jwagman99

Good day. What is the proper procedure for starting my 997.1S after its winter hibernation? D I let it idle? For how long?

yelcab

Change the oil, filter, charge up battery, and ... fire it up.

jwagman99

Yes, thank you. Oil will be changed as will filter. I trickle charge all winter. Just wondering before driving do I let it idle, or simply drive off?

8x57IRS

Fire it up, let it idle until you see stable oil-pressure, wait another 5s and drive off, drive moderate and keep revs below 3.000 1/min until warm. Never ever let it idle to warm up.

Ironman88

Just a few thoughts about this topic:

You may want to ensure that your tire pressures are set properly. (I like to go with 29F and 36R.) Also may want to do a good visual inspection of the car overall (including the engine compartment). You never know if a mouse or two may have set up shop in there over the winter.

I would definitely not recommend letting your car run at idle for any extended time. I would start it up, let it run long enough for the idle speed to normalize (usually about 45 seconds or so), and then drive the car.

In driving the car initially, it would be good to keep the engine revs lower than 3,000 or so until the engine oil temperature has reached normal operating range (that usually takes about 20 minutes of driving.)

One additional thought - I would recommend changing the oil prior to putting the car in storage.

jwagman99

Thank you very much. I appreciate the assistance.

997.2GTS

If you want a full list, this was mine for classic cars (Michigan), applies to the P car too.

• Remove dryer sheets, charcoal (odor absorber) from interior.
• Check the tires for low pressure, bulges.
• Identify any degradation of rubber components like wipers and weather stripping.
• Look around for any evidence of insect & animal activity.
• Check belt and hoses for cracks and wear.
• look for evidence of fluid leaks.
• Verify that filters look okay and are free of debris.
• Reconnect the battery if you disconnected it prior to storage. Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure the connections are tight. Test the battery’s charge and, if it’s low, charge it.
• Again, look for any evidence of animal activity like rodent bedding (shredded upholstery, grass, etc.), droppings, chewed wires or insect nests.
• Check all fluid levels including coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid, power steering, transmission fluid, oil.
• Opinion: Get your oil changed at the earliest opportunity or change before first drive.
• Start, idle a few seconds, drive.

DesmoSD

+1
I just did this last week for the first time since moving from SoCal. My 997.1 C2S has been in the garage since Nov '22 on the battery tender.

jwagman99

Thanks so much.

ru_stupid2

i recommend to not put all that fun in storage and drive it rain or shine!

jwagman99

I would but I live in toronto with lots of salt on roads in winter.

I have a macan gts for that

jbl16

Pre Winter storage:
Change the oil prior to storing.
Full tank full with stabilizer prior to storage
Fill up the tires above usual driving pressure prior to storage
Battery tender throughout storage period or remove the battery.

Spring:
Check tire pressure
Start, and drive away

jwagman99

Exactly as I planned!! Thanks

Khloesdad

Just how long are your winters???

jbl16

He is Toronto, it's basically 5-6 months. Similar to here in mid Michigan. It was snowing yesterday.