Porsche of Hawaii

Understand the conditions of your warranty

All new and many used vehicles arrive with a warranty covering unexpected repairs. Be sure to understand the duration and covered components of the warranty. A typical warranty might be written "48/50,000" meaning that coverage lasts either 48 months from the initial purchase or until the vehicle has 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Why are multiple warranty periods listed?

Depending on what is being repaired, the length of a factory warranty varies. Often a comprehensive warranty covers almost everything outside of schedule maintenance. This is generally the shortest warranty period. Anti-corrosion protection often lasts even longer. Finally, some manufacturers offer roadside assistance for a limited time.

Are used vehicles still covered under factory warranty?

Warranties are transferable, meaning that a vehicle inside its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty.

How does one maintain the warranty?

By performing required service at the proper intervals and responding if something clearly goes wrong. Your owner's manual explicitly lists service intervals, although cars are often equipped with a "Service Now" dashboard light that signals needed maintenance.

What is the driver's job?

You just need to take the vehicle in for service when the time arrives. Factory-authorized technicians must perform service and any other outside maintenance can potentially void a warranty.

Will a warranty pay for all expenses?

Many warranties cover the parts and labor costs involved in fixing unexpected repairs but place the burden of expected maintenance on the customer.

Engine oil

Changing your engine's oil and filter is one of the most vital maintenance procedures possible.

Engine coolant

Water and antifreeze keep your engine from overheating and freezing during extreme temperatures. Intervals for flushing the system and replacing coolant vary, as some manufacturers promise long lasting antifreeze good past 100,000 miles. A general timeframe would be every few years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

Spark plugs

Older vehicles required the replacement or adjustment of spark plugs much more often than new vehicles do. Porsche requires spark plugs be changed at 40,000 miles on current model year cars and varies on older cars.

Air filter

The interval for changing the filter depends on the quality of filter, type of vehicle and environment in which most driving occurs. Traveling on dirt roads will surely clog a filter faster than paved highways. Also, local pollution can determine filter life.

Battery

Again, the interval of changing a battery depends on the type of battery, type of vehicle and local climate. Also, rechargeable batteries that have completely lost their charge at some point often never reach full potential again.

Hoses/belts/general pathways

During scheduled maintenance it's a good idea to inspect all hoses, belts and other connections under the hood to be sure everything is in good shape and properly attached.

Brakes

Like tires, brake life depends heavily on driving style. Lots of stressful braking will significantly shorten the life. Replacement requires new pads and new rotors. Also, brake fluid must be changed every two years.

Other issues

Anything required for an annual inspection can also need replacing. Light bulbs, exhaust components and emission controls may require fixing.