This article summarizes the recent live stream radio episode of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”
Feel free to listen during your commute, school runs, or while driving your Porsche.
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Key Topics and Highlights

Stream Kickoff and Driving the Taycan Turbo GT [00:00]

• The stream aired on Sunday; originally planned for Saturday but postponed due to a busy schedule.
• For the first time in a while, the two hosts drove the Turbo GT together to Osaka to pick up a repaired watch.
• Despite rainy conditions, the Turbo GT’s stability and precise handling impressed once again.
• Few cars match the exactness between the driver’s intentions and the car’s actual response like this Porsche.

What is the Porsche Approved Warranty? [05:45]

• New Porsche purchases come with a 3-year factory warranty; the Approved Warranty is the extended coverage after that.
• Often confused with maintenance packages, but those are prepaid services and separate from warranty coverage.
• A standout feature is coverage up to 15 years or 200,000 km, a rarity in Porsche ownership.
• If coverage lapses, you can re-enroll by having your car inspected—this is called standalone warranty.

Coverage Scope and Exclusions [09:58]

• Covers engine, drivetrain, transmission, suspension, brakes, electrical systems, and more.
• Consumables like tires, wipers, and brake discs are excluded.
• Normal wear and tear or aging-related deterioration, as well as cosmetic or audio issues, are not covered.
• Obvious malfunctions such as air suspension failures are covered under warranty.

Costs and Benefits of Joining the Warranty [17:17]

• Historically, a 2-year plan for a Boxster cost about ¥194,700 (~$1,000/month).
• Prices have risen recently; for example, a 2-year plan for a 981 Cayman can be around ¥250,000.
• Locking in a 3-year plan early might be wise in today’s inflationary environment.
• Repairs like PADM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) failures can exceed ¥500,000, making warranty highly valuable.

Peace of Mind: The Psychological Advantage of Warranty [22:42]

• The mental comfort of knowing you’re covered often outweighs the financial aspect.
• Enjoy touring and driving without worrying about unexpected breakdowns.
• For those who want to drive their Porsche hard, the warranty offers priceless reassurance.
• No other manufacturer offers coverage up to 15 years, so it’s highly recommended.

EV Battery Warranty for Taycan and Others [24:03]

• The Taycan’s battery and motor components have an 8-year warranty.
• Charging units are not covered under the battery warranty and require standard warranty coverage.
• Data from Tesla shows batteries can retain over 80% capacity even after 300,000–400,000 km.
• Whether you get a “good” battery or not is largely a matter of luck.

Porsche Certified Tires (N-Mark) Explained [28:11]

• N-Mark tires are Porsche-certified and required for warranty and participation in track experiences.
• Codes like NA1 indicate the model (e.g., 992) and generation.
• These tires are specially tuned for Porsche in terms of compound, hardness, and construction.
• Manufacturers include Michelin, Pirelli, Dunlop, Hankook, Bridgestone, among others.

The New Car Tire Lottery Issue [30:38]

• Which tire brand comes on your new Porsche is a matter of chance—dubbed the “tire lottery.”
• For example, Spider RS models might have Dunlop, while Carrera T models could come with Goodyear, varying by production date.
• Michelin tires are often considered the “jackpot,” with owners expressing relief when they get them.
• Some owners of Macan S with Hankook tires worry about perceptions of “cheapness.”

Why Michelin is the Recommended Tire Brand [32:02]

• Michelin is overwhelmingly recommended; Pirelli is good too, but Michelin is preferred if you can choose.
• The Pilot Sport 4S is a favorite; even after 3 years, the 981 Boxster’s tires were replaced with Michelin.
• The owner of Nishinomiya Base, a tire installation specialist, also endorses Michelin.
• According to him, Michelin tires have superior weight balance and a rubber compound closer to resin, resulting in slower aging.

Advantages of Michelin Tires [36:23]

• Exceptional wheel balance with minimal weight bias in the tire itself.
• Switching from Goodyear to Michelin on a 981 Boxster made the car feel like it glides smoothly.
• Outstanding ride comfort, even on highways.
• Michelin tires are lighter by 1–2 kg compared to Pirelli or Bridgestone in the same size.

Where to Buy Tires and Recommended Shops [38:45]

• Purchasing on Rakuten is recommended; popular shops include TireWheel, Tire Woods, and Tire Max.
• TireWheel clearly displays manufacturing years like 2025 or 2024, which is helpful.
• Buying online is significantly cheaper than through dealers—four tires online can cost less than two at a dealer.
• Shipping directly to specialized tire installation shops like Nishinomiya Base for fitting is efficient.

Characteristics of Various Tire Brands [44:38]

• Dunlop’s Sport Maxx N2 is said to outperform Cup 2 in wet conditions by some.
• Goodyear excels in wet grip, providing confidence even in heavy rain.
• Pirelli’s P ZERO has improved recently, earning a “middle-good” rating.
• Bridgestone tires are heavier but offer a smooth, plush ride.

Tire Weight and Design [50:23]

• Michelin is the lightest among same-size tires; Pirelli is mid-weight, Bridgestone is the heaviest.
• Lighter tires improve fuel efficiency, but heavier tires provide a certain plushness.
• Michelin’s tire design is sleek, using velvet printing techniques for a deep black finish.
• Black tire designs are trending in Europe, with Pirelli’s P ZERO also following suit.

Winter Tire Creaking Noise Explained [52:30]

• The creaking noise when turning the steering wheel in winter is a unique Porsche trait.
• Due to a setup called parallel geometry, the inner and outer wheels have different travel distances.
• When tires harden in cold weather, they rub against asphalt, causing the creaking sound.
• This is not a defect but a design feature to enable agile handling on circuits and highways.

Tire Wax and Maintenance Tips [61:52]

• Occasional use of tire wax is recommended; water-based products like No Touch Ace or SurLuster are preferred.
• Water-based waxes are gentler on rubber but don’t last as long.
• When short on time, sometimes just using No Touch spray is sufficient.

Next Episode Preview and Summary [63:02]

• The next episode will dive deep into 911 options.
• Viewer requests will also cover exterior colors and trim features of the 718, Macan, and Cayenne.
• Options discussions are so extensive they could span multiple episodes.
• Grateful for the many listeners tuning in despite the niche content.