Ouch! - Page 2 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Car failed it's MOT this week. Needs four new tyres. Oops. £1060. Oh well, at least it didn't need a service this year I suppose.

Rufus Stone said: Car failed it's MOT this week. Needs four new tyres. Oops. £1060. Oh well, at least it didn't need a service this year I suppose. That seems pricey. What tyres have you had fitted then?

Rufus Stone said: Car failed it's MOT this week. Needs four new tyres. Oops. £1060. Oh well, at least it didn't need a service this year I suppose. Nothing like inspecting the only thing that provides the sole interface between the car and road, regularly ay ?

Slippydiff said: Rufus Stone said: Car failed it's MOT this week. Needs four new tyres. Oops. £1060. Oh well, at least it didn't need a service this year I suppose. Nothing like inspecting the only thing that provides the sole interface between the car and road, regularly ay ? I’d have to agree with this. As someone who is not remotely mechanically minded and have no idea how an engine actually works, I still do actually check my tyres before an MOT.

I did feel the tread depth in the middle of the tyres and they were all okay, just. One rear apparently has the carcass exposed on the inner edge which you cant see unless you stick you head under the rear of the car, and the others are apparently badly perished. Using Pirelli P Zeros's.

Alas, I fear you may just have marked your car out as one to avoid come the time to sell. If I were in the market for a car and saw that it had failed its MOT with all four tyres completely worn I’d wonder what else had been neglected. You say that it’s not due a service this year just out of interest does it get an annual oil change?

Rufus Stone said: One rear apparently has the carcass exposed on the inner edge which you cant see unless you stick you head under the rear of the car, and the others are apparently badly perished. Using Pirelli P Zeros's. I'd get the tracking checked. P zero have an awful reputation for perishing. Mixed reports on the reasons why so I won't venture into that mind field.

Chubbyross said: Alas, I fear you may just have marked your car out as one to avoid come the time to sell. If I were in the market for a car and saw that it had failed its MOT with all four tyres completely worn I’d wonder what else had been neglected. You say that it’s not due a service this year just out of interest does it get an annual oil change? Rightly or wrongly, it’s hard not to nod when reading this..

It failed the MOT on only one tyre. The others are just advisories. I am having all four replaced though. Does Porsche recommend an oil change in between the two yearly servicing?

Rufus Stone said: It failed the MOT on only one tyre. The others are just advisories. I am having all four replaced though. Does Porsche recommend an oil change in between the two yearly servicing? That sounds a bit better - but it’s an optics thing as you’ll appreciate. No interim oil changes required, but they (rightly) look favourable come resale time, particularly as the car ages. Anyone who’s remotely mechanically minded, who’s given any thought to 2 year/20k intervals knows that it isn’t the best way to care for a high performance engine. I don’t think too many buyers would be put off by that though - for a modern car. Just my take.

I get mine done annually. It’s a good way of keeping on top of things. The mechanic can give me a heads up on stuff that might just about to bork, or stuff that can wait for a year or two. It also allows me to think about things financially too! These are never cheap cars to own - as you’ve just found out! And it does help when it comes to selling too. It shows that the car’s been looked after. If you’re selling to someone who doesn’t know much about Porsches then it probably won’t matter but for me I’d much rather buy a car that’s been well looked after.

Chubbyross said: Alas, I fear you may just have marked your car out as one to avoid come the time to sell. If I were in the market for a car and saw that it had failed its MOT with all four tyres completely worn I’d wonder what else had been neglected. You say that it’s not due a service this year just out of interest does it get an annual oil change? is there anything else to stay on top of aside from the 2y/mileage type service so just oil every 1y? and check the tyres? best way to check the tyres is there a device worth buying or just learn how to read it - apologies newb as porsche my first proper car

dng992 said: Chubbyross said: Alas, I fear you may just have marked your car out as one to avoid come the time to sell. If I were in the market for a car and saw that it had failed its MOT with all four tyres completely worn I’d wonder what else had been neglected. You say that it’s not due a service this year just out of interest does it get an annual oil change? is there anything else to stay on top of aside from the 2y/mileage type service so just oil every 1y? and check the tyres? best way to check the tyres is there a device worth buying or just learn how to read it - apologies newb as porsche my first proper car I shall leave someone else to answer this. I have as much mechanical competency as a house brick - that’s why I get specialist Porsche mechanics to do my checking. They know exactly what to look for, how urgent problems might be and what issues are likely to pop up over the next few years. As far as I understand, though, it’s stuff like checking the suspension components, the condensers for signs of damage/corrosion, coolant levels, signs of unusual tyre wear (getting down on your hands and knees helps here, plus using a tyre gauge to measure depth). As far as I’m concerned it’s common sense to keep on top of these cars. You can pick up a relatively cheap Porsche these days. However, if you leave or miss stuff that needs fixing regularly you could easily find yourself with a bill, come service time, running into many thousands. At a recent inspection on one of my cars it was pointed out that a couple of coil packs were looking cracked and should be replaced. I had them all done at the same time, along with a new water pump, which was showing some staining. The bill came to a grand. The car wasn’t due a proper service until next year but I’d much rather get this stuff sorted now. Firstly, I didn’t want any of the components failing and leaving me stranded - it was unlikely they would have done but I don’t like taking chances with my cars; I like to drive them worry free. Secondly, getting things sorted sooner rather than later helps me to spread the costs out. If you put things off on these cars you can be hit financially, sometimes ruinously. Imagine you buy a Boxster/Cayman for £10k and get hit by a £4k bill two years after purchase (possible if you find out your condensers, tyres and brakes are completely shot). If you’re short of cash then you may think twice about keeping the car or just leave stuff until it goes bang to save money. For me, it makes a great deal of sense to spend money every year, keep on top of stuff and spread the costs. You then have a car you can enjoy, hopefully worry free.

Chubbyross said: I shall leave someone else to answer this. I have as much mechanical competency as a house brick - that’s why I get specialist Porsche mechanics to do my checking. They know exactly what to look for, how urgent problems might be and what issues are likely to pop up over the next few years. As far as I understand, though, it’s stuff like checking the suspension components, the condensers for signs of damage/corrosion, coolant levels, signs of unusual tyre wear (getting down on your hands and knees helps here, plus using a tyre gauge to measure depth). As far as I’m concerned it’s common sense to keep on top of these cars. You can pick up a relatively cheap Porsche these days. However, if you leave or miss stuff that needs fixing regularly you could easily find yourself with a bill, come service time, running into many thousands. At a recent inspection on one of my cars it was pointed out that a couple of coil packs were looking cracked and should be replaced. I had them all done at the same time, along with a new water pump, which was showing some staining. The bill came to a grand. The car wasn’t due a proper service until next year but I’d much rather get this stuff sorted now. Firstly, I didn’t want any of the components failing and leaving me stranded - it was unlikely they would have done but I don’t like taking chances with my cars; I like to drive them worry free. Secondly, getting things sorted sooner rather than later helps me to spread the costs out. If you put things off on these cars you can be hit financially, sometimes ruinously. Imagine you buy a Boxster/Cayman for £10k and get hit by a £4k bill two years after purchase (possible if you find out your condensers, tyres and brakes are completely shot). If you’re short of cash then you may think twice about keeping the car or just leave stuff until it goes bang to save money. For me, it makes a great deal of sense to spend money every year, keep on top of stuff and spread the costs. You then have a car you can enjoy, hopefully worry free. I agree well said

Rufus Stone said: It failed the MOT on only one tyre. The others are just advisories. I am having all four replaced though. Does Porsche recommend an oil change in between the two yearly servicing? I'd recommend moving away from Pirelli - especially if replacing all 4. Michelin seem to be the preferred option. If Porsche recommend specific N rated tyres then know that these are not required but rather Porsche seem to believe they're preferred but remember that a tyre is just a tyre so if you buy normal none N rated tyres which are a bit cheaper they will work and drive way better than your older tyres so that's all that matters if you ask Me. Different people have different views on Oil. Porsche switched to 2 year 24000 miles servicing in 2003 or 2004 because of the improvement in the environmental impact over 1 year 12000 mile servicing. The engines in their cars at the time were unchanged. Porsche engines do have a bad reputation from the 2004 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 era and some people believe the longer Oil servicing has something to do with that and you can see why. Since then some people will tell you that Oil has changed but that's not something I get too excited about I just try to buy good Oil. I do my own Oil changes at home outside on the drive. It takes less than an hour including getting out the jack and then washing your hands etc. For me Porsche ownership includes tinkering with simple repairs or maintenance like changing brakes discs and suspension bits and pieces. All simple bolt and and off type stuff. So my cars won't have any service history stamps but my cars are all at the lower end of the market and I don't get too caught up in resale value. The upper end of the market has some buyers with specific ideas about what is good and what they want or expect from their previous owners. The lower end of the market does contain some like minded sensible buyers who will understand this DIY approach and accept a few receipts for Oil which are date stamped if it also accompanied by more receipts for brakes and whatever else. It's your car so you make your choice.

Wow. If you’re not absolutely on top of where your tyres are, are surprised at the cost of tyres, and are unsure about oil changes I’d suggest that Porsches aren’t for you and your car is absolutely one to avoid.

I paid 450£ for one rear tyre for my 991.2 GT3. The original one picked up a nail. Yes, it was a OPC pricing but I cant be arsed risking centre nut a wheel damage on changing using someone else.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Wow. If you’re not absolutely on top of where your tyres are, are surprised at the cost of tyres, and are unsure about oil changes I’d suggest that Porsches aren’t for you and your car is absolutely one to avoid. My thoughts exactly!

dng992 said: is there anything else to stay on top of aside from the 2y/mileage type service so just oil every 1y? and check the tyres? best way to check the tyres is there a device worth buying or just learn how to read it - apologies newb as porsche my first proper car You can get a depth gauge for tyres but it's not really worth it if you have eyes that work. All tyres now have a tread wear indicator (small raised areas between the tread blocks) when you're at these the tyre is an MOT fail (1.6mm). Just remember to check your tyres across the whole width of the tyre. Most folk just look at the outside edge and are shocked when they fail and find the inside edge is bald. 911s are well known for wearing the inside edge of the rears.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Wow. If you’re not absolutely on top of where your tyres are, are surprised at the cost of tyres, and are unsure about oil changes I’d suggest that Porsches aren’t for you and your car is absolutely one to avoid. You sort of managed to say what I was trying to say but in far fewer words.

Billy_Whizzzz said: Wow. If you’re not absolutely on top of where your tyres are, are surprised at the cost of tyres, and are unsure about oil changes I’d suggest that Porsches aren’t for you and your car is absolutely one to avoid. 2015 Targa 4s 'Mayfair edition'. Be sure to avoid it if it's ever for sale. I suspect your chip wouldn't fit in it anyway. Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 6th June 14:40

Rufus Stone said: Billy_Whizzzz said: Wow. If you’re not absolutely on top of where your tyres are, are surprised at the cost of tyres, and are unsure about oil changes I’d suggest that Porsches aren’t for you and your car is absolutely one to avoid. 2015 Targa 4s 'Mayfair edition'. Be sure to avoid it if it's ever for sale. I suspect your chip wouldn't fit in it anyway. Edited by Rufus Stone on Monday 6th June 14:40 Now with 4 new tyres fitted, and gets it's 2 yearly service by the sounds of it

Rufus Stone said: 2015 Targa 4s 'Mayfair edition'. Be sure to avoid it if it's ever for sale. I suspect your chip wouldn't fit in it anyway. Edited by Rufus Stone on Monday 6th June 14:40 Were the tyres 7 years old by any chance?

My wallet is now 1060 notes lighter but at least it's now sorted and I have a valid MOT.

ATM said: I'd get the tracking checked. This Still Tyres should not normally wear on their inside edges only.

ATM said: This Still Tyres should not normally wear on their inside edges only. I plan to get Porsche to do this.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say give the OP a break. May have only recently purchased and is clearly new to Porsches, so hopefully somewhere like this can help and educate rather than shoot him down. OP - make sure to get a proper 4 wheel alignment check done, otherwise you'll have a similar issue in maybe 2,000 miles or less.

Rufus Stone said: It failed the MOT on only one tyre. The others are just advisories. I am having all four replaced though. Does Porsche recommend an oil change in between the two yearly servicing? No they don't. Neither do some of the highly regarded Porsche indies. I've been advised against annual oil changes recently due to advancements in oil technology rendering it unnecessary. Appreciate it might be different for GT cars though.

Ocho said: I'm going to go out on a limb here and say give the OP a break. You are allowed to stick up for the OP, no need to mention limbs. I spotted some PCCB disc action in the pic above so if this is his first Porsche I would be surprised. Surely only a serial porker would buy PCCB and if this is his first pork and he has PCCB then I'm sure there would be lots of comments flooding in about them too in a trying to be helpful manner. Maybe we know now why one of the rear tyres was bald on the inside edge, it is because he drives it like a loon everywhere and the PSM is constantly applying brakes on one rear to keep it on the black stuff. Maybe the tracking is fine and he is just driving bloody fast round bends - more so on left handers or right handers depending on which rear tyre was spanked. My money is still on tracking out. Some people dont trust Porsche to get tracking right but I guess he will need to stick to Porsche dealer if he is a newbie. If he only just bought the car from Porsche dealer then I would be asking them if they checked the tracking before he took delivery. Finally my mate spanked 2 brand new Michelin Supersport rears on his Holden Saloon VXR8 thing in 1000 miles because he had a lot of rear toe in.

I've had this car for two years, done 9000 odd miles. It isn't my first 911. It does indeed have ceramic discs but I'm not so sure on the PSM. The car does not apply the brakes in cruise control if that makes any difference. As you may have deduced, I'm not anal about maintaining cars. I use them all weathers. They get serviced in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. I deal with anything else as and when needed.

Rufus Stone said: I've had this car for two years, done 9000 odd miles. It isn't my first 911. It does indeed have ceramic discs but I'm not so sure on the PSM. The car does not apply the brakes in cruise control if that makes any difference. As you may have deduced, I'm not anal about maintaining cars. I use them all weathers. They get serviced in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. I deal with anything else as and when needed. PSM is the electronic gubbins that makes sure the car doesn't spin when you're being silly. It can apply brakes to one wheel at a time if it decides it will help. So if you boot it out of a bend and one rear wheel starts to spin faster than the other the faster one will get the brake applied by the PSM to prevent it from spinning too fast and therefore preventing the car from going into a slide or spinning around on itself and leaving you facing in the wrong direction.