Panamera Gets Another Flat

Just recently, I wrote an article titled “I’ve been driving the Panamera for two years with hardly any issues,”

納車から2年。パナメーラ（971）の故障・不具合まとめ

but now, the Panamera has suffered its third flat tire. That day, after going to Royu, I went shopping and parked the car at the supermarket, but the warning came on the moment I stopped.

Just like the last flat, this time too, the right front tire showed “-0.4”. The other tires seemed fine, so I was sure it was a flat… but I don’t remember stepping on any nails or bolts, nor did I drive too close behind a truck, so why the right front again? When I told my husband after getting home, he said:

Really? The right front tire again? Maybe there’s always nails or something dropped right where you leave the house parking lot, haha.

But if it were a big nail, I should have noticed it before driving. So, I contacted the Porsche Center and arranged to bring the Panamera in the morning for inspection.

The last time I had a flat repaired, the wait was about an hour to an hour and a half including an oil change, so I expected the same this time. While waiting, I let my daughter play in the kids’ area and looked at the display cars.

Then a staff member came over and said this:

Due to tire deterioration, air has been gradually leaking from the spot where the previous flat was repaired. At the last one-year inspection, we noted the front tire tread was quite worn and recommended replacing the tires soon. Even if we repair the flat this time, the same issue could happen again. Ideally, you should replace the tires, but would you like us to try repairing the inner lining first?

I emailed my husband, and he replied, “Let’s try the inner lining repair for now.” So, we borrowed a loaner car and went home for the time being.

Loaner Car: Cayenne S

I said, “Since this isn’t a regular inspection but a flat tire, any loaner that runs is fine…” and our contact person, Mr. H, gave a sly smile and said, “Understood, please wait a moment.” A few minutes later, he returned and said, “We have a loaner ready, please follow me.” When I followed him…

It was a Cayenne S (ﾟдﾟ)!!

If that’s the case, I wouldn’t mind leaving the Panamera for a week and driving the Cayenne all that time…! So, I gratefully accepted the Cayenne S and headed home.

The Cayenne S was, of course, incredibly smooth and easy to drive. I was reminded how amazing it is to have such agility in such a large vehicle. Lately, thanks to good fortune, I’ve been driving great cars from German to Japanese brands, and sometimes I wonder, “Am I going to get my comeuppance?”

Panamera Finally Gets New Tires

In a good mood after borrowing the Cayenne, I thought, “Maybe I’ll take the Cayenne out for a drive this afternoon.” but soon the dealer contacted me saying the tire deterioration was too severe and the inner lining repair wasn’t possible.

So, it looks like tire replacement is the only option…

I left it to my husband to handle, and later the Panamera’s four tires were all replaced with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s.

And the Cayenne we borrowed was picked up shortly after by Mr. H, so I didn’t even get a chance to fully enjoy driving it before saying goodbye…

Mr. H apologized, “Sorry for picking it up so soon…” but since we hadn’t planned to borrow it for long, it was understandable.

A few days later, the Panamera with its new tires returned home, and my husband said:

The Panamera’s tires feel much better now. It rolls smoothly and feels lighter on its feet. But compared to the previous Pirelli, it’s not a dramatic difference. That just shows how good the old Pirelli P-ZERO tires were.

I’m thinking of taking the Panamera out for a drive again soon. After we both get some time behind the wheel, I’ll write a follow-up article sharing our impressions of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.