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.

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!

Don't Derail Your Next Road Trip – Proper Maintenance is Essential!

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, many of us are eager to chase the sunshine and warmth. Whether you're
planning a long road trip or a quick weekend getaway, it's important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey.

A few simple maintenance tasks can prevent major problems down the line:

• Oil Change: Regular oil changes are crucial to maintain your engine health. Old, dirty oil can cause excessive wear and tear, leading to costly repairs.
• Fluid Check: Ensure that all essential fluids, like coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are at the proper levels. Low fluid levels can compromise your vehicle's performance and safety.
• Brake Inspection: Worn brake pads and rotors can significantly reduce your braking performance. A thorough brake inspection can help identify and address any issues before they become serious.

Don't let a small issue ruin your trip: Schedule Service on Your Asian or European Vehicle Today!

Schedule a pre-trip inspection with a trusted mechanic to ensure your vehicle is ready for the road. Bring your vehicle to us and we’ll have it running in tip-top shape in no time for your winter drives! No question is too big or small. Call us for domestic and European auto repair at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today!

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!

Preparing Your Porsche for the Track

Are you ready for track day?

It’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in prime working condition before you head to the track. 

 

These key components must be inspected before track day to help minimize potential risks and enhance your experience:

 

1.     Brake Fluid Condition - Brake fluid can reduce your braking performance if it’s been exposed to moisture and heat. We’ll ensure your fluid is clean and free from contaminants, replacing the brake fluid if necessary.

2.     Brake Pad Thickness – Worn-out brake pads can compromise your braking efficiency and reduce the distance in which you’ll be able to stop safely increasing your risk for a collision.

3.     Tire Condition – Inspect your tread depth, sidewall condition, and overall health of your tires. Do you notice signs of uneven wear, cuts, bulges, or punctures? Consider upgrading to high-performance tires to enhance your grip and the demands of aggressive driving on track day. 

4.     Suspension Check for loose components – Conduct a thorough inspection of all of your suspension components including bushings, ball joints, tie rods, and shock absorbers. We’ll inspect for signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections that can affect your car’s performance.

5.     Safety Equipment like seat belts and seats – We’ll inspect your seatbelt for damage and ensure it’s properly anchored. Your seat will also be inspected for structural weakness or issues.

 

If any of these components are compromised, they need to be repaired before your Porsche can enter a track day event. A detailed inspection of your Porsche is essential for increasing your safety and performance on the track! 

 

Schedule Porsche Service in Ann Arbor at Rennstatt!

We'd love to be your go-to Porsche service center. We'll help keep yours performing as Porsche intended. We are Ann Arbor's most experienced independent Porsche shop performing everything from factory scheduled maintenance to engine repair & rebuilds and have been trusted by local enthusiasts for over 35 years! 

Call Rennstatt for Porsche service in Ann Arbor at 734-761-1088  to schedule your appointment today! 

Is it Time to Rebuild Your Porsche Engine?

Are you experiencing reduced power or reduced fuel efficiency?

Our Porsche experts can diagnose your problem and determine what’s causing it. Depending on the severity of the damage and age of your vehicle, we may recommend a new engine or a rebuild.

 

Benefits of Rebuilding Your Engine 

 

1.     Optimal performing engine – When a Porsche expert disassembles your engine, they’ll carefully inspect each component and all worn items will be replaced. This ensures your engine will perform as new.

2.     Rebuilding the original engine to your car keeps the cars value high versus replacing with another engine.

3.     Rebuilding your engine allows you to consider performance upgrades and also gives you peace of mind knowing that you now have the benefit of any improvements to internal parts used in your engine rebuild.

 

Learn more about rebuilding your Porsche engine here.

 

Schedule Your Porsche Engine Rebuild in Ann Arbor Today!

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, you’ll have a dedicated Porsche team. No question is too big or small. Call Rennstatt to schedule your engine rebuild at 734-761-1088 and schedule your appointment today!  

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!