The GT Collective
Lanolin-protected underbody of a 2013 Porsche Cayenne after service at The GT Collective
Case Study / Lanolin Undercoating

Protection for the miles still ahead.

This is the underbody preservation work behind a Cayenne that has become part of my family's story.

By Mike Zanni August 23, 2026
Vehicle2013 Porsche Cayenne
ServiceLanolin Undercoating
Current mileage216,000 and counting
StudioLeonardtown, MD

After all those miles, this Cayenne is still a fantastic car. I have no intention of letting it go anytime soon.

Before I owned it, the Cayenne spent its life in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Years of Northeast weather and salted winter roads came with it when it became mine.

Since then, it has carried my family around Maryland and made the trip west with me for my final tour of duty in Southern California. I have fond memories tied to those miles. Even an ordinary drive can bring one of them back.

That Northeast road exposure made underbody preservation a priority. I chose lanolin-based protection, including WoolWax, because it slows corrosion without sealing the metal under a hard shell.

The work underneath is practical, but my reason for doing it is personal. More time with this car means more chances to remember where it has taken us and to add to that history.

Before & after

Pull the bar. Follow the coverage.

Each comparison follows the same mechanical landmarks before and after the final lanolin application. Drag the divider—or focus it and use the arrow keys—to inspect the change.

Drag each white handle left and right. Keyboard: Tab to a comparison, then use the arrow keys.

Before lanolin undercoating: opposite front wheel-side control arm and subframe of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne After lanolin undercoating: matching opposite front wheel-side control arm and protected subframe of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne BeforeFinal
01

Opposite front wheel-side suspension

The wheel, control arm, and subframe openings identify the same location before and after the lanolin treatment.

Before lanolin undercoating: rear wheel-side suspension, differential, and control arms of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne After lanolin undercoating: matching rear wheel-side suspension and protected control arms of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne BeforeFinal
02

Rear wheel-side suspension

The wheel, differential housing, and control-arm geometry anchor the before and final views.

Before lanolin undercoating: opposite rear wheel-side suspension and differential of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne After lanolin undercoating: matching opposite rear wheel-side suspension and protected chassis of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne BeforeFinal
03

Opposite rear wheel-side suspension

The wheel, differential, exhaust, and suspension arms identify the corresponding opposite-side view.

Before lanolin undercoating: front wheel-side control arm, sway bar, and subframe of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne After lanolin undercoating: matching front wheel-side control arm, sway bar, and protected subframe of the 2013 Porsche Cayenne BeforeFinal
04

Front wheel-side suspension

The control arm, sway bar, and subframe openings make the location unmistakable while showing the final protective film.

The method

How I approached the underbody.

Good undercoating work is selective. The goal was to protect exposed metal without spraying every surface in sight.

Inspect

Review the underbody condition, access points, existing coatings, and areas that should remain clear.

Prepare

Remove loose contamination and make the surfaces ready for controlled application.

Apply by zone

Work through chassis structure, suspension areas, seams, and exposed steel with attention to coverage.

Finish

Check the completed application for consistent coverage and confirm that drains and service points remain clear.

What comes next

A baseline for the next inspection.

The photographs on this page record the condition and coverage today. At the next inspection, they will make it easier to spot wear instead of relying on memory.

  • Check high-spray areas and exposed edges after winter use.
  • Look for film disturbed by road debris or recent service work.
  • Reapply only where coverage has thinned.
  • Continue normal mechanical inspections; lanolin does not replace maintenance.
Preservation for the long haul

Have a vehicle you plan to keep?

Learn about GT Undercarriage Preservation or request a consultation for your vehicle.