Porsche designs and manufacturers some of the highest
performance vehicles in the world. Because of the integral role that tires play
in vehicle performance, Porsche has integrated tire development throughout
their process of vehicle development. To be an Original Equipment tire provider
on a Porsche vehicle or be approved by Porsche for the replacement market
requires the joint product development efforts of the tire engineers working
alongside the Porsche vehicle engineers.
The focus in recent radial tire development for Porsche vehicles has primarily
included optimum handling on dry surfaces and the safest possible behavior on
wet surfaces, even at high speeds. Tires developed by various manufacturers, in
concert with Porsche, offer a specific set of wet grip properties which few, if
any, other automobile manufacturers demand in equal measure from the tires they
use on their vehicles.
Tires may be specified for a particular vehicle or range of
vehicles and must successfully pass the tire company's laboratory tests to
assure that they would be capable of adequately supporting the Porsche vehicle
while allowing it to reach its top speed on the German Autobahn. Additional
laboratory, test track and race track tests are conducted to confirm that the
prototype tires meet Porsche's noise, hydroplaning and handling requirements.
Prototype tires will also be evaluated to assess their high-speed durability,
uniformity and serviceability. Upon test completion, the tires will be released
for production.
Production tires that have passed all of the tests and received the engineering
department's release can be branded with an N-specification. The
N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3 or N-4. These
markings on a tire's sidewall clearly identify them as approved by Porsche for
their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a
tire design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later
significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tire to be
branded with N-1, N-2, N-3, etc., in succession. When a completely new tire
design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again.
It is recommended that only
matching tires be used on Porsche vehicles. Since many Porsche vehicles are
fitted with differently sized tires on their front and rear axles, this means
matching the tire make, tire type and N-specification. If a vehicle was
originally delivered with N-specification tires that have been discontinued and
are no longer available, it is recommended to change all four tires to a higher
numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. Mixed tire types
are not advisable.
It is also important to know that while Porsche N-specification tires have been
fine tuned to meet the specific performance needs of Porsche vehicles, the tire
manufacturers may also build other tires featuring the same name, size and
speed rating as the N-specification tires for non-Porsche applications. These
tires may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not
share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the
N-specification tires. Using tires that are not N-specific is not recommended
and mixing them with other N-specification tires is not permissible.
Tires should be replaced no less than in pairs on one axle at a time. Only
tires of the same tire make and type must be used. However, in case of tire
damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single
tire to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tire on that
axle must not exceed 30 percent wear. If the remaining tire has more than 30
percent wear from new, it should also be replaced. Handling inconsistencies may
result if this is not done.
Initially, new tires do not offer their full traction. Drivers should therefore
drive at moderate speeds during the first 60-100 miles (100-200 km). If new
tires are installed on only one axle, a noticeable change in handling occurs
due to the different tread depth of the other tires. This happens especially if
only rear tires are replaced. However, this condition disappears as new tires
are broken in. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly.
For more information about Porsche replacement tires please call us at 888-711-2748
Beverly Hills
Porsche is an authorized factory dealership of Porsche cars, SUVs,
accessories, parts and merchandise. Centrally located to all of Los Angeles, we aim to be
a complete lifestyle destination and tire source for all Porsche owners and
fans!
888-863-3923
http://www.beverlyhillsporsche.com
No one sells more new and used Porsche cars and SUVs than Beverly Hills Porsche.
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8425 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
90211
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