Caring for a Porsche is a combination of engineering respect, preventative maintenance, and expert oversight. These cars—whether air-cooled classics, GT models, modern turbocharged engines or EVs—reward meticulous care with performance, longevity and reliability. Poor maintenance, on the other hand, is among the fastest ways to diminish value, compromise safety and accelerate wear.
As an Independent Porsche Service Specialist, AW Motor Sport provides practical Porsche care advice and an engineering-led framework for owners who want to protect their investment, preserve performance and avoid preventable repairs. This guide combines Porsche maintenance schedules with UK-specific advice, seasonal preparation, cost expectations and insights from our workshop.

Why Regular Porsche Servicing Matters More Than You Think
A Porsche engine, chassis and braking system operate within very tight tolerances. Regular servicing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s essential to:
- Preserve engine integrity (especially for cars at risk of bore scoring or IMS wear)
- Maintain braking performance in varied UK weather
- Prevent corrosion, particularly in coastal areas of the UK
- Keep diagnostics accurate and fault-free
- Protect resale value, which is significantly influenced by service history
- Ensure consistent performance during road or track use
Think of Porsche maintenance as structured risk management: the more consistent and specialist the care, the lower the probability of expensive, long-term issues.
How Often Should You Service a Porsche?
Porsche service schedules are based on both time and mileage, and the maintenance schedule varies from model to model, and for good reason. High-performance engines degrade even when the mileage is low, particularly if use involves:
- Short urban trips
- Long periods of storage
- High-rev driving or track use
- Coastal exposure

As an example, for a modern Porsche SUV (Macan, Cayenne, etc), AW Motor Sport recommends the following UK-appropriate schedule:
| Service Type | Recommended Interval | Notes |
| Minor Service (oil, filter, safety checks) | Every 12-24 months or 10-20k miles | Increase frequency for spirited driving or track use |
| Major Service (fluids, plugs, full inspection, diagnostics) | Every 24 months or 20k–30k miles | Essential for drivetrain and cooling performance |
| Interim Health Check | Every 6 months or after a track day | Helps catch early wear, ideal for performance models |
| Manufacturer specified items | Manufacturer-specified items | Important as schedules can alter from model to model and varied engine specs |
This schedule varies widely across the Porsche range—from 986/996 to 992, Panamera, Cayenne, and Taycan (with EV-specific checks).
If you’re unsure which interval applies to your usage, AW Motor Sport can create a tailored plan based on your mileage and driving style.
Porsche Care Advice and Maintenance Tips Every Owner Should Follow
While Porsche servicing should always be carried out by a specialist, owners can still dramatically reduce long-term wear by focusing on five key maintenance areas:
Engine Oil: The Lifeblood of Every Porsche
Use only Porsche-approved synthetic oil at the correct viscosity. Change oil more frequently than the manufacturer’s minimum if you:
- Drive short distances
- Take the car on track
- Store the car for long periods
- Own an engine prone to bore scoring (e.g., early 3.4/3.6/3.8L flat-six / 955 – 4.5l V8)
- Your Porsche has had an engine rebuild/running in period
AW Motor Sport can advise on the optimal oil for your engine code and driving conditions.
Brake Fluid & Brake System Health
Brake fluid is hygroscopic—it absorbs moisture, which reduces brake performance and causes corrosion inside the system. In the UK, especially on the coast:
- Replace brake fluid at every service or annually for performance models
- Inspect brake lines for coastal corrosion – brake pipe joins are especially prone to corrosion
- Check discs for heat patterns, cracks and uneven wear
- Check brake fluid bleed valve for corrosion
Specialist inspections provide clearer insight into hidden corrosion, sticking callipers and ABS issues.
Tyres & Alignment
A Porsche’s handling relies heavily on correct tyre health:
- Check pressures monthly
- Confirm tread depth and sidewall condition
- Ensure proper N-rated tyres are used where recommended
- Complete annual 4-wheel alignment to avoid premature suspension wear
Misalignment is a major cause of uneven wear on Porsche models with wide tyre profiles.
Battery Condition & Charging
Short trips and intermittent use cause low-voltage conditions, which can trigger:
- False warning lights
- PCM issues
- Slow cranking
- Electronic fault codes
Use a high-quality battery and a high-spec battery maintainer if the car is not driven weekly.
Corrosion Prevention in the UK & Coastal Environments
Porsche owners should pay particular attention to:
- Underbody rinsing after salty road exposure
- Cleaning wheel arches and suspension components
- Treating stone chips promptly
- Protective wax or ceramic coatings where appropriate
A regular anti-corrosion inspection can extend the life of suspension arms, coolant lines and brake hardware.
Engine Oil Care: How to Keep Your Porsche Performing Optimally
Key Best Practices
- Check levels when the car is cold, on level ground
- Always top up with the correct approved oil
- If oil consumption increases, book a diagnostic inspection
- Watch for smoke, tapping, rattle, sooty rear bumper or oil-pressure warnings
AW Motor Sport performs oil analysis and visual bore inspections to detect early issues before they become major repairs.
Brake Service Essentials: Keeping Porsche Stopping Power Sharp
Coastal and moisture-rich air increases brake wear. Our recommendations:
- Change brake fluid every 12–24 months
- Inspect callipers for corrosion or seizing
- Check rotors for cracks, glazing and heat damage
- Use specialist diagnostic tools for ABS and PSM systems
- Remove and replace calliper bleed valves due to brittle material.
A proactive brake service reduces repair costs and ensures confidence during spirited driving or track days.
How Much Does a Porsche Oil Change Cost in the UK?
Costs depend on:
- Engine size
- Oil volume (Porsche engines often require 8–11 litres)
- Oil type (high-grade fully synthetic)
- Optional time-led serviceable item replacements (air filters, etc)
- Other Filters and seals
- Optional diagnostic checks
Typical Influences by Model
| Model Type | Cost Factors |
| Flat-Six (air or water-cooled) | High oil volume, Manufacturer priced service items |
| Diesel Engines | Varied specifications of oil, High oil volume, manufacturer-priced service items |
| Boxster/Cayman Flat-Four | Lower oil quantity, Manufacturer priced service items |
Specialists provide better long-term value because they recognise early warning signs that general garages may overlook. To request a tailored quote, contact AW Motor Sport at +44 1243 377722
Why a Porsche Specialist Is Essential – Not Optional
Independent Porsche specialists offer unique advantages:
Technical Expertise
Hands-on experience with all Porsche generations, from early air-cooled engines to the latest DFI and hybrid systems.
Advanced Diagnostics
Porsche PIWIS and specialist tooling enable precise fault identification and software-level
adjustments.
Model-Specific Knowledge
Including:
- IMS bearing risks
- Bore scoring for early detection
- PASM and PDCC suspension behaviour
- Turbocharger health
- Cooling system vulnerabilities
- Brake lines and underbody mechanical corrosion
Tailored, Transparent Care
You speak directly to the technicians who work on your car—not a large dealer service desk. AW Motor Sport delivers all these benefits with a personalised focus and Porsche care advice that ensures your ownership is optimal, enjoyable and stress free.
Common Porsche Issues & How to Prevent Them
Certain faults appear consistently across Porsche generations.
| Issue | Early Signs | Prevention |
| IMS Bearing Wear | Metallic noise, debris in oil | Frequent oil checks, a specialist inspection |
| Bore Scoring | Blue smoke, rising oil consumption | Correct oil, early bore inspection, proactive rebuild if needed |
| Suspension Wear | Uneven tyre wear, vibration | Annual alignment, bush inspections |
| Electrical faults | Damp interior floor mats, electrical items behaving strangely | Clearing of sunroof or cabriolet roof rains, HVAC systems drains unblocking |
Detecting issues early saves high costs and reduces downtime.
Suspension Repair: Restoring Handling and Safety
Porsche suspension geometry relies on precision. Wear to bushes, arms, top mounts, or dampers can dramatically affect handling.
Suspension Repair Includes:
- Coffin Arm/bush replacement
- Damper inspection or replacement
- Geometry and alignment
- PASM system diagnostics check
MOT Preparation: How to Ensure Your Porsche Passes First Time
Porsche MOT failures commonly relate to:
- Tyres
- Brakes
- Lights
- Windscreen condition
- Corrosion on suspension or brake components
Pre-MOT Checklist
- Check all lights and indicators
- Measure tread depth and verify pressures
- Inspect brakes for noise, feel and fluid condition
- Check the windscreen for chips or cracks
- Top up oil, coolant and washer fluid

Seasonal Porsche Car Advice: Protecting Your Porsche in all UK weather
Winter
- Rinse the underbody after salted roads
- Check battery voltage
- Protect seals with silicone cleaners
- Ensure tyre rubber is winter-ready
Summer
- Monitor tyre pressures (heat fluctuations)
- Check coolant condition
- Ventilate the interior to preserve leather
Coastal Conditions
- Frequent underbody cleaning
- Fast stone-chip touch-up
- Anti-corrosion inspections
Specialist seasonal checks help preserve both performance and resale value.
AW Motor Sport: Specialist Porsche Care on the South Coast at Unit 3, Clovelly Road, Southbourne, PO10 8PE. We provide:
- Routine Porsche servicing
- Major servicing and engine work
- Diagnostics (PIWIS)
- Engine rebuilds (including IMS/bore scoring cases)
- Accident repairs
- Health checks tailored
- Porsche care advice
To discuss your Porsche or arrange a booking, please contact us.
+44 1243 377 722
info@awmotorgroup.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I hear unusual engine noises in my Porsche?
Book a specialist diagnostic. Early intervention significantly reduces repair costs.
How can I improve Porsche resale value?
Keep a full specialist service history, address repairs and corrosion promptly, maintain cosmetic condition and make sure you are getting regular diagnostics and servicing.
How often should tyres be checked?
Every month and before long journeys.
How do I protect my Porsche from coastal corrosion?
Regular underbody rinsing, protective coatings and specialist inspections.
What happens if my Porsche fails its MOT?
Review the report and book repairs with a specialist who understands Porsche components and diagnostics.
How do I find a reliable Porsche specialist near me?
Check reviews, ask other owners and verify experience with your model type.
AW Motor Sport is a dedicated Porsche service specialist. Get in touch to discuss your Porsche servicing needs and ongoing Porsche care advice.