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Caring for your Lease Vehicle: Essential Maintenance Tips.

Caring for your Lease Vehicle: Essential Maintenance Tips.

By Emma Williams
30-08-2024

Caring for your Lease Vehicle:  Essential Maintenance Tips.


So you want to get the best out of your lease vehicle with the least trouble and unnecessary costs – then it is important you read this article to ensure you know how to take care of your vehicle to avoid any end-of-lease charges.
Part of your car lease agreement states you must return the vehicle in good condition – this is known as ‘Fair Wear and Tear.’  Each finance company provides its own guidelines based on the BVRLA Standards.  You mustn’t exceed these standards else you’ll be liable to pay for any damages.
Let’s start with the basics:

1.     Regular Maintenance Checks:  

This is essential to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.  Follow the guidelines for your vehicle when it comes to servicing and adhere to the manufacturers recommended service schedule.  
To give you an idea - below you will find a list of the areas that will require regular maintenance:

•    Paintwork, body, bumpers and trim:  Set aside 10-15 minutes every few weeks to check your vehicle over.
•    Windscreen, windows and door mirrors:  All glass should be kept clean and repairs dealt with quickly.  A little tip is to check the windows from inside and outside!
•    Screenwash and Windscreen wipers:  Make sure your screenwash is kept topped up and that your windscreen wipers are in good condition.  Wiper blades can harden over time so occasionally you will need to replace them.
•    Vehicle Interior:  Check for stains or odours and all materials must be free of tears, burns and rips.  You should be able to do this yourself but any deep stains may require a professional valet.
•    Mechanical Components:  This includes checking the engine oil, lights and indicators.  Always be aware of your dashboard lights too.  When you turn the ignition on some or all of these will illuminate, if one stays on for longer than the others or comes on when you’re driving then it needs investigating.
•    Tyres and Wheel Pressure:  This is primarily for safety!  You must check them regularly to make sure they are of a legal standard.  The manufacturers recommended PSI can usually be found in your owner’s manual or online.
•    Vehicle Security:  Check that your vehicle’s alarm system is operational and check that you have all keys present and correct and any spare in a safe place.

2.    Wear and Tear: 

Wear and tear is to be expected on your vehicle during its lease term but it is important you handle matters promptly when repair works needs to be done.  Any dents, scratches or interior damage should be attended to promptly to prevent them from becoming more significant and ultimately incurring extra costs when returning the vehicle.

3.    Keep your Vehicle Clean:

As well as helping to maintain the vehicle it will make the vehicle more visually appealing!  Regularly wash the exterior and vacuum the interior and treat the leather and fabric surfaces to keep the vehicle looking as good as when you got it.

4.     Keep an eye on your mileage:

You will find your lease agreement probably comes with mileage restrictions.  If you go over the agreed mileage you may incur additional charges at the end of your lease.  If you think you are going to surpass the mileage limit then consider adjusting your lease agreement to take this into account.

5.     Think before making Modifications:

You may be tempted to modify or personalize your car.  Please check your lease agreement before doing so.  Some modifications may violate the terms of your lease which, again, will result in penalties when you return the car.

6.     Store your Maintenance Records:

It is important to keep hold of all paperwork regarding maintenance and service activities with your vehicle.  It may be you will be asked to provide proof of your commitment to caring for your car and this paperwork could serve you well in case of any disputes or inquires when returning the vehicle.

It goes without saying if you are worried something is wrong with your vehicle and it is beyond your abilities to fix then never hesitate to seek professional help.  And likewise if you have any questions about maintaining your vehicle and the details of the BVRLA standards and Fair Wear and Tear speaking to us at MW Vehicle Contracts is a good place to start.


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