Continental N0 vs N1 rated tyres

[grahampaul65]

This impacts anyone who has Continental N0 rated tyres on their Porsche.

I own a Boxster 3.4S. It came with Continental SC2 N0 rated tyres - 235/40 & 265/40 ZR18s.

The rear tyres need replacing. Porsche Reading have informed me that:

1. Continental no longer make N0 rated tyres (confirmed). SC3s are now N1 rated.

2. If I put N1 rated tyres on the rear, I will invalidate my Porsche warranty.

3. As such, I have to replace all 4 tyres.

Every tyre dealer I speak to assures me that N1 & N0 rated tyres are compatible but, other than adding to my frustration at the prospect of throwing away 2 very good front tyres, that doesn't help as I can't afford to take a risk on the warranty.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

Many thanks

Graham:ffs:

[sidicks]

I can't really help, other than to suggest an e-mail to Continental to get the manufacturer's view.

Sidicks

[Tipex]

Exactly what part of the warranty are Porsche saying it will invalidate?

They cannot void the entire warranty over one non standard part, they have to prove that the non standard part directly affects the part you are claiming for under warranty, so the tyres at the most, could only have any direct effect on say, the alloys, or possibly some suspension components, but that would really be pushing it.

Your biggest concern, would be in the event of an accident, your insurers noticing the tyres aren't to manufacturers spec, which could potentially void any claim, however, armed with the information from tyre suppliers, you could argue the case.

[grahampaul65]

Thanks guys.

I sent Continental an email yesterday & will let you know their response.

Porsche GB's technical department is closed until the new year so getting any specifics re extent of warranty invalidation is proving impossible at the moment.

[grahampaul65]

Continental have confirmed that Porsche insist on identical tyres - make & N rating - being fitted to their cars to protect warranty coverage.

They have also stated that whilst they try to ensure a degree of synergy when tyres are superseded by new ones, Porsche's above requirements are beyond their control.

Meanwhile, Porsche have informed me that they have no control over Continental's decision to replace tyres with new ones that carry a new N rating.

It's great to see both sides effectively blaming the other but the bottom line is that for any of you with SC2s, your next puncture or worn tyre is going to be very expensive indeed.

[Rachel]

It's nutz.

I've only put (or have) N0 rated Michelins on my two "owned from new" Porsches. When I had the 996.2 4S, I put Falkens on it (unrated) and had no issues with getting it's warranty inspection and extension done by Porsche here.

N1 rated tyres should be better than N0 rated ones, maybe there is some weird grip level thing making Porsche state they must be all the one type... I do know in my 996.2 driver's manual, right at the front it said putting slicks on the car on a track was not to be done as the grip levels generated could affect the oil scavenging in the engine!

[patently]

  Rachel said:

I do know in my 996.2 driver's manual, right at the front it said putting slicks on the car on a track was not to be done as the grip levels generated could affect the oil scavenging in the engine!

A known issue with the 996 engine. The lateral forces push the oil to the edge and uncover the oil pickup.