Looking after your car.

How often should a classic Porsche 911 be serviced?

According to the manufacturer’s service book: at the time or mileage interval, whichever comes first. A classic 911 that covers few miles almost always reaches the time interval first, and an annual check is the generally accepted rule for a classic car in light use.

On an air-cooled 911, the service may include, depending on the model and the service book, adjusting the valves, draining the oil tank and checking for leaks. See service and maintenance.

Should a classic car be serviced every year?

As a rule, yes, even if it has covered few miles. Fluids age with time more than with distance: oil degrades, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, seals and hoses harden. An annual check deals with these points before they turn into a breakdown.

How do you look after a car that is rarely driven?

By following the time interval in the service book rather than the odometer, and by driving it properly when it does go out. A car standing still suffers in its own way: a battery that drains, brakes that seize, tyres that flat-spot, seals that dry out. A few drives long enough to bring the engine and gearbox up to temperature do it more good than many starts on the spot.

When should the tyres of a rarely driven car be replaced?

Often before they are worn: a tyre ages and hardens over time, even with intact tread. Its date of manufacture is marked on the sidewall. Look for cracking, the suppleness of the rubber and any deformation; when in doubt, it is better to replace them, since grip depends on it.

What oil should go in a classic engine?

The one the manufacturer specifies for that engine, in viscosity and specification, or an oil designed for classic engines. Some modern oils, formulated with catalytic converters in mind, contain fewer anti-wear additives than older valvetrain designs require. The choice is made engine by engine, according to its condition and use.

Why are short journeys bad for a classic car?

Because the engine never reaches its temperature. Condensation then stays in the oil and in the exhaust, and cold oil protects less well. A proper drive, long enough for the oil to get hot, is better than several starts of a few minutes. The first miles are driven gently, while everything comes up to temperature.

How do you check the oil level on an air-cooled 911?

Engine hot, at idle, car on level ground. This dry-sump engine keeps its oil in a separate tank: with the engine cold or switched off, the reading is not accurate. The exact method, dipstick or dashboard gauge depending on the year, is in the owner’s manual.

Should you drive a classic car in winter?

Yes, if the roads are dry and free of salt, and if the car is driven long enough to warm up. A drive on a fine day keeps the mechanics in better shape than complete immobility. A salted or wet road, on the other hand, calls for a careful wash of the underside afterwards. For cars that stay in the garage: winter storage.

Can a modern Ferrari be serviced outside the Ferrari network?

Yes. A modern Ferrari can be serviced outside the brand’s network, following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. The electronic diagnosis, the content of each service and the parts used are set out in the quote, then in the detailed invoice. See the Ferrari page.

Do you service modern Porsches?

Yes, as we do classic Porsches. The workshop follows the maintenance schedule Porsche sets for each model, with electronic diagnosis, and records every operation on a detailed invoice. See the Porsche page, or reserve a slot: book an appointment.

Independent servicing: is the manufacturer’s warranty kept?

In Europe, having a car under warranty serviced outside the brand’s network does not void the warranty, provided the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is followed and parts of equivalent quality are used. This follows from the European block exemption regulation for the motor vehicle sector. Do check the terms of your own contract, particularly for an extended warranty.

How is the servicing recorded?

On a detailed invoice listing every operation and every part. Kept with the car, it forms its service history, useful for the warranty as much as when selling.