Daily use - storage advice

[AntB]

So - I have just bought my 1989 944 2.7 and it will be used for daily use to and from work (only 14 miles round trip approx)

Wanting to make sure I can do all I can to keep her running and looking in tip top condition that it is now..

It will unfortunatly be stored on the drive as the garage just has too much stuff with tools etc and really isnt big enough for a car, so looking for good advice or things I should do as it will be exposed to the good old english weather?? I'm thinking?
Regular Wash and Wax
Regular Wheel arch jet wash
Reflective windscreen shield thingy
....thought about a cover - but thought that could be very annoying putting that on and taking it off every day!...?

It will be in an underground carpark at work during the day.

Mechanically it will have its yearly service as it should by my local Porsche specialist. Not sure what milage that will equate to as it wont do 12000 a year, probabily more like 6-8k.. so I will do an interim oil change myself every 6 months with genuine Porsche filter (or K&N) and decend fully synth Oil...
On that note - what is the prefered oil for that engine (2.7) - Mobil 1??

Thanks in advance

Anthony

 

[pauljmcnulty]

My cars have always sat outside. My only issue has been battery running down over weeks of no use, not an issue for you.

The damage from the weather is twofold. If the car leaks you'll be in trouble, so check sunroof seal, the four drains (use strimmer cable, not an air line, to clear them as the pipes can become detached), and clear any leaves etc. from the drain holes in the scuttle, under the windscreen.

The other issue is fading paint, only a problem on solid colours, and interior problems from fading upholstery and the new issue of late dashes beginning to crack. []

A cover would lessen this sort of damage from being in the sun for hours on end, but if it's in an underground car park during the working week it's not an issue. Scuffing from a cover blowing around overnight would do more damage IMO.

Regarding servicing, most indies will tailor servicing to the use a car gets. This can make a big difference to the running costs.

 

[Wigeon Incognito]

I wouldn't bother with a cover if you're using it everyday, it'll end up picking up grit/dirt as it goes on and off so doing more harm than good.

I'd add removing the front wheelarch liners every month or so and cleaning behind them and regularly ensuring all of the drain holes are clear.

Oil wise there's a good bit of semi/fully synthetic debate on this thread:

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=270233&mpage=1&key=synthetic%2Coil&#270233

Personally I use semi-synthetic at the moment but I have very little knowledge about oil and am simply following the recommendation of my indy.

 

[sawood12]

I'm sure your car will thrive living outdoors with the sort of treatment you have described. Just make sure all the seals and drainage channels are in good nick.

On oil - a subject that has been debated ad infinitum on this forum, so you can search and come up with hundreds of references and fill yer boots. Basically go with a good quality branded fully synthetic oil of the grade originally recommended by Porsche and you will have no problems whatsoever.

 

[zcacogp]

Can't add anything to that which has already been said here, but wax is important (as Scotty said), as it keeping salt washed off.

As far as Wax goes, there are a fair few Bilt-Hamber fans on this forum, who do some very good products.

I find that driving my S2 often, in all weathers, is possibly the best maintenance it can get.


Oli.