All vehicles will experience "wear and tear" over the period that you own and use them, and it's vital that they are maintained to a high standard for your safety, and the safety of other road users.
This is no different for leased cars, although the term "wear and tear" can have a few implications when returning your vehicle at the end of the agreement.
All car lease agreements and lease providers will have different guidelines on what they believe is suitable car damage when returning it, and this of course takes into account the naturally expected wear and tear of usage over the course of the agreement.
As part of all lease contracts, there will be set guidelines detailing; how much monthly mileage is seen as acceptable and what you're responsible for regarding car maintenance and what the car maintenance costs will be if you take a maintained package. These are agreed upon before signing any contract, so it's important to understand much you're going to be using a lease car before you you sign the contract.
Acceptable wear and tear
As we've mentioned above, wear and tear occurs when normal usage causes deterioration to a vehicle. This is a generally accepted standard from the BVLRA ( UK trade body for companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing, and fleet management). These guidelines are not to be confused with damage that occurs as a result of an event or series of events such as impact, inappropriate stowing of items, harsh treatment, negligent acts, or omissions.
Any damage to the vehicle that occurred due to any of the above would need to be rectified before the vehicle was returned to the leasing company, otherwise, charges could be applied.
As such, we've created a quick guide to looking after your lease vehicle.
Tips for maintaining your leased vehicle
Regular Servicing
Servicing your vehicle regularly should be a habit we all do, regardless of whether your car is leased, bought outright, or paid for via finance. It checks the vehicle's systems and safety components such as the braking system and suspension.
Regular servicing can also help to identify issues early that could become bigger problems over time.
Not only will servicing help maintain your vehicle's optimum performance and safety, but it is also an obligation under your leasing contract and you will be charged a penalty if are unable to prove that the vehicle has been serviced throughout the period of the lease.
Check your vehicle for chips, scuffs, and scratches
None of us like it when our cars are damaged, and sadly sometimes that damage is out of our control, for example, your vehicle might have been hit by a trolley in the local supermarket car park, or been hit by a falling branch during a winter storm. As disappointing as these events may be, it will be your responsibility to rectify any chips, scuffs, or scratches that occur.
Any damage to the exterior and interior of your vehicle will need to be repaired before the vehicle is returned, and must be done to a professional standard by a competent repairer.
Check your tyres
Check your tyres every 4-6 weeks. Pay particular attention to the depth of the tread to make sure they are within safe limits, and also the tyre pressure.
Check for windscreen damage
Chips, scratches, or holes on a windscreen could negatively affect a driver's vision and should be repaired asap. If the windscreen needs to be replaced it must be done so to the manufacturer's specifications and any advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) must be fully functional on the vehicle.
Have any questions about car maintenance, wear, and tear, or leasing? Just give our team a call!