OK this is what has been explained to me again in a email from a dealer:

(Using 'Bet' worn rears from above as an example)

If it is necessary to replace the tire, the car needs to be brought into the service department, like any other service visit. The tires are measured.

If the other rear tire is worn more than 30% of a new tire, that would have to be replaced as well, at owners expense.

Based on what you say the other tires wear is, then the front tires only would be the ones getting Porsche assistance.

But it all starts in service like a warranty claim does.

(If less than 30% wear): When that is determined, then Porsche would step in and supply the other 3 of a brand that Porsche specifies. Currently, in this size tire (235/35/19 and 265/35/19), it would be Bridgestone Potenza tires.

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I just spoke to my service manager who told me Porsche only supplies the tires. As far as he knows, the mounting of all 4 tires is the customer responsibility.

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Hope this helps again.......

Remember this assistance only applies to those who are unfortunate enough to have Conti's fitted to their car

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Current Cars:

2008 Orange - Limited Edition Boxster S
2004 Atlas Grey - Boxster S

This seems like a ploy so Porsche can get into the tire market and make profits in yet another arena. This is getting ridiculous on Porsche's part - they are making it hard to love buying a new Porsche. What the hell is their problem?

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06 Cayman S

Seal Gray, Black Full Leather, Sport seats heated, Sport wheel, Sport tips, Bose surround, V1, K40 laser jammer, 18% tint, 19" Carrera S wheels.



Other notables of the family: 996 GT3, '71 914, '73 914, '71 914-6 2.7L, 955S, (3)993's, 964, 944, 356, 06 Elise, E46 M3, 04 S4, 04 Mini CS, 06 A8, 02 GTi 337 Stg 3+, 02 TT, various race cars.

Oh, come on... ruthless Porsche this, and ruthless Porsche that - the dealers (or tire sellers) make the profit on tires, not Porsche - they are independent businesses. I wish the Porsche-bashing would stop, and people take a step back and look at reality in situations like this. It's easy to bash Porsche for all sorts of things, but many of them have nothing to do with the car company.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor

Well to be honest Porsche does have something to do with recommending N spec tires. I am considering mothballing my N spec PS2s and putting on some non N spec tires for everyday driving. Ones that can be replaced and obtained easily. It just is becoming a joke and while it may not be ALL Porsches fault, they are the company for which N spec tires are recommended. And no other. Or am I mistaken?

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RobMason

Porsche works with the tire companies to develop the N-spec tires specifically for Porsches to a set of criteria that Porsche engineers ask them to meet in terms of wet/dry grip, tread wear, road nose, etc. They are tested by Porsche extensively to make sure they meet or exceed these criteria. But AFAIK, they have no other stake in it, nor do they derive income from it. In fact, it's to Porsche's advantage that the tire manufacturers provide enough stock so their customers can get replacements... I see nothing in this scenario and present situation that is to Porsche's advantage either from a customer service or financial standpoint. My point above is that there's things one can legitimately bash the company for, but this is certainly not one of them.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor

Mothballing? I'm sure you do know that tires have a life span of 4 to 6 years even if they are stored in a dark hole. The "N" spec has everything to do with Porsche seeking the best performance for its cars and nothing to do with financial results. Not many car manufactures go to such lengths. Kudos to Porsche.

OK, but no Kudos to Michelin, Bridgestone and Continental.

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RobMason

According to a salesman at the Tire Rack and a Michelin spokesman at the Porsche Parade, Porsche retains the right to call in N spec tires from the manufacturer so their dealers have the tires to sell. Right now my local Porsche dealer is quoting $2000 for a set of 19" PS2s. Porsche may not be making money off this shortage but their dealers are. I have to believe that if Porsche put some pressure on the tire manufacturers they would get more tires in the pipeline.

Ouch!!!

It's bad enough there being a shortage!!! I would rather be able to go to a Indy tire shop and pay Indy prices. A tire from a dealer in 'normal' supply times was more than $100 over what the Indy was quoting. Add on a dealer charges between $50-60 to fit each tire whereas the Indy charges half that.

Something needs to be sorted out soon.

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Current Cars:

2008 Orange - Limited Edition Boxster S
2004 Atlas Grey - Boxster S

Rob - I think that's a fair assessment of the situation.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor