (68 °F/20 °C)” on page 326.
14.Lower the vehicle fully and remove the jack.
15.Tighten wheel bolts in diagonally opposite sequence.
Immediately after changing a wheel, use
a torque wrench to check the prescribed
tightening torque of the wheel bolts
(160 Nm/118 ftlb.).
Note on operation for vehicles with Tire
Pressure Monitoring
f On vehicles with Tire Pressure Monitoring, the
settings on the multi-function display must be
updated after the wheel change.
f Please see the chapter “TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING (TPM)” on page 127.