Turbo Kraft

Arizona's Porsche Authority

How to Keep Your Porsche Well-Maintained

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Vehicle maintenance plan photo

Whether your Porsche is brand new or just new to you, giving it the finest care possible has to be paramount in your mind.

You want your Porsche to run as well as it did when you first laid your hands on the wheel.

For an awesome driving experience, you’ll need an extraordinary vehicle maintenance plan. Since Porsche vehicles are engineered and manufactured at the highest level of quality, it is only proper that their maintenance meets the same high standards.

Prioritize Regular Maintenance

It’s hard to get excited about the nuts and bolts of car maintenance, but every ounce of attention and care you give your vehicle will be paid back a thousand-fold. You could perform regular maintenance yourself, but definitely think about having your Porsche periodically inspected by the experts as part of your vehicle maintenance plan. People who do nothing all day except work on Porsches are bound to pick up on problems, so take advantage of their knowledge.

What Maintenance Should Be Done?

Some of the items you’ll need to have regularly inspected and replaced include everything from fluids to brakes to the battery:

  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Engine air filter replacement
  • Cabin air pollen filter replacement
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Brake fluid replacement
  • Brake pad, disc, and hose inspection
  • Steering gear and axle inspection
  • Radiator and air inlet inspection
  • Body and sunroof drain cleaning and inspection
  • Coolant and coolant hose inspection
  • Windshield wiper and washer inspection
  • Tire condition and pressure inspection
  • Headlights, horn, and other electrical system inspection
  • Battery condition inspection

Keep It Clean

Regularly wash and wax the exterior to keep the paint in tip-top condition. Take a pass at getting the inside spick and span, too.

Drive It

Taking your baby out might be hampered by weather, other responsibilities, etc., but you need to drive the car regularly or you’ll end up regretting it:

  • Dried out seals can cause huge oil leaks
  • Flat spots on tires can cause them to go out of balance
  • Oil deteriorates over time

Be Aware of Recalls

Take five minutes to search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or find a service that will e-mail you when your make and model has a recall. If your Porsche is a little more vintage than very new, this may matter less, but it’s good to be aware.

Store It Correctly

Appropriate storage keeps your Porsche at its best. Learning the steps to correctly storing it is an important step in any vehicle maintenance plan.

Don’t Be Afraid to Raise the Red Flag

Reacting to every noise you hear—or think you hear—can make you feel a bit like a car hypochondriac, but better safe than sorry when it comes to your Porsche. Noticing a little problem before it becomes a big one is worth one or two false alarms.

To keep your Porsche running at optimum levels, you need service that is second to none. The key to keeping your Porsche well-maintained is a vehicle maintenance plan, which TurboKraft can help you with. Protect your investment now and don’t delay addressing any maintenance or mechanical issues.

Guide to Buying a Used Porsche 997

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Used Porsche 997 checklist photo

With used Porsche 997s now selling for lower prices, it has become an affordable option to many who are looking for pre-loved cars to own. The prime consideration of buying a used Porsche 997 is really buying a bargain, especially when you’re confronted with the huge price disparity between a brand-new model and a used one.

Buying a used Porsche could also become a very expensive endeavor if you commit some critical blunders and serious mistakes.

Launched in 2004, the 997 is an internal designation for the Porsche 991 model. The most significant changes are both the interior and exterior styling. The model boasts larger 18-inch wheels and other engineering changes that have slightly increased its power.

With its revised engine injection, Porsche 997 models are more powerful than previous models. No wonder that Porsche 997 is the most commercially successful 911 model of all time, with mostly positive reviews from worldwide motoring critics.

Owing to its popularity and well-praised performance, the prices for the second-generation Porsche 997 have remained relatively high. The financial crisis also affected sales of new 911s at the time and so has had an impact on the availability of used cars.

Notwithstanding the high price tag, even for used models, buying a Porsche 997 can give you a great drive that will last for many years, provided it is taken care of and serviced regularly.

However, there are a handful of issues that one must take a careful look at before purchasing a used Porsche 997. Some issues require some special equipment and specifically-trained staff.

Hence, here are some tips that should guide you in buying a used Porsche 997 model, to wit:

Check the Comprehensive Service History

In buying any used car, you need to inquire about the full service history of the car. Preferably, the owner can produce invoices issued for the services and work done on said car. A high-end and high performance car like Porsche needs to be maintained by experts, following the required service regimen.

If there are instances where the car has been serviced by non-specialist garages, it is most likely that the car has not been taken care of well by the owner. This assumption arises because there are certain problems that can be missed by mechanics that were not Porsche-trained.

The service history will tell you what kind of services were performed, the repairs undertaken and the parts replaced. The invoices and service history are particularly useful to prepare for some imminent repairs.

Check if Car is Exposed to Over-Revving

Some car enthusiasts believe the over-revving is a strong indication that a sports car is being driven with the appropriate amount of ardor. However, Porsche takes over-revving seriously, which could result in the invalidation of the car’s manufacturer’s warranties.

The damage to the car’s engine attributed to over-revving might not be readily apparent. Thus, you must be careful in acquiring a used Porsche 997, especially with a unit that has suffered over-revving damage within the last 50 hours.

In fact, the high volume of over-rev events could be a sign that the used Porsche has been overworked throughout its useful life.

IMS Bearing Rule

One of the issues hounding the first-generation Porsche 997 models is the costly IMS bearing failure, which may result in catastrophic engine failure. But in 2006, Porsche corrected such failure with a stronger factory-fitted bearing.

It may pose no problem if you are acquiring a model manufactured in 2007 and onwards, as the bearing is less likely to fail. But if the vehicle is older, one should be more vigilant in checking the car’s bearing.

You need to make it sure that owner has already retrofitted the IMS bearing with a better and highly-effective bearing to avoid problems and failures in the future. If you are not sure as to how and what to look, you would need the assistance of a specialist or a reputable service center like TurboKraft.

Assess the Porsche 997’s Alternator Cable

While Porsche 997 models are excellent with most parts, the model had experienced issues with short battery life and a regular failure to start. This problem has been traced to the original and factory-fitted alternator cable.

This problem has been addressed with replacement of an upgraded cable, which could be fairly an easy job. However, this could be a tricky task which might consume long hours, even for skilled technicians.

If you are planning to purchase a used Porsche 997, TurboKraft can help you do the inspection required to make a good bargain and lessen the risks involved therein. It is important that you do a car check before buying, to make sure that you get the right value for your money.

A reputable service center like TurboKraft has manufacturer-trained technicians and repairmen that has the skills and experience to do the full visual and physical checks.

What Happens When You Wait Too Long for an Oil Change?

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Porsche motor

Regular oil changes are essential in maintaining the condition and performance of your engine. One reason why oil needs regular changing is that it gets contaminated over time. The main function of oil is to lubricate, seal, clean and cool the engine. So if it is contaminated, the engine will no longer be able to fully perform its functions.

The engine will burn the oil up if you constantly use the vehicle. That is why if you prolong changing the oil, it causes various issues to the engine, which in turn could badly affect the performance of your vehicle. Many engine problems result from not changing oil or prolonging oil change. People tend to just top off the oil instead of totally changing it. While this can prolong your use of oil, it is just a short-term solution.  An oil change is the ultimate solution, which needs to be done as the vehicle requires or as its condition calls for. If you’re wondering where to get your oil changed, look to the professionals at TurboKraft.

So what happens when you wait too long for an oil change?

Before we answer that, let us first determine the possible results of not changing engine oil or prolonging an oil change. There are cases when nothing bad will happen even if you skip an oil change. Your vehicle will not be badly affected. However, this only rarely happens. And if you continually skip on oil changes, your luck will eventually run out.

Prolonging the time between oil changes or not changing your oil can lead to long-term problems for your engine. The engine may suffer badly, which could result in total engine failure, in severe cases. There is no one-size-fits-all formula when to change the oil. It all depends on the kind of engine your vehicle has. For example, a turbo engine needs oil changes more frequently than other engines require. Aside from the type of vehicle and engine, you must also consider other factors such as the kind of driving you do, the climate and the frequency of the vehicle usage.

As a general rule, oil change is an important part of the vehicular maintenance. Skipping on oil change can lead to major engine issues and other possible repercussions. While in rare cases nothing bad will occur to your engine, there is a high chance that your engine will suffer from any of the abovementioned problems if you forgo oil changes for a long period.

If you are not sure when to change your vehicle’s engine oil, you can always ask help from the professionals at TurboKraft. Don’t skimp on oil changes and don’t wait for any engine problem to arise. Oil changes are vital to the health of your engine. Contact TurboKraft today if you wish to have your oil changed. Our professionals will be happy to assist you with your problem. Let’s keep that engine up and running.

Oil Leak on a 997 Model 911

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Porsche 997

The 997 model 911 has a lot going for it: it’s a significant improvement over the 996 and has the classic Porsche good looks with a modern twist. This model was built with all of Porsche’s extensive experience and background in building and designing quality, innovative vehicles behind it. However, the 997 model—particularly the earlier model years—has some apparent deficiencies. One of the most common problems with the 997 model is an engine oil leak.

Rear Main Seal Leaks

Though it seems a small percentage of 997s actually have the problem, this model is unfortunately notorious for rear main seal (RMS) leaks. The problem seems to happen more with manual transmission cars, and can have disastrous consequences.

What It Looks Like

Oil on the flywheel, transmission and beneath the car are some hallmark symptoms of this problem. You may also notice you’re losing oil quite quickly.

Intermediate Shaft Bearing

Another widespread issue with the 997 is oil leakage due to an Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing failure. Porsche itself revised the bearing several times during the production of the M96 and M97 engines, so some model years, particularly the early ones, have a higher likelihood of IMS bearing failure.

What It Looks Like

The seal around the IMS cover did at one time have a susceptibility to leaks, but it has been revised. So if you find an oil leak in this area, the IMS bearing might be failing. This situation calls for an immediate trip to a professional.

How to Prevent or Stop Engine Oil Leak

  • Check the oil filter regularly for metallic debris that indicate an IMS bearing is deteriorating.
  • Change the engine oil often.
  • Drive the vehicle regularly and understand that higher engine speeds seem to help the IMS problem.
  • If you have a 1997 to 2005 engine, you can have the IMS bearing replaced relatively easily, as a preventative measure.

Other Sources of Oil Leaks

Other possible sources of leaks include the following: oil cooler thermostat o-ring, oil pressure switch, oil cam lines and oil pressure sensor. It is important that you determine first where the leak is coming from. Most of the time, the solution involves replacing the problematic part of the engine. While some of these fixes are pretty doable, especially if you have the right tools, we recommend you engage an expert to help you diagnose the problem.

If you are having problems with an oil leak in your 997 model 911, all you need to do is contact TurboKraft. As the premier authority in Porsche cars and parts, we have the right background and experience to do the work. Make sure that your Porsche is on top condition! We can fix the leak for you and help prevent further damage.

 

How to Keep Your Porsche in Top Condition

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Photo of Porsche 911

Porsche is an iconic car brand that is known for its power, reliability and legendary control. The company has followed a tradition of engineering excellence in every model released in the market. Porsche cars are valued for being finely tuned, intricately crafted machines designed for an unparalleled driving experience.

But masterpieces are not expected to last for an eternity. To ensure that your Porsche stays in top-notch condition, you will need to be vigilant about maintenance, who you allow to work on your car and more.

The following tips may hold true for any car, but they are especially important for protecting the investment you’ve made in your Porsche.

Follow a Maintenance Schedule

It may seem a bit obvious, but having your car regularly serviced is vital to preserving it. Following the recommended maintenance schedule will help your Porsche remain as powerful, practical and responsive as it was when it left the Porsche factory line. It is important that the scheduled services are followed religiously so that the car continues to perform to its optimum level.

Protect Your Car From the Sun

We don’t have to deal with snow, ice and salt here, but weather still has an impact on the care of your Porsche. The Valley of the Sun lives up to its name, and few things are as damaging to a vehicle as the baking Arizona sun. Keep your car in the shade as much as possible and consider cleaning out the garage to keep your Porsche protected from the elements.

Check Your Fluids Regularly

If you’re getting regular maintenance, your oil and other fluids should be taken care of. That being said, checking them yourself gives you both peace of mind and an early warning system if anything should go wrong. Fluids to check include oil, transmission, differential, brake and power steering.

Use Only Experts You Trust

It’s important to have highly experienced professionals handle your Porsche, both for maintenance and any custom work you’d like to have done. The best case scenario would be to use experts who are devoted entirely to the Porsche brand and have a deep knowledge base. This level of expertise helps you to be confident with the performance of your Porsche.

Buy Genuine and Custom Porsche Parts From a Reputable Shop

In addition to making sure the people handling your car are highly skilled, you should also make sure they have high-quality materials to work with. Your Porsche runs best when it has the best parts available.

We Can Help

TurboKraft offers Porsche services in Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler and Gilbert. We have the expertise and specialization in Porsche service and parts—be it a wear and tear issue, a serious mechanical problem or even a custom build—to keep your vehicle in top shape and on the road for years to come. Contact us today to get started with a trusted partner in maintaining your Porsche.