Is Your Porsche a Victim of Plastic Coolant Pipe Failure?

by techplusaadmin September 1, 2018

The coolant pipe: a small, yet essential component

All vehicles are equipped with a cooling system, which is in charge of regulating, stabilizing, and optimizing engine temperature. This is a critical function for all vehicles, but especially for high-performance vehicles, such as Porsche, which rely on consistent engine function to run properly. Furthermore, when the cooling system isn’t working right, internal temperatures in your car’s engine can rise to such a degree that parts can begin failing left and right, not to mention lead to engine overheating.

The coolant pipes in your Porsche carry radiator fluid, also referred to as antifreeze or coolant, throughout the engine. Unfortunately, certain Porsche models are plagued with inadequate coolant pipe design, where the part is made of a plastic material that cannot withstand constant exposure to high temperatures – a total contradiction to the function of the part. So, although the coolant pipes seem to be an afterthought to many, without them your Porsche wouldn’t work properly – if at all.

Porsche coolant pipe issues

Porsche models like the Cayenne were designed with plastic coolant pipes, probably in an effort to cut down on part costs. Unfortunately, manufacturers didn’t recognize that the part would inevitably fail the longer and more frequently it was exposed to high engine heat. With consistent exposure to such high temperatures, the plastic material begins to degrade and crack, which inevitably leads to coolant leaks – a problem no driver, let alone a Porsche driver, wants to experience.

Besides the temperature of the radiator fluid traveling through the pipes, the pipe placement is also an issue, as it is in close proximity to parts that reach the highest temperatures. To determine if your specific Porsche model is equipped with plastic coolant pipes, it’s best to have it inspected by a Porsche specialist.

Warning signs of coolant pipe failure

Any Porsche driver revels in the knowledge that their vehicle is on the list of top-performing cars in the world – which is why it can be disheartening to encounter such a simple, yet annoying manufacturing issue. Here are some warning signs of coolant pipe failure that you should address immediately with your Porsche specialist:

• Leaking coolant under vehicle
• Leaking coolant in starter motor
• Starting problems

There are many benefits to tackling these issues before they even occur. For instance, if you know that your Porsche was made with plastic coolant pipes, then you might consider replacing them before you even encounter symptoms or wait for the part to fail. This can lead to even more costly repair work that could have otherwise been avoided.

Stay proactive about your automotive care

Addressing the issue of plastic coolant pipes in your Porsche is rather simple – it just requires replacing them with the appropriate materials, which Porsche has already designed. As we mentioned before, in an effort to stay proactive about your automotive care and prevent coolant pipe failure or related issues like engine overheating, you may want to consider replacing the pipes before an issue arises. Here are some basic steps you should adhere to in order to provide your Porsche with efficient care:

• Enlist a trusted Porsche specialist for all repair work
• Use OEM parts for replacements
• Stay on top of routine maintenance intervals for the life of your vehicle
• Don’t let troublesome symptoms go unaddressed for any length of time

By following these basic maintenance and repair guidelines, your Porsche will continue to impress. If you’re ever unsure of how to best care for your Porsche, it’s important to consult your owner’s manual and professionals in the automotive field with Porsche-specific experience.

How we can help

At Tech Plus Automotive, we proudly service Porsche vehicles, including attending to issues related to plastic coolant pipe failure in certain Cayenne models manufactured between 2003 and 2006. The residents of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and McCormick Ranch, AZ, have trusted our expertise to handle even the most difficult repair work and maintenance tasks in their Porsche vehicles, and it is our mission to always provide consistent, reliable, and affordable repair work for our clients. To learn more about our shop’s experience and qualifications, please call one of our helpful professionals today.

* Porsche 718 Cayman image credit goes to: DarthArt.