All weather Cayman?

[Twinfan]

I think plenty of people run them all year round, I do, but my car isn't a daily driver. If you're not going on track, a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres will cover you through all four seasons, just take extra care in the snow and ice. Unless you live in the hills where ice is a regular problem you should be absolutely fine.

 

[Nextcar]

Thank you Twinfan. This is helpful, as I would love to have a newer car, and run it as my daily.

 

[Twinfan]

I suspect you'll be absolutely fine - good luck finding a suitable car []

 

[JonathanB]

I’ve run a couple with no issues. I currently have a 981 2.7 on 20” Carrera Classics and Pirelli P zero N1s. Last winter used my winter rims (18” Boxster rims and Dunlop Winter Sport tyres).

I’m not sure the winters are 100% necessary really, and have considered a switch from Pirellis to Michelin Pilot Sport 4s which I hear have better winter capability. However on the few icy cold mornings we had last winter the winters are super-predictable and theyre also very good in the soaking wet.

 

[Briggy]

I used to run a 2nd car, with the intention of just running the Cayman in nice weather. In the end, it made no financial sense. The cost of running a 2nd car far outweighs the additional maintenance costs (if any) of running the Cayman all year round. I only do 5,000 miles a year, so servicing is based on time, not mileage.

In terms of usability in the winter - the number of days when snow and ice cause a problem is very small. Also, the roads where I live are gritted regularly, so no problem with grip. Unless you something specifically suited to those conditions, a 2nd car would have the same issues as a Cayman.

Mine's a 987, not a 981 or 718, but I can't see why that would matter.

I run MPS4S, as Twinfan suggests.

As a belt and braces approach, you could just buy a set of spare wheels with winter tyres. Much cheaper than a 2nd car.

 

[Nextcar]

Thank you JonathanB. I have my eyes on https://pescara.co.uk/used/porsche-718-cayman-25t-s-coupe-2dr-petrol-pdk-euro-6-s-s-350-ps-in-paddock-wood-kent/30238

 

[Nextcar]

Hello, does anyone have experience of running a Cayman (981 and or 718 eras) all year, and in all weathers, in England? Must I have a set of winter tyres, or can careful driving suffice in all but snow? If winter tyres are essential, where do I best source them from? I am trying to gauge if I need to budget for a cheaper Cayman, plus an all weather second car; or, if a more expensive Cayman will be better. Thanks. Alister (still haven't found the car, yet).

 

[GordonT]

Looks nice, Alister. I was going to say "apart from being pdk" but for a daily driver, that makes sense too.

I also use MPS4S but avoid using mine in "winter weather". Porsche Centres will, I believe, store a set of wheels and tyres for you - if that's appropriate for you - at no cost. Whether they charge for the change-over, I don't know. I have a spare set but just store and change myself.

Look forward to hearing about whatever you buy!

 

[AndrewCS]

Where in England ... what is the weather - conditions history where you live ?

Up here ... we always use Winter tyres on daily drivers but that does not completely protect you, this past January a daily of ours - on Winter`s - was written off by other twa** that were not []

Consider budgeting £1k for a set of Winter tyres ... of the same size as the car is fitted with

NB ... if you have / intend to have a Porsche Warranty you will require their N rated tyres

 

[GordonT]

Interesting what you say about size, Andrew. I’ve always reckoned that reducing the width of a Winter tyre has to help and most people reduce wheel size (eg 20” down to 18” rims) for a higher section tyre - and to increase availability of suitable sizes.

 

[AndrewCS]

I agree that a smaller wheel & tyre package is optimal, I offer the `same size` approach as a cost effective option only ... having used this principle many times over the years on anything from 15" to 21" rims

I have never run Winter`s on a Porsche though, not having to daily one

 

[Nextcar]

Good morning. Thank you for all of the insights. AndrewCS, I live near Windsor, not the beautiful land of Scotland. Currently avoiding Ascot traffic.

 

[AndrewCS]

A decent Summer tyre should suit you then, as already mentioned the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is a good bet

 

[Scrounger]

I run my GTS 4.0 all year round and have a set of winters that I usually put on in late October and then switch back mid April however, I haven't done it this time as the snowfall in the NW (Haydock) hasn't been too bad and my Pirelli PZ4s have coped with the frost and small amount of snow we have had.

You can find OEM 18 inch Boxster alloys on ebay for about £800 give or take but keep your eye on the tyre age.

As long as you wash it regularly paying particular attention to the subframe and the horrid lip at the top if the rear wheel arch that will collect stones, you'll be fine. I'd also suggest taking the wheel arch liners out each spring as it's a place that stones and dirt like to collect over the winter months.

Dan

 

[JohnCRS]

Something like ACF 50 sprayed on the underside and suspension components (but not the disks!) will help to protect the car during the winter, followed by a thorough 'liners off' clean in the spring will keep components protected.

Otherwise the Cayman is not much different to any other rear drive car in poor weather. Wide tyres will create a bigger problem in snow, or very wet conditions - think aquaplaning, (but since the entire SE shuts down anyway at the first sign of a snowflake this should not be an issue[])

As stated above, a good set of standard road tyres, plus a healthy portion of care and common sense, should see you through the winter OK. A second hand set of wheels and winter tyres would be a bonus.

It is great to hear of our cars being used as daily drivers in all weathers. They are such practical sportscars and, I am convinced, are more reliable when used all year round.

 

[Nextcar]

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