Hibernation

[Ewen6011]

Hi, I keep seeing on different forums about people putting their 997 away for winter. Is this normal? I want to use one all year round. Anyone got any thoughts on this? Seems a waste of a good car to me.
I want to get a daily driver but also want to look after it in the best way....

Thanks

 

[Porschekit]

I bought my 997.1 C4S in 2014 at 5 yrs old in very good condition.
I used to put it away for three months every winter and found that after coming our of hibernation it creaked and groaned, and was generally a but grumpy until it was used regularly again. When standing still, rubbers still perish over time, things start to seize up etc. so now I keep it on the road all year and run it whenever I need it. These engines love to be used.
Just keep it well washed after use and dry off the brake discs, annual oil & filter services, then parts as required.
I know everyone is different but unless you are keeping it as a museum or showroom piece, which many that can afford it do, then use it , life's too short.
I had a BMW 3 series that I bought from my employer after it was renewed on lease. It sat outside in all weathers for 16 years and was used daily, cleaned and serviced as per the manual and parts as required and never missed a beat. .

 

[geedee]

If you beam up this section of the forum (992) you might find some interest in the opinions shared there..?

Do you drive your modern Porsche in the winter? | Porsche Forum from Porsche Club GB

 

[JMR]

If you're going to lay it up for a bit, or even garage it for a couple of weeks or so I always make sure my cars freshly washed and thoroughly dried.

Usually put the Meaco DD8L dehumidifier on too for a day or so.

I like to spray Bilt Hamber Atom Mac anti corrision solution on the brake discs and any other exposed steel.
Really good product and works, stop them rusting on in the damp.

I have my 987 taxed all year and even though it only comes out once every 3 or 4 weeks in the winter I still like to give it a run round and I've had it nearly 6 years now and it works nicely for me.

Get a Porsche/CTEK trickle charger though if you're going to put it away for a while
I've got the MXS 5.0

 

[Chris_ABZ]

I believe is a question of how much money you have and how particular you are with your cars. I actually drive my 997.1 X51 in the winter. But I really don't care too much about the car. My classic is my '71T hotrod, which I would NEVER drive in the winter on salted roads; ever!

For my 997, I keep the front radiators as clean as possible and wash with my pressure washer underneath and in the wheel wells as much as I can. Really if I was going to drive a lot in the winter I would have ppf fitted to the front and wings. I do not do high mileage but the girt and general condition of the roads in Scotland will chip and damage your paintwork, most in front; fact. Your ca will suffer; of course keeping it clean will help. I do agree with @Porschekit cars generally perform better if used; however a 3 month hiatus is nothing for a car.

 

[geedee]

I suspect the decision or not to lay-up one`s Porsche/Classic, may be dependant of a combination of disposable income available and ones personal priorities at any particular time in life...any and all of which can change with the passage of time? I also suspect that there are many different ways for folk to enjoy Porsches and Classics in general...?
I would tend to think that while some aspects of machines are better preserved through minimal use, other aspects can suffer more if not used at least semi regularly. Just like much else it all seems a bit of a balancing act..? Storage conditions and local climatic expectations may play their part too, so quite a few variables to throw into the mix..?
Each to their own works for me. (-:

 

[guitarplayer63]

I used my 997 as a daily driver all year round and it was absolutely fine. I suppose the only consideration is that it will need tyres/servicing that bit more frequently.


Whatever you choose to do, enjoy.

 

[calisa]

I take my 3.2 Carrera out all year and intend to do the same with the 997.1. Grit, salt and excess water / snow avoided. A run out on a dry, sunny day in the middle of winter is great as there is usually less traffic on the roads. Best way to keep the car healthy. If the engine is started up, then I try to always get both engine and gearbox it fully warmed through so that oil circulates properly. No point in firing it up in the garage and leaving it to idle until "warm"
The alternative school of thought is that if there is snow/frost, then the Defender 110 is probably the better choice

 

[Smurf991ts]

Use 24/7 365 days a year []

 

[pse_SC]

Have fun, looks like it!
Love the colour, is it PTS (Paint To Sample)?

 

[Smurf991ts]

PTS Mint Green. Thread on our 997 on the forum "997 turbo to 997 GT2"

 

[pse_SC]

Thanks for the info...
I prefer what it appears to be in the ‘darker’ picture, as it looks deeper and slightly metallic - still very nice though [8D]
Enjoy []

 

[Smurf991ts]

The indoor pic closer to the colour in reality although its a flat colour not met. Vivid when we are out together touring with Gulf Blue 991. Our 991 dirtier than the 997 at the mo and the better for it. Turbo. No substitute []

 

[pse_SC]

Looks fantastic under the darker skies (for myself, that is) []