Porsche N-Spec Winter Tires- So You Can Love Your Porsche Year 'Round!
The ultra high performance tires that are original equipment on most Porsche vehicles are only designed to work on wet and dry pavement at temperatures above freezing.
When the temperature drops below 40 degrees F, the rubber compounds that provide those extreme levels of grip tend to become stiff and unforgiving. Traction levels fall off and braking distances increase, even on dry pavement. The tires never reach their operating temperature in cold weather, and unpredictable handling is the result. Porsche Approved N-Spec winter tires are the answer.
Porsche N-Spec winter tires are designed with rubber compounds that remain flexible and pliable in temperatures well below zero. Therefore, handling remains predictable in these extreme conditions.
Snow is conquered by an aggresive tread block design with more shoulder cleating action. Deeper tread voids help capture snow between the tread blocks for a "snowball effect" of locking ice crystals together for snow-on-snow bite.
Replacing N-Spec Tires
If a vehicle was orginally delivered with N-Spec tires that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to replace all four tires to a higher numeric N-Spec design appropriate for that vehicle.
In case of tire damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single tire to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tire on that axle must not exceed 30% wear. If the remaining tire has more than 30% wear from new, it should also be replaced. This rule applies to all four tires on all-wheel drive vehicles. Handling inconsistencies may result if this is not done.
Break-in of New Tires
Initially, new tires do not offer their full traction. Drivers should therefore drive at moderate speeds during the first 60-100 miles (100-200 km). If new tires are installed on only one axle, a noticeable change in handling occurs due to the different tread depth of the other tires. This happens especially if only rear tires are replaced. However, this condition disappears as new tires are broken in. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly.
Check out the Winter Tire Decision Guide here!
*Look for the Mountain/Snowflake symbol branded on the tire's sidewall to verfiy a true winter tire.
Call Porsche of The Main Line's Parts advisors at (484) 420-4866 to discover the right N-Spec tires for your specific Porsche model.
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