Replace a Porsche Wheel
Buy Porsche tire wheels aren’t just an essential component of your vehicle – they are a key part of the driving experience. The precise combination of tire, wheel and road are what turn a car into a sports machine. But how do you know when it is time to change your Porsche tires?
There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to start shopping for new tires for your Porsche. For starters, the tires on your car should be replaced if the tread depth is less than 5/32 inch or if they are older than 6 years. Additionally, you should replace your tires if they show significant damage such as cracks or bubbles.
The best way to keep your tires performing as they should is by maintaining proper air pressure, keeping them properly balanced, and ensuring the rubber hasn’t lost its flexibility due to age. If you notice that your tires aren’t inflated or have large gaps in the sidewalls, this could be a sign of an issue with the valve stem. This can be caused by an improper valve stem cap or damage to the studs.
It’s also a good idea to make sure the lugs are tightened properly. If the lugs are loose, this can cause the wheel to come off or reduce the lifespan of your tire. When re-tightening the lugs, use the recommended torque as listed in your Porsche owner’s manual.
Another thing that you should look for when examining your tires is the “N-marking.” This indicates that the tire was specifically developed for Porsche vehicles and meets their specific requirements and performance specifications. The N-marking is followed by a letter and number that indicates the model it was developed for. Using N-marked tires on your Porsche will ensure you are getting the best performance out of it.
When to Replace a Porsche Wheel
As collision repair professionals, it’s our job to ensure that vehicles leave our shop with the highest quality parts possible. But that’s difficult if the OEM doesn’t give us the right tools. That’s why we need to stay up-to-date on the latest OEM repair procedures. Mike Kukavica, a Porsche aftermarket technical training collision repair technology instructor, discussed this at a recent VeriFacts Guild 21 presentation.
Kukavica explained that the German automaker’s wheels are flow-formed, a process that allows them to achieve a low wall thickness and maximum stability at the same time. The wheels can handle speeds of up to 200 mph on a 911 Turbo and operate continuously for 24 hours, Kukavica said. But the thin rim flanges can’t support that level of performance if they are repaired too often, Kukavica noted.
Porsche’s decision not to allow its wheel repairs was based on safety, cost of ownership and the ability to maintain the vehicle’s structural integrity, he said. It’s not unique to Porsche, he added, as several other automakers have issued similar repair prohibitions for their wheels in the United States. He pointed out that the European Rim and Tire Technical Organization has for some time proposed a standard of 11 mm of thickness for a rim flange. But Porsche’s wheels are actually 2.5 mm thinner for “good technical reasons,” he added.