As the proud owner of a Porsche, you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the best performance from your vehicle. The best way to achieve this is by sticking to a regular servicing schedule, through a Porsche-approved centre – but exactly how often should you aim for?
Why opt for regular Porsche servicing?
To maintain the safety and functionality of the vehicle, and to get the most out of your driving experience, regular inspection and maintenance is a must. During a service, an engineer will inspect everything: from general wear and tear to the condition of your brakes and engine. The actual checks involved will vary according to the model, mileage, and time that has elapsed since the previous service. Any prior reported damage or issues will also be taken into consideration.
It’s worth noting that servicing is not the same as carrying out an MOT test. The two should be carried out irrespective of the other, although you can book to have a service and MOT performed together. Whilst a vehicle will ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ an MOT based on the findings, any repairs that become apparent will not be included as a part of the test.
Refer to your Porsche owner’s manual for servicing advice
When determining appropriate service intervals for your car, the best place to start is always with the manual provided with the vehicle at purchase. As the primary record of your vehicle’s technical configuration and status, it will contain the exact specifications for your model, and provide precise guidance from the manufacturer on how, when and where to seek out a specialist.
It’s worth remembering that whilst the general advice from Porsche is that most models will only require servicing once every two years, or every 20,000 miles, needs will vary according to the model.
How does your driving or vehicle choice affect frequency of servicing?
Hard usage
If you’re pushing your Porsche to perform – carrying heavy loads, travelling long distances, or out on-track – frequent servicing is a must. Any kind of demanding driving will place additional strain on your vehicle, making it more prone to wear and damage. You may also prefer to get your vehicle checked before long trips or track days, to ensure safety and reliability.
Stop-and-start driving and short journeys
Vehicles designed primarily for domestic use, such as the Porsche Cayenne, will require more frequent servicing when driven for prolonged periods in city traffic, and/or when used frequently for very short journeys (under five miles). Where a driver may have to alternate frequently between being stationary and in motion (e.g. as a consequence of traffic signals or congestion), additional strain can be placed on the vehicle’s working parts, resulting in an increased rate of wear.
The best way to mitigate against the likelihood of reduced performance from this type of use is to reduce the amount of time between services.
Modifications and ECU tuning
It’s also worth bearing in mind that any intentional deviation from the manufacturer’s standard specs could have an impact on the need for servicing, particularly if the modifications result in a distinct change to performance.
Can I extend my Porsche’s service intervals?
If your vehicle appears to be in perfect working order and there are no signs of any issues, you may be tempted to put off your next service. However, we would strongly advise against this.
If a minor problem is left undiagnosed it can quickly escalate, resulting in increased expense and even potential danger for you or other road users. In a routine service, a Porsche specialist will inspect every aspect of your vehicle, accurately locating potential issues before they become serious.
Putting off or skipping a regular service could also deplete the value of your Porsche when you decide to sell it on. A Porsche with a complete service history, which reveals a consistent history of check-ups performed by a Porsche-approved specialist, will fetch a far higher price than the same model without this documentation.
Seek specialist Porsche servicing advice
Struggling to ascertain exactly when your vehicle requires a service, or the appropriate interval between check-ups? When it comes to the health of your ride, we’d recommend seeking professional advice, in order to better understand your car’s needs.
A reputable Porsche specialist will consult with you on how your vehicle is being used and understand the attention it requires based on this information. If the team possess a high degree of specialist knowledge and practical experience, they will be able to advise you specifically on the best schedule to follow.
Having served the market for more than 40 years, Parr are perfectly placed to assist with servicing and maintenance for your Porsche. Whether you’re concerned about a possible fault , or want to know how often to book in your vehicle for an expert check, please do not hesitate to get in touch.