Is your Porsche getting hot more frequently than it should? If yes, then a part of the cooling system may be failing. One of the typical problems that Porsche drivers experience is usually with plastic coolant pipes. These pipes are very important for regulating temperature in the engine and when they fail, what you get is an overheated engine and further damage. Here, we’ll provide the steps to follow in identifying faulty plastic coolant pipes in your Porsche so that you can fix the problem early enough before it becomes a costly issue.
Why Do Plastic Coolant Pipes Matter in Your Porsche
The cooling system is intended to pump the coolant throughout the engine to protect it from overheating. Coolant pipes lead this coolant to where it is needed, making the engine work as expected. Most Porsches have plastic coolant pipes because they are cheap and light to manufacture. But there are some drawbacks that are connected with the usage of plastic, for example, it can become brittle and develop cracks, leaks, or even fail. If a coolant pipe fails on your Porsche, the engine overheats and if this is not attended to, it will cause some serious damage.
How To Detect Coolant Pipe Issues In Your Porsche
- Inspect for Visible Leaks: The first step is to look under your Porsche to see whether there is any sign of coolant dripping. Whenever you see coolant on the garage floor, try to find out where it comes from.
- Check the Coolant Pipes: After you are sure that there is a leak, examine the coolant pipes themselves. Cracks, splits, or brittleness should be carefully searched for in plastic pipes. Older plastic pipes are most vulnerable to these problems because the pipes are no longer as durable as before and have become brittle over time due to exposure to heat. If there is any external damage on the plastic pipe you would have to take your Porsche to an expert for replacement.
- Test Coolant Pressure: Another more comprehensive approach is to use a coolant pressure test to check for leaks in the cooling system. This test can help your mechanic detect leaks that are not visible or obvious to the naked eye. A pressure tester enables one to put pressure on the cooling system and in the process check for pressure loss which is a sign of a leak.
- Scan for Error Codes: Most of today’s Porsche cars come equipped with an onboard diagnostic system that logs error codes, including codes for the cooling system. To know if the plastic pipe is faulty, plug an OBD-II scanner into your car and check for any issues regarding the cooling system or specific error codes that could point to a bad cooling pipe and other hoses or parts of the cooling system.
- Monitor Coolant Levels Regularly: If you are convinced that you have a leak but cannot see it, try checking the amount of coolant in the tank every day for three days. If required, you should fill the coolant and look at the dipstick whether it is going low again.
How To Address Plastic Coolant Pipe Issues In Your Porsche
- Replace Damaged Pipes: The plastic pipe that has been cracked must be replaced as any attempt to repair it may not be permanent and the repaired pipe may give way to heat from the engine. There are so many pipes available on the market that are more resistant and long-lasting, for example, pipes made of aluminum. Aluminum pipes are less prone to cracking.
- Check the Cooling System for Other Issues: When replacing the coolant pipes it is advisable to inspect the rest of the cooling system for any signs of problem. Since hoses, the water pump, and the radiator can all cause failure in the cooling system, a complete check will help to keep your Porsche running at its best.
Hagan’s Motor Pool Is The Best Garage For Porsche Maintenance
If you have any doubt about diagnosing 
or replacing the coolant pipes then it is better to consult a mechanic. At Hagan’s Motor Pool, we deal with luxurious and high-end European cars and these include different Porsche models. Coolant pipes can be diagnosed by our skilled technicians and we offer excellent replacements to ensure your Porsche runs efficiently. We are based in Rochester, NH but our experts cover European car owners from nearby places such as Dover, Alton, Barrington, and Berwick, NH. Visit us now to learn more about our Porsche cooling system services.