Performing all scheduled and recommended maintenance on your Porsche vehicle is imperative to keep it running well, so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly expensive repairs that come from neglect. Luckily, the days of the standardized manual maintenance schedule are coming to an end.
Smart technology, like the Indicator-Based Service (IBS) system, automatically monitors the oil life in your vehicle using an advanced algorithm-driven, on-board computer system that alerts owners when it’s time for interim maintenance, so they can address the issue promptly and without hassle. When a service light is triggered, such as the “SERVICE NOW” light, accompanied by a wrench symbol on the dash, all the owner has to do is schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic, take the vehicle in for servicing, and a mechanic will take care of the rest - it’s that simple.
How the Porsche Indicator-Based Service (IBS) system works and what to expect
The Porsche Indicator-Based Service (IBS) system is not a simple oil quality sensor, but a software-based, algorithm-driven device that takes into account various operating conditions of the engine to determine when an inspection or maintenance is due. Certain driving habits can affect the service intervals, as well as driving conditions such as temperature and driving terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent maintenance.
Read the table below to see how the indicator-based service system determines oil life:
- Note: Engine oil life is dependent not only on the factors listed above, but also on your specific vehicle model, year, and what type of oil is recommended. Check the owner’s manual for more information about what oil is recommended for your vehicle, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experienced professionals for advice.
When the “SERVICE NOW” light is triggered and you schedule an appointment to have your vehicle serviced, Porsche recommends a series of inspections that will help keep your car in good running order, as well as help prevent untimely and costly damages to the engine, depending on your driving habits and conditions.
Below is a chart of Porsche’s recommended inspections for different mile intervals. This chart is a general depiction of what a Porsche maintenance schedule can look like. Depending on variables such as the vehicle year, model, driving habits and other conditions, this information is subject to change in regards to maintenance frequency and the maintenance performed:
Once your Porsche has been serviced, the “SERVICE NOW” light will need to be reset. Some servicers will neglect to do this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary service light triggers. There are many different ways this light can be reset depending on your vehicle’s model and year. Consult the owner’s manual on how to do this for your Porsche.
While the Porsche maintenance reminder system can be used as a reminder to the driver to have the vehicle serviced, it should only be a guideline. Other recommended maintenance information is based on standard time tables located in the owner’s manual. Proper maintenance service will greatly extend the life of a vehicle, ensuring it is reliable, safe to drive, covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and it also provides a greater resale value.
Such maintenance tasks should always be performed by a qualified technician. If you have any doubts as to what the Porsche maintenance system means or what services your vehicle may need, do not hesitate to contact our experienced professionals for advice.
If your Porsche maintenance reminder system is indicating that your vehicle is ready for servicing, have it checked out by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic. Click here, choose your vehicle and service or service package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.
