How to check your oil level in an air-cooled Porsche

Step 1

Ensure that your engine is fully up to temperature.

On air-cooled Porsches, this can take longer than you think. As a rule, we would suggest a good 20-minute run to ensure that the oil thermostat has opened and temperatures are up.

Step 2

Find a flat surface to park your Porsche. Even a small gradient will give you an incorrect reading on your level.

Step 3

Let the car idle for a few minutes, and with the engine running, pull out the dipstick.

Check your owner’s manual for the location, but 99% are inside the oil top-up neck. Clean off the dipstick but pay attention to the markings on there, reinsert the dipstick and remove to take a measurement.

Step 4

If the car requires oil, add in a small amount at a time and recheck.

A common error is owners overfilling with oil which results in the car smoking, and in extreme circumstances, it can cause engine damage. If this occurs, the car needs to be bought in to have some drained out.

Step 5

We would typically suggest running the level at three-quarters full on the dipstick, this is to allow for oil expansion when the car is hot.

Ensure you regularly check the oil level in your air-cooled Porsche.