gcclubs

I hope to be buying a 964 from a warm climate and will likely drive back to my very cold climate. Currently it is about - 28 F where I live in Canada. I will then store the vehicle until the spring.

I am wondering if it is going to be a problem to drive the car back into this cold weather? I will likely make the drive back in one day (12 -14 hours is my guess).

I realize the tires are not likely to be cold weather friendly, but generally the highways are dry.

I am more concerned about doing damage to the air cooled engine or possibly causing leaks or something. I am likely being paranoid here but thougth I would see what people thougth

Thanks

buckdr1

gc, I beleive that the air-cooled engines were originally designed that way for the Northern European climate,w/ low temps!
I've driven mine several times this year around the -5 deg. range just to see how it started/ran...no problem! It actually likes the cold air! While not quite -25,I'd like to think you'd be fine.
Perhaps a heated dipstick wouldn't hurt, along w/ lower range viscocity oil. Adrian, are you out there? (he's in the Swiss Alps)
Good luck
Bill

Oilslick964

I think the air cooled cars perform better in cooler air. I've never driven in -25 either, but on those first cool days of autumn, when it gets down to the mid 30's in Arkansas, I love getting out the 911 and seeing how much it lokes cool weather! And besides, thes heaters work so well, surely they were meant for the arctic tundra!

Adrian

My C4 has lived in and been driven in temps as low as -20C. No problem. Getting the puppie warm can be a problem going down the mountains but not going back up.
The aircooled engines are bullet proof against the weather. The odd bit freezing up when moist can be a problem but as long as you keep the snow out of the engine bay no problems. Cover the spoiler grill if it snows or if you have freezing fogs. On elast thing. OIL, make sure you use the correct oil for the cold weather. I am now using fully synthetic 0W 40. I was using 5W 30 but my mechanic changed without informing me. Still Mobil One so he thought I would be happy. A year on and no oil leaks so I am happy.
Ciao,
Adrian
911C4

tom964

I have been driving my car all year around in the Chicago area, with winter temperatures at times in the single digits Farenheit or less, and it has never given me a speck of problem starting or running. You can argue with me that I shouldn't be subjecting it to salt so routinely, but the cold has never been an issue (and the cabin warms up faster than most other cars!).

darth

I've been driving mine all year round. Great traction with the engine in the rear and BF Goodrich TA's M/S. Heat is quick in the cabin. Get a lot of good windshield washer if the roads are greasy or slushy.

Bill
90C2

Jay H

I know Porsche always tests their new models in the cold Canadian climate to insure their cars can handle extreme cold. The book "Porsche 911, The Evolution" has an entire chapter on winter testing the 996's on the Alaska Highway. Temps dropped to -26 degrees F.

I remember reading about similar testing with previous models as well, even the 1980's 930.

bj

Forgot to mention I drive around Toronto / Niagara area - lots of lake effect snow.

Flying Finn

That's not a problem for your car.

Try to find some details/pics of Porsche winter tests they run in Nothern Finland every year or Porsche Driving Experience (it's called Camp 4 ) where you can do the same thing but a lot harder.

We're talking about even colder weather and just 'trashing' them cars on a snowy roads between huge snowbanks out there!

Here are some small shots:

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/camp42.jpg" alt=" - " />

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/camp41.jpg" alt=" - " />

<img src="http://boards.rennlist.com/upload/camp43.jpg" alt=" - " />

1AS

I sold my 91C4 last February when my tt arrived, but I drove my car primarily in the winter. Standard oil from the dealer, no special prep to the body or any other accessories, and absolutely no trouble. Where I live in Indiana, we get lots of Lake effect snow, subzero (F) temps, ice, sleet, and salt on the roads. When I sold the car it had 100,000 miles and no rust or corrosion problems. I keep reading all the stuff about special winter precautions, but other than tires for really deep snow, I don't see it as beneficial. These cars are meant to be driven in bad conditions and are tons of fun when the ground gets slippery. AS