Porsche Maintenance For Long Term Storage And Long Distance Transportation
Whether you’re putting your Porsche in storage for a couple of months or planning for a long-distance transit, preparing your Porsche adequately is essential. Both long-term storage and long distance transportation require rigorous Porsche maintenance protocols to keep it in a performance-ready condition. In this article, we reveal how you can ensure your Porsche remains in pristine condition, whether it’s going into hibernation or about to embark on a cross-continental trip.
Preparing For Long-Term Storage
Whether you’re taking a long overseas vacation, or just wanting to give your Porsche the best protection possible, preparing your Porsche for long-term storage requires some important proactive steps.
Engine Oil Maintenance
It’s best practice to change your engine oil before putting your Porsche into storage. Used engine oil can develop acidic properties over time, which could potentially cause damage to your engine compartment. Investing in Porsche maintenance by changing your oil and oil filter will ensure that the oil won’t degrade over the course of storage, thereby protecting the longevity of your engine.
Preserving Your Fuel Tank
It’s also wise to fill your fuel tank to just about full, as this removes the risk of condensation and rust formation. An open cavity area can leave a portion of your tank vulnerable to oxidation as well as water build-up. The real problem lies when it’s time to drive your Porsche again, as the presence of water or rust can do damage to your engine as the fuel circulates when you drive your Porsche again. Speak to your Porsche mechanic about using a fuel stabilizer, as these are essential to guard against fuel deterioration.
Tires And Brake Preparation
Storing your car in one position poses a serious risk of flat spots on your tires. Once you have a permanent flat spot, it means your tire loses its roundness resulting in a noisier and bumpier ride at speed. Thankfully, flat spots can be prevented by following a simple protocol. Start by over-inflating your tires to A PSI slightly above your manufacturer’s inflation recommendation. This will help to maintain their shape. If you’re planning to put your car in storage for over a year, it’s best to place it on jack stands, as this will remove the load completely.
Battery protection
All newer Porsche models, such as the Taycan, the Cayenne, and the Panamera, to name a few, are equipped with an ECU that constantly draws a small amount of current. Although you can disconnect your battery, this can cause system memory issues. The best solution is to connect your battery to a trickle charger. These units ensure that your battery remains optimally charged while also protecting your car’s electrical system.
Cleaning your Porsche Thoroughly
Putting your Porsche into storage without cleaning it can cause slow corrosion and interior vinyl cracking. Interior cleaning should include a vacuum and a carpet shampoo. All vinyl surfaces should be cleaned, and leather upholstery should be fed and treated professionally. South Florida is known for its year-round heat and humidity, so be sure to place a few car humidifier bags on the floor to help reduce moisture levels. It’s also recommended to use a tight-fitting car cover to add further protection against dust and debris.
Equipping Your Porsche For Long-Distance Transportation
If you’re planning to ship your Porsche overseas or across the country, there are some important protocols to follow to protect against potential damage.
Conduct A Full Car Inspection
Before shipping your Porsche, it’s advisable to conduct a pre-shipping inspection. After getting your car washed, you should inspect every panel to identify all existing body imperfections. It’s advisable to take a set of photos from different angles to serve as proof of the condition of your car. Finally, ensure that all your car’s documentation is safely stored and available should it be needed.
Empty Your Fuel Tank
Unlike preparing your car for storage, before shipping, it’s best to lower your fuel tank to one-quarter at the most. This not only lightens your car’s weight, but it also reduces the risk of a fire. As part of your Porsche maintenance, it’s also important to check for any other fluid leaks, as carriers may deny acceptance of a car with a leak.
Secure Your Porsche
Be sure to remove any personal items from your car, such as charging cables and electronics. These most likely won’t be covered in the event of a theft incident. Accessories such as roof racks should be secured tightly to avoid further loosening. If you have a sensitive alarm system, it may be wise to disable it to avoid the alarm triggering during transportation.
Choosing A Reputable Porsche Storage And Transportation Company
When it comes to selecting a storage service for your Porsche, it’s important to ensure that your car will be professionally stored and looked after. Be sure to go through a prospective company’s storage protocol to ensure that checks and balances are adhered to. It’s advisable to choose a trusted Porsche repair shop to professionally prepare your car for storage.
Similarly, entrusting your Porsche to a long-distance transportation company shouldn’t be taken lightly. Be sure to validate a company’s credentials and references before making the final decision. It’s also crucial to meticulously go through their insurance offering to ascertain the level of cover your Porsche will have in the event of any damage taking place.
South Florida’s Porsche Maintenance Specialists
At Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we offer a wide range of Porsche maintenance and inspection services to prepare your Porsche for storage or transit. Upon inspection, if any further maintenance issues are detected, our repair facility will quickly advise you about the required repair.
For long-term storage needs, our experienced mechanics will prepare your car, paying close attention to fluid levels and tire and battery preparation, and even offering seasonal storage for those within South Florida. As South Florida’s premium European auto repair and performance facility, we’re a full Porsche line-up service shop. Call our world-class auto repair facility at 954-746-0488 to get your car prepped for storage or for transportation.