Should You Store Your Porsche for the Winter? Here’s How to Do It Right

The combination of road salt, ice, and harsh Michigan weather can wreak havoc on your Porsche’s performance, appearance, and value. If you’re wondering whether you should store your Porsche during the colder months, the short answer is: yes—if you want to preserve its condition and resale value.

But proper storage isn’t as simple as parking it in the garage and throwing on a cover. To make sure your investment is well-protected, you should follow the right steps before putting it away for the season. As experts in Porsche service in Ann Arbor, we’ve prepared this guide to help you store your vehicle the right way.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Your Porsche for Winter

1. Schedule a Pre-Storage Inspection

Before putting your Porsche away, have it inspected by a certified technician at ArborMotion. Our shop specializes in Porsche service in Ann Arbor and can check for leaks, worn components, or service needs. Addressing these now means fewer surprises come spring.

Tip: We also offer secure vehicle storage exclusively for Porsche service customers—so you can have your inspection, service, and storage all taken care of in one convenient location.

 

2. Clean It Inside and Out

Give your Porsche a thorough wash, paying special attention to the wheel wells and undercarriage where dirt and debris can hide. Apply a coat of high-quality wax to protect the paint. Inside, vacuum carpets, wipe surfaces, and remove any food or trash that could attract pests.

 

3. Change the Oil and Fluids

Even if it’s not time for your regular service, fresh oil helps prevent contaminants from sitting in your engine all winter. Top off brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid with a winter blend to prevent freezing.

 

4. Fill the Fuel Tank and Add Stabilizer

A full tank prevents moisture buildup in the fuel system. Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the system.

 

5. Protect the Battery

Batteries can drain during long periods of inactivity. Either disconnect the battery or use a battery maintainer to keep it charged without overcharging.

 

6. Prevent Tire Flat Spots

Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and consider using tire cradles or jacking the car slightly to reduce pressure on one spot. If you’re using summer tires, switch to storage wheels and tires to preserve your performance set.

 

7. Cover It Correctly

Invest in a breathable, fitted car cover made specifically for your Porsche. Avoid cheap plastic covers, which can trap moisture and damage the paint.

 

8. Control the Storage Environment

If possible, store your Porsche in a climate-controlled garage. If that’s not an option, at least ensure the space is dry, clean, and secure from pests.

 

When to Bring It Back Out

Come spring, don’t just start the engine and hit the road. Schedule a post-storage check with your trusted Porsche technician at ArborMotion. They’ll inspect fluids, brakes, tires, and electrical systems to ensure your Porsche is ready for performance driving again.

 
Rennstatt is Your Reliable Porsche Specialist!

 

Storing your Porsche for the winter isn’t just about keeping it clean—it’s about preserving performance, value, and driving enjoyment for years to come. We not only provide expert European auto repair and Porsche service—we also offer secure vehicle storage for our Porsche service customers. It’s a convenient way to protect your vehicle through the winter months and have it ready to go when spring returns.

 

If you need expert help preparing your vehicle for storage—or waking it up in the spring—our team offers specialized Porsche service in Ann Arbor to keep your car in peak condition year-round.

What Are Spark Plugs Anyway?

If you've ever had your car serviced, you've probably heard the term “spark plugs”. But what exactly are they—and why should you care?

Spark plugs are small but essential components of your car’s engine. Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, which starts the engine and keeps it running. Without functioning spark plugs, your car won’t start, idle smoothly, or run efficiently. Over time, spark plugs wear and can cause rough starts, poor fuel economy, and engine misfires.

 

This is especially important if you drive a European vehicle, which often requires precision parts and specialized care. At our shop specializing in European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, we frequently replace spark plugs as part of routine maintenance for brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

 

Not sure when your spark plugs were last changed? We keep tabs on all of your maintenance needs to keep your European vehicle running at peak performance. 

Learn more why timely replacement is essential for modern cars here. 

 

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

 

Schedule your next service appointment with ArborMotion today and let us take care of your spark plugs and all your vehicle's maintenance needs. Call us for Asian and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!

Why Choose ArborMotion for Your Porsche Track Day Inspection?

Racing puts significantly more stress on your Porsche than everyday road use. Higher speeds, increased braking demands, and sustained cornering forces can expose weaknesses that might not be apparent with regular driving. A pre-track inspection will help you identify potential issues before they become problems on the track.

Rennstatt at ArborMotion has a long-standing reputation for providing top-quality Porsche service and maintenance. Our technicians possess extensive experience working on high-performance vehicles and understand the specific requirements of track driving. We use state-of-the-art equipment and follow strict quality standards to ensure your Porsche is track ready.

 

• Porsche Expertise: We specialize in Porsche vehicles, and our technicians have a deep understanding of their unique engineering and performance characteristics.
• Experienced Technicians: Our technicians are highly skilled and trained to handle the demands of track preparation.
• Comprehensive Inspection: We perform a thorough and detailed inspection, covering all critical areas of your Porsche.
• Personalized Service: We work with you to understand your track driving goals and tailor our inspection and recommendations accordingly.
• Track-Focused Advice: We can offer advice on track day preparation, driving techniques, and other track-related topics.

 

Learn more about Track Day prep at ArborMotion here.

 

Get Your Porsche Track Ready at Rennstatt!

 

Don't leave your track day to chance. Bring your Porsche to Rennstatt for a comprehensive track day inspection and ensure you're ready to experience the thrill of the track with confidence. Contact our Porsche specialists in Ann Arbor today to schedule your appointment and let us help you unleash the full potential of your Porsche. We'll get you track-ready!

Winter is the Perfect Time for Porsche Repairs

Have you been putting off Porsche repairs? Don't let cold weather keep you from getting your car in tip-top shape. Believe it or not, winter is the perfect time to schedule service. 

Because certain repairs can take more time than others, winter is a great time to have larger projects completed on your Porsche since your driving time will be limited anyway. Does your suspension need a refresh? Does your engine or transmission need a major service or rebuild? How about that nagging issue that you have not been able to find the cause of? Winter is the perfect time to schedule services like that and as a huge bonus, our large facility allows us to keep your Porsche inside during its stay with us so your vehicle stays safe and warm.

Schedule Your Porsche Repair at Ann Arbor’s Porsche Shop!

Don't wait until spring to get your Porsche fixed. Schedule an appointment today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained vehicle.

Trust your Porsche to our passionate team. When you’re ready to schedule your Porsche repair at our Ann Arbor shop, give us a call at 734-761-1088. We're your partners in Porsche perfection.

Tackling Serpentine Belt Replacement: A Comprehensive Guide

The serpentine belt is a key component in modern engines, playing a vital role by driving the water pump, alternator, and power steering pump to work together. The serpentine belt can wear out over time, requiring replacement.  

In addition to the serpentine belt, you should also replace the tensioner, idler pulley, and decoupler. These parts work together to maintain proper belt tension and alignment, so addressing them during a belt change is a wise move to ensure optimal performance.

Steps We Take to Evaluate & Replace your Serpentine Belt

1. Access the Belt Drive: Depending on your vehicle, we may remove some components to gain access to the serpentine belt and its components. This might involve removing plastic underbody panels or engine shields. 
2. Release Belt Tension:  We’ll locate the tensioner pulley and loosen the belt. This might involve pushing on a release arm or using a belt tensioner tool. 
3. Replacing the Tensioner, Idler Pulley, and Decoupler: The process to replace these components typically involves unbolting the old part and installing the new one, tightening to the specified torque.
4. Installing the New Serpentine Belt: We’ll route the new serpentine belt around all the pulleys according to manufacturer standards.
5. Re-tensioning the Belt:  We’ll re-tension the belt according to manufacturer standards and double check the belt tension using a belt deflection tool and adjust as necessary.
6. Final Touches: Reinstall any previously removed components and reconnect the battery negative terminal.
7. Test it: We’ll start your engine and listen for any abnormal noises. Turn on the air conditioning and other accessories to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Take the vehicle for a short test drive to confirm proper operation.

Schedule Service at Ann Arbor’s Asian and European Auto Repair Shop

With our help, you’ll have a smooth-running engine with properly functioning accessories for miles to come. To successfully replace the serpentine belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and decoupler (if applicable), please contact us today!

We perform Asian and  European Auto Repair in Ann Arbor, where our top priority is getting you back on the road. Call 734-761-1088 to schedule your appointment today!

What to Know About Engine Over Revs

This is on the mind of almost every Porsche enthusiast, whether you’re looking to purchase a car or are a weekend track warrior guilty of shifting your car from 4th to 3rd instead of 4th to 5th. We’d like to dig into one of the reasons why avoiding high rpms is so important and the reasons to avoid it. 

Piston weight. 

Understanding the concept of compression and exhaust stroke is important to understanding why high rpm happens. When a piston travels on a compression stroke, both the intake and exhaust valves are closed, which creates compression. Think of this as a cushion for the piston. When a piston travels on an exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve is open to evacuate the exhaust from the controlled burn and the intake valve is slightly open (valve overlap). When the exhaust valve is open and the intake valve is on overlap, the compression cushion goes away. Without that compression cushion, the piston wants to leave the engine. This increases the weight of the piston based on inertial force. This force exponentially increases with rpm as the crankshaft and connecting rod work to pull the piston back after expelling the exhaust from the cylinder. 

For example, in an M96.03 engine with the factory set rev limiter of 7300rpm: 

·       With a rough piston weight of 1.9lbs and a stroke of 3.07 inches, at 7300rpm the piston weight reaches 4,413lbs. At 7300rpm, this happens 121 times a second. 

·       The range for over-rev weights can be much higher. For example, at 9000rpm, the piston weight reaches a whopping 6,709lbs. At 9000rpm, this happens 150 times every second. Let that sink in. 

·       Disclaimer. There are a few ways to calculate over-rev weights. However, regardless of how precise the numbers are, there are still thousands of pounds of inertial force on internal components. 

Why should this concern you? 

Such force leads to internal components being put under stresses that they were not designed for which could lead to stretching the connecting rod bolts, breaking a connecting rod or even cracking or breaking the piston. This is why it is so important to pay attention to engine rpms. You should have your car scanned for over revs pre-purchase, think twice about flashy tunes that increase the factory rev limiter, and last but not least, avoid the 4th to 3rd  'money shift'. 

Schedule Porsche Service at ArborMotion - Ann Arbor’s Porsche Shop!

At Rennstatt, we’ve got a certified passion for Porsche! Our Porsche technicians work hard to ensure that your vehicle is performing at its best. When you’re ready to schedule Porsche service in Ann Arbor, give us a call at 734-761-1088. We’re happy to help you with all your Porsche maintenance and repair needs.

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the IMS Bearing Upgrade Kit at ArborMotion

If you own a 1997 to 2008 Boxster, Cayman, or water-cooled 911 model Porsche, then you’ve most likely heard about the potential issue with your engine’s intermediate shaft bearing. 

The good news is the bearing doesn’t fail at the rate the internet would like you to believe. The bad news is that IMS bearing failures do happen and when they do, it’s catastrophic, leaving you with a vehicle that has little value and not worth installing another new or used engine.  

 

The better news is with an IMS bearing upgrade you mitigate this potential issue, and you can enjoy your Porsche for many miles to come.

 

M96 engines (996, 911, & 986 Boxster) have two different serviceable IMS bearings (Dual or Single row). We must see the actual bearing to determine which style your car uses. The approach we use for the M96 engines upgrades your sealed roller bearing to a direct oil fed plain style bearing that uses oil pressure from the oil filter housing. The 997 and 987 vehicles were introduced in 2005 with the new M97 engine, yet some early models still used used the M96 engine with a serviceable bearing. There’s no VIN split, so looking at the stamped engine code is the only way to verify whether you have an M96 or M97. 

 

The M97 IMS bearing is not externally serviceable, but there is an option to minimize the chance of failure. The M97 IMS upgrade we use is an oil fed cover that uses oil pressure from the cylinder head. Sebastian Gaeta, the owner of ArborMotion & Rennstatt, uses this cover for his personal car and he's quite happy that the option is now available to protect the non-serviceable bearings.

 

In summary, the proper solution for your Porsche will depend on which engine model you have. Learn more about the IMS Bearing failure here.

 

Porsche Service in Ann Arbor for IMS Bearing Upgrade: We’re the Experts!

At Rennstatt, we’re passionate about offering high-quality care for your daily driver, summer toy, or race car. Your Porsche is our shared focus. Our Porsche technicians work to ensure your vehicle is performing at its best.

 

The IMS Bearing Upgrade Kit allows you to enjoy driving your Porsche worry-free! If you're ready to schedule your upgrade, call or book your appointment today for Porsche service in Ann Arbor! 

Your Porsche Oil Change

When is your Porsche due for an oil change? For daily drivers, and year-round Porsche vehicles, like the Macan, the Cayenne, and the Panamera, the answer is easy: every five months or 5,000 miles. 

What about the non-daily drivers? What’s the recommendation for a Boxster, Carrera, and Cayman summer-only Porsches?

 

At Rennstatt, we ‘re often asked “When should I change my oil for my Porsche? It’s only been 1,000 miles since the last oil change. When should the next oil change be?” Even with only a few miles of use, it’s still important to have regular oil changes performed. The definition of “regular” changes is five months or 5,000 miles. However, if it’s not your daily driver we recommend having the oil changed at least once per year even if you do not exceed 5,000 miles, ideally just before putting your car in storage for the winter months. 

 

You don’t want dirty oil sitting in your engine all winter. There can be contaminants in the oil. That degradation of oil can have serious and lasting effects on your engine over time. 

 

Schedule Porsche Service in Ann Arbor at Rennstatt!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop! Bring your Porsche to Rennstatt and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! No question is too big or small. Call Rennstatt for Porsche service in Ann Arbor at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today! 

Porsche Macan Maintenance and Service - What's In The Shop

This 2015 Macan came to Rennstatt because the owner noticed a coolant leak. When we raised it on the hoist, we could see a number of drips. We needed to do some digging to figure out where the leak was coming from. 

In the course of our investigation, we needed to remove the valve cover. The coolant was leaking into the
valley of the engine and out of the back of the valve cover. While looking into the coolant leak, we also noted that the valve cover gasket was starting to seep. Once the valve cover comes off, the gasket should also be replaced. This ended up being a timely service and helpful preventive maintenance for this Macan.

Schedule Porsche Macan Service in Ann Arbor Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your Porsche Macan to Rennstatt, the performance division of ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At Rennstatt, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call Rennstatt  for Porsche maintenance and repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

A Porsche for All Seasons

Most 911 and Boxster owners put their cars away when the snow starts to fly. But, if you own a Panamera, Cayenne, or a Macan, you enjoy the engineering and excitement of Porsche driving all year long. 

Here’s a few things to do over the winter to keep your Porsche running smoothly:

• Have your oil changed -This keeps the engine well lubricated and is one of the most important things you can do for any vehicle.
• Have your alignment checked - When the weather turns cold and big potholes sneak up, alignments can be thrown off just from your daily drive.
• Have all fluids inspected - If there’s any leak or rupture in fluid lines, catastrophic repairs may not be far behind. Your Porsche specialist at Rennstatt will keep a sharp eye on your fluid levels and quality with every service. 
• Have general mileage-based maintenance performed - Your Porsche is precisely engineered and designed to run efficiently, as long as you take proper care of it. Keeping up on flushes, spark plugs, and brakes are all essential to keeping you behind the wheel for many happy miles. 
• When you do any service with us we perform our Pit Stop inspection which gives you an excellent picture of the overall health of your Porsche.

Did you know - Rennstatt is a one-stop shop for Porsche maintenance for many Ann Arbor Porsche owners?

Schedule Porsche Service in Ann Arbor Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your Porsche to Rennstatt, the performance division of ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At Rennstatt, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call Rennstatt  for Porsche maintenance and repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today! 

Prevention is cheaper than a cure!

Have you ever put off a small task only to have it turn into a bigger project? Are you up to date on your mileage-based maintenance on your vehicle? If not, you should be! 

Regular maintenance saves you money

Having your ArborMotion mechanic inspect your vehicle during your oil changes and mileage- based services will allow them to find tiny leaks or suspicious noises before those things turn into bigger jobs. Repairing small jobs is much faster and simpler! 

Mileage-based maintenance is more than just oil changes

Mileage-based maintenance is just what it sounds like - factory recommended services to have done, based on the miles on your odometer. Common services include radiator flushes, brake line flushes and filter replacements.

The bottom line

Vehicles are complicated machines. They need regular care to perform at their peak. Having a single mechanic keeping your car in good working order means that they get to know you, your vehicle, and your driving style. They’ll be able to give you the best recommendations for your specific needs. And, they’ll make sure the cost of care is as low as possible by performing preventative maintenance.

Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

We’d love to be your go-to repair shop to help ensure you and your family are safe. Bring your vehicle to ArborMotion and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time! At ArborMotion, we care about your safety! No question is too big or small. Call ArborMotion for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!  

Stay Safe on the Road During Construction Season.

Auto repair is considered an essential business and during the Stay at Home orders you are allowed to bring your car in for maintenance and repairs!

We all know that in the state of Michigan each year we have major construction in spring and summer. When we are able to get back on the road the orange cones will already be out and we can anticipate long delays and general inconvenience. We also need to think about the construction workers and their safety. At ArborMotion, we can help with that! We can make sure your brakes are up to date, that you have good tread on your tires, check your fluids and also make sure all of your lights are working properly.

When you approach a construction zone, use extra caution, and slow down where people are working near the road. Obey all directions by flag people. Treat all construction workers with respect and remain calm if traffic is delayed. Be patient with posted construction speed limits. They’re frustrating, but the lower limits are for everyone's safety.

As always, remember that we hand wash every vehicle with your service, who doesn't love a bright shiny vehicle on a beautiful sunny day?

Schedule Service on Your Domestic, Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Regular maintenance and service on your Domestic, Asian or European vehicle allows us to diagnose issues before they become severe and possibly more expensive to repair. Make an appointment at ArborMotion to schedule service today!

There’s No Time Like the Present to Start Planning Your Summer Road Trips!

In the last month, we got hit pretty bad with winter weather. Rain turned to snow, which turned to freezing rain. It was bad! 

And if you’re from Michigan you know that wasn’t our last winter storm. To get us all out of the winter blues, let’s start thinking about some awesome summer road trips that we can take! 

Picture it! You’re driving down the open road, sunglasses on, wind in your hair, radio blasting your favorite tunes; it doesn't get better than that!

Here are some of the best summer road trips to add to your summer bucket list! 

1. Route 66 is a classic! You start off in Michigan and go all the way to LA. This trip can be done in two weeks. There are plenty of attractions along the way, so take your time! Make sure you stop and see America’s oldest church, the cool car display in Texas and the world’s largest rocking chair in Missouri! 

2. The Great River Road takes you right along the Mississippi River and through ten states! This one is for all you nature lovers out there. You go through wildlife resorts and river towns and you end in New Orleans, which means you can grab some great food. 

3. The Loneliest Road takes you from Ocean City, Maryland to Sacramento, California. You’ll go through twelve states and four state capitals, but the stretch in Nevada is where you’ll need a riding companion. Make sure to take your camera, because there are miles of mountain views, dusty highways and small towns that make for great photo ops!  

4. How about a more local day trip? Very local to us is a nice cruise along our very own Huron River Drive just west of North Main street here in Ann Arbor. If you keep on going west and a little bit north of Dexter, you will run into some of the best day-trip driving roads in Michigan. Look on the map for the area of North Territorial Rd and Hankered Rd. Those of you who’ve driven it will know what we mean, it is a curvy tree lined road with many elevation changes and it’s lot’s of fun. If you continue westward, you will run into the Waterloo Rec area with all its beautiful roads and scenery too. If you are not familiar with the area, don’t worry because you cannot get lost and you will discover the most beautiful roads and scenery in Michigan that you didn’t realize was so close!

Michigan still has a winter storm or two coming for us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have summer on our minds. Keep these trips in mind and your summer is sure to rock! 

Schedule Service on Your Domestic, Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Regular maintenance and service on your Domestic, Asian or European vehicle allows us to diagnose issues before they become severe and possibly more expensive to repair. Contact Us to schedule an appointment today!

Virtually Driving In Reality

It's December, it's already too cold for Motorsports and it's only going to get colder. In Tennessee, they held the 25 hours of Thunderhill this past weekend, and in all the pictures and videos I saw, people were wearing winter coats over their race suits. That is a hard pass for me. It's too cold to be at a race track this time of year. I suppose if you live in Florida or California it may be warm enough, but living in those states you have other issues to worry about, like face-eating freaks high on bath salts and on the other coast, emissions laws. I shudder just thinking about those types of things. It really gives me the creeps. Anyways, right now, in the midwest, it's too cold for racing, and that brings up the question that this edition of Hittin The Apex will cover, which is what the hell do we do in the winter? Well folks, there is only one answer available, Simulated Racing. All other options are not good ones. Ice racing, rallycross, rallying and indoor karting are all dumb. Having said that, it would be wise to have the disclaimer we have her at HTA, which simply states "I don't care if my opinion goes against yours. I have my opinions, you have yours and it isn't my fault your wrong". Back to the matter at hand. If you don’t want to be dumb, get a simulator. There are so many options for simulators, there really is no excuse not to get one. The basics start with video games for the same Xbox or Playstation your kid is spending all their time on. As a matter of fact, I suggest you figure out which game system your kid has, go find a game that you like and has the tracks that you would want to drive on, buy it, come home, kick your kid off the console out into the cold to play or whatever, take the game into your room and have at it! Anyone in your house that protests these acts clearly doesn't support you, and as such they don't deserve your attention. If you are thinking about a higher level of simulator, you and I have just one more thing in common my friend. I have visions of a simulator setup that has an actual racing seat, steering wheels, pedals and a shifter, with at least three screens hooked up to a real deal simulation site like iRacing. Seriously, check out iRacing, I will wait. It's pretty badass isn’t? Virtually any U.S. track is available, with the ability to compete in sanctioned races with other drivers such as yourself without having to leave your home! Short of really racing a car, it doesn't get any better than that. Ever have dreams of driving down the front straight of Road America, hitting top gear while your puppy is sitting in your lap? That's weird, but now you can do it without the dangers of Scruffy jumping out to chase a squirrel! What better way to hone your driving skills then spending hours running lap after lap of (insert your favorite available track here) without having to travel, prep a car, pay the entry fees, get a hotel room or have minimal consequences by running off the road? There isn't a better way, I googled it. Many amateur and even professional drivers log hundreds if not thousands of hours on simulators, just to fine tune their skills. Now, I am not going to suggest a manufacturer of a simulator or brand of computer to use, mostly because I don't know for sure what is best and no one pays me to promote. If anyone would like me to promote something I am available for just about anything they want to give me. I will say though, do your homework, ask a racer, get on the forums and check it out. Something relatively new that I think is very cool is that SCCA actually sanctions an iRacing league with different series in it, that requires you to be an SCCA member, thereby giving some sort of standard so people won't be out there wrecking everybody's race. Like your kid would do. Or you would do. Don’t lie. Simulating in a league like iRacing takes out the AI drivers of video games and puts you in a real, virtual race against other people in their basements with their dogs on their laps. This makes all the difference in the world when it comes to honing your real driving skills in the winter. You can be dumb and look for lost lugnuts with frozen fingers in the snow or be smart and drive Laguna in your underwear in your warm basement. The choice is yours.

Until next month! 

Read more of Nick's blog posts here!