Porsche’s premium reputation may lead some people to believe that a Porsche does not belong on winter roads. At Porsche Centre Saskatchewan, we are here to assure you, with the proper care and maintenance, you can drive your Porsche during the winter months. Here is everything you need to know about driving your Porsche in the snow.

Range of options

The most obvious reason you can drive a Porsche year-round is the wide variety of models available. SUVs such as the Macan and Cayenne provide an enticing option for those looking for a higher driving position and more ground clearance. You can also option the Macan and Cayenne with height-adjustable air suspension in order to tackle those intimidating snowdrifts.

That said, all of the brand’s vehicles are sublime all-rounders. The versatility of Porsche’s range allows them to hold their own against other exotic supercars while remaining comfortable for daily drivers. Designed to handle all four seasons, all Porsche models can be fitted with winter wheel and tire sets. In fact, with the exception of the Porsche 718 model range, it is possible to spec a 911, Panamera, Macan or Cayenne with all-wheel drive.

Road handling

Porsche boasts an envious reputation for producing exquisite sportscars built on splendid chassis and powertrains. Porsches are designed to become an extension of the driver and although this has helped racing drivers set incredible lap times, it also assists commuters on snowy streets and roads.

When driving on ice and snow, it becomes more difficult to “feel the road”. Grip is reduced, and the feedback communicated through steering, suspension and chassis is not as direct. Porsche driver aids, such as the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, act like “guardian angels” when drivers face challenging conditions.

PSM is designed to keep your vehicle pointing the right way whether it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Endlessly tested in the real world, from the arctic circle to the desert, PSM has been fine-tuned to ensure that just the right amount of power is delivered under any conditions.

Porsche Connect

Porsche Connect syncs you with your Porsche. This is especially helpful in winter, as you can map out your route and stay on top of weather changes in real-time. Porsche Connect also offers peace of mind on treacherous roads and emergency situations. Transmit your location and relevant vehicle information to Porsche Assistance and receive immediate support with the touch of a button. Download the app and stay connected to your Porsche from anywhere. Using the app, you can control the climate and access key performance measures on your Porsche, all from the palm of your hand. Porsche Connect is available in most Porsche models from model year 2017.

Dealership support

If you’re feeling especially apprehensive about winter driving, our service professionals at Porsche Centre Saskatchewan have got your back. If you haven’t got your wheels aligned and tires balanced recently, book a visit to Porsche Centre Saskatchewan as both should be verified every 15,000 km. We can also further protect your Porsche from rock chips and road grime by applying protective films and coatings. With this amount of support, you can be sure that your Porsche will be as ready to take on whatever winter throws at you.

Quality and durability

Porsches should always be well cared for and preserved. We’ll agree that winter presents one of the harshest environments for a car to be driven in, but beauty and power go hand in hand with Porsche. Few vehicles are as well prepared, tested and protected to handle the salt, grit and dirt in the long run.

Porsche offers a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty on its vehicles – a testament to the durability of the brand. In fact, over 70 percent of all Porsche vehicles ever built are still on the road today.

Switch to winter tires

When temperatures begin to hover around the seven degrees Celsius mark, consider making the switch to winter tires. At Porsche Centre Saskatchewan we offer only the best, “N-rated” tires. To receive N spec approved status the tire must excel in four areas:

Speed:

The tire must be capable of safe handling while also allowing it to reach its top speed on a track.

Noise:

As tires continue to grow in size and width, noise suppression becomes more and more important. Generally speaking, Porsche’s performance tires are low profile and very soft. This makes it even more difficult to manage road noise. You can rest assured that those tires with a Porsche N spec approval will be as quiet as possible.

Hydroplaning:

The focus in Porsche tire development focuses on optimum handling on dry surfaces and the safest possible behavior on wet surfaces.

Handling:

Your tires provide the grip that keeps your Porsche “stuck” to the road. Poor tire construction and tires that are too soft or too firm can all lead to reduced handling and possible safety concerns all avoided by choosing a Porsche N spec tire.

Most popular N spec approved tires:

Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tire

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Tire

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric Tire

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire

Porsche is one of the few carmakers to undertake extensive tire testing and publish regular manufacturer approvals for summer and winter tires for all their new vehicles. If you have questions about which variety of winter tires best suit your vehicle visit Porsche Centre Saskatchewan today.

Porsche Ice Experience

If you needed one more reason to drive a Porsche during the winter months, the Porsche Ice Experience is just what the doctor ordered. This experience, taking place at the Mecaglisse track in the beautiful rolling hills of northern Quebec, includes world-class meals, memorable accommodations, and the opportunity to master the art of driving on snow and ice thanks to the expert advice of Porsche instructors. This experience promises to make you a more confident and competent winter driver. Above all else, driving a Porsche during the winter can be fun and the Porsche Ice Experience provides the perfect setting.

Thermometers don’t lie. Winter is around the corner, but take that corner with grace and power from behind the wheel of a Porsche. More than anything, a Porsche instills confidence on the road, giving the driver freedom to adapt to ever-changing road conditions. Drop by for a visit at Porsche Centre Saskatchewan, and we’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions and assist you in finding the perfect Porsche for you to take on winter.