How to Maintain a Leased Car
Looking after a leased car isn't dramatically different from maintaining a car you own, but there is one important distinction: at the end of your agreement, you'll normally be returning the vehicle to the finance provider.
That means keeping up with scheduled servicing, looking after tyres and mechanical components, dealing with damage promptly and generally keeping the car in good condition throughout your lease. Normal wear and tear is expected, but neglect, missed servicing or damage beyond the accepted guidelines could result in additional charges when the vehicle is returned.
The easiest approach is not to worry about the end of the lease at all: look after the car properly from day one and deal with problems as they arise.
What Maintenance Am I Responsible for on a Leased Car?
Unless maintenance is included within your agreement, you're generally responsible for keeping the vehicle serviced, maintained, safe and roadworthy throughout the lease. That means paying attention to:
Manufacturer scheduled servicing
Tyres and tyre pressures
Fluid levels where applicable
Windscreen and wipers
Lights
Brakes
Warning lights
Bodywork and interior condition
MOT testing (if one becomes due during your agreement)
Your exact responsibilities will be set out in your lease agreement, so check your contract if you're uncertain about a particular maintenance or repair cost.
Follow the Manufacturer's Service Schedule
Your leased car should be serviced according to the manufacturer's recommended schedule. Depending on the vehicle, this may be determined by mileage, time or the car's onboard service indicator.
Keeping to the schedule matters for several reasons. It helps keep the vehicle reliable, maintains its service history and can be necessary to preserve manufacturer warranty cover.
Don't assume that any garage or service will automatically meet the requirements of your lease. Check your agreement for servicing conditions and whether an approved or manufacturer-authorised repairer needs to be used.
And don't wait for something to go wrong before thinking about servicing.
Carry Out Simple Checks Between Services
Professional servicing doesn't remove the need for basic maintenance between appointments.
Tyres
Regularly check:
Pressure (see our guide on finding the right pressure for your car)
Tread
Cuts, bulges or other damage
Uneven wear
Correct tyre pressure supports safety, efficiency and tyre life.
Windscreen and Wipers
Repair windscreen chips before they have an opportunity to develop into larger cracks and replace wiper blades when they stop clearing the screen effectively.
Lights
Check headlights, brake lights and indicators regularly and don't ignore bulb or lighting warnings from the vehicle.
Fluids
For petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, check relevant fluid levels according to the manufacturer's instructions, including oil, coolant and screen wash.
Don't Ignore Warning Lights or Unusual Behaviour
Modern cars are pretty good at telling you something is wrong. If a warning light appears, check what it means rather than simply hoping it disappears. Likewise, investigate:
Unusual noises
Changes in steering
Vibration
Reduced braking performance
Fluid leaks
Repeated tyre-pressure warnings
Starting problems
Unexpected loss of power or range
Some warnings simply indicate routine maintenance is required, while others require immediate attention.
The vehicle handbook or manufacturer's app should explain individual warning symbols, but contact a garage or your maintenance provider if you're uncertain.
How Do You Maintain a Leased Electric Car?
Electric cars generally have fewer moving mechanical components than petrol or diesel vehicles, but that doesn't mean they're maintenance-free. EV drivers still need to look after:
Tyres
EVs can be relatively heavy and some deliver substantial instant torque, making tyre condition particularly important.
Brakes
Regenerative braking can reduce conventional brake use, but the braking system still requires inspection and maintenance.
Cooling Systems
EV batteries and electrical components can use sophisticated thermal management systems that need to be maintained according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Charging Equipment
Look after charging cables and connectors and report damage rather than continuing to use faulty equipment.
Software and Recalls
Modern EVs rely heavily on software. Make sure required manufacturer updates and recall work are completed when requested.
Just like any other leased vehicle, EVs still have windscreens, suspension, wipers, lights and interiors that also need looking after.
See our guide to electric vehicles for more information.
Seasonal Maintenance Matters Too
Your car faces different demands throughout the year. Cold weather can affect batteries and tyre pressures, while hotter weather and long summer journeys can place additional demands on tyres and cooling systems.
A few additional checks before winter, summer holidays or particularly long journeys can reduce the likelihood of problems. We have a list of seasonal checks you can perform here.
What About Scratches, Dents and Everyday Damage?
A leased car isn't expected to look completely untouched after several years of normal use. Minor deterioration consistent with the vehicle's age and mileage is generally expected.
However, there's a difference between fair wear and tear and actual damage.
If you:
Damage a wheel
Dent the bodywork
Crack the windscreen
Tear upholstery
Lose a key
Damage equipment
Don't simply assume it'll be acceptable when the car is returned. For detailed information about what's normally considered acceptable, see our Fair Wear and Tear Guide.
Should I Repair Damage to a Leased Car?
Not necessarily immediately for every tiny mark, but significant damage shouldn't simply be ignored until collection day. If something affects the vehicle's safety or roadworthiness, it should obviously be addressed promptly. Cosmetic damage can be assessed against the applicable fair wear and tear standards before return.
If you're considering arranging repairs yourself, check your lease conditions first. Poor-quality repairs can create problems of their own.
Keep the Interior in Good Condition
Normal use inevitably leaves some signs of age, particularly over a three- or four-year lease, but basic care can prevent unnecessary deterioration. Regularly:
Remove rubbish and dirt
Clean spills before they stain
Protect upholstery when carrying messy items
Take care when fitting child seats or accessories
Avoid damaging trim when loading large items
Deal with persistent smells
If you transport pets regularly, seat and boot protection can also make cleaning considerably easier.
Can I Modify a Leased Car?
A leased car doesn't belong to you, so don't assume you can permanently modify it. This might include:
Aftermarket wheels
Suspension changes
Body modifications
Window tinting
Vinyl wraps
Decals
Permanently installed accessories
Check what the terms of your lease allows before making modifications.
You may be required to return the car to its original condition at the end of the agreement. Note that if you have private registration plates, there's a process to follow to apply or transfer them to leased vehicles.
Do I Need to MOT a Leased Car?
If an MOT becomes due while the vehicle is in your possession, you're responsible for ensuring the car has a valid MOT unless your agreement or maintenance package specifies otherwise.
With many new-car lease agreements, the vehicle may be returned before its first MOT becomes due. Longer agreements can cross that threshold, however, so don't simply assume MOTs aren't your responsibility. An optional maintenance package with LeaseCar includes MOTs for extended contracts.
Is a Lease Maintenance Package Worth Considering?
If you'd rather avoid budgeting separately for servicing and many routine maintenance costs, you can choose an optional maintenance package when arranging your LeaseCar agreement.
The package can cover manufacturer scheduled servicing alongside many routine mechanical and electrical repairs, replacement tyres and MOT tests, with the cost incorporated into your lease payments.
For many drivers, the main advantage is simply predictability: instead of worrying about when the next service, tyre replacement or maintenance bill will arrive, many of those costs are accounted for within a regular payment.
Optional roadside assistance can also be added for additional peace of mind. Talk to our team or view the details to find out more
Start Thinking About Your Car's Return Early
Several weeks before the end of your agreement, give the vehicle a proper inspection. Check:
Bodywork
Wheels and tyres
Windscreen
Interior
Lights
Keys
Accessories supplied with the car
Service records
That gives you time to investigate anything that might fall outside the relevant return standards rather than discovering it on collection day.