Road Trip Elevation Change Problems?
 

I will be taking a road trip from Phoenix AZ Elevation=1200' above sea level to
Santa Fe, NEW Mexico Elevation=7500', and I have noticed on past trips (not in the porsche) that everything we pack that has fluid it it like bottles of shampoo, or lotion will explode because of the difference in air pressure. I was wondering If my coolant reservoir tank might have an issue with the pressure change and possibly rupture. Anyone experience anything like this before? Thanks for the info.

I think you should be fine. My '97 is a Dallas car and I've had it up to Leadville, CO which is over 10,000'. No issues with the tank. Don't know what year your car is but I would be sure to have the updated coolant cap (if it's a 986) to prevent any chance of an overflow. This would not rupture the resevoir but could spill a lot of coolant. Have a great trip!

thanks for the quick response. Sorry, forgot to mention its a 2002 s and it does have
the upgraded cap. I'm really looking forward to the twisties in the Payson AZ area. :)

The difference won't be sufficient to cause an issue. The system normally pressurizes to 13 PSI anyway.

If it really bothers you, all you'd need to do is remove the coolant cap or open the bleeder valve briefly at altitude and this will equalize the pressure.

I am at a little over a mile high here in UT, but have had it at sea level a few times, and just completed a road trip to Yosemite where Tioga Pass is at 10,000 feet and did not have any problems.

I live at 5k' and have been at sea level and up to 10k' in the Boxster. I never noticed any problems, but at higher elevations my car did run a little hotter than normal. It isn't anything to worry about. I would be more concerned with something exploding in your luggage. :cheers:

Just drive it, you're obsessing about nothing. :) You will notice less power at altitude.

Worrying about nothing. Pressure changes are much more severe underwater than in the atmosphere.