A Simple UK Guide to Maintenance on Leased Cars

For both, individuals and businesses, leasing a car is all about hassle-free driving, fixed monthly payments, a brand-new vehicle, and no worries about selling it later on. But one thing that does stay your responsibility is keeping the car properly maintained throughout the lease. 

The good news? Maintaining a leased car really isn’t complicated. Whether you’ve chosen a lease with a maintenance package or you’re managing things yourself, the expectations are clear and easy to follow once you know what’s required. 

So, What Does “Maintaining a Leased Car” Actually Mean? 

When you lease a car, you’re responsible for keeping it: 

• Safe and roadworthy 

• Serviced on time 

• In good condition, allowing for fair wear and tear 

You’re not expected to keep it perfect, normal use is expected. Maintenance is simply about looking after the vehicle in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and your lease agreement. 

How hands-on you need to be, depends on whether you’ve added a maintenance package to your lease. 

Car Lease Maintenance Packages Explained 

If you’ve chosen a lease with maintenance included, you’ve gone for the most hands-off option, and for many drivers, it’s worth every penny. A maintenance package usually covers: 

• Manufacturer-scheduled servicing 

• Tyres (including replacement when worn) 

• Brake pads and discs 

• MOTs (if applicable) 

• General wear and tear items 

When something needs doing, you simply: 

1. Call the driverline number provided 

2. Book the car into an approved local garage or main dealer 

3. Drop the car off and collect it when ready 

No Maintenance Package? Here’s What You Need to Do

If your lease doesn’t include maintenance, you’ll need to arrange servicing and upkeep yourself. This is very common and absolutely fine, it just means being a little more organised. 

When Does a Leased Car Need Servicing? 

Leased cars must always be serviced on time, in line with the manufacturer’s schedule. Most modern cars will alert you when a service is approaching, usually around 1,000 miles before it’s due. If you’re unsure, any main dealer can check using your registration number. As a general guide: Every 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). 

Missing a service, even by a small margin, can result in end-of-lease charges, so it’s best to book early. 

Do I Have to Use a Main Dealer for Servicing? 

In many cases, yes. Some lease providers and manufacturers require main dealer servicing only, as this ensures: 

• Genuine manufacturer parts are used 

• Approved diagnostic equipment is used 

• The digital or physical service record is correctly updated 

If your agreement allows independent garages, make sure they: 

• Are VAT registered 

• Use genuine manufacturer-approved parts 

• Update the manufacturer’s service history 

If in doubt, always check with your finance provider before booking. 

What If My Lease Car Is Due a Service When I Hand It Back? 

If your car is due a service, it must be completed before the vehicle is returned. You don’t need to service it just because it’s being handed back, but if the system or service schedule says it’s due, it’s non-negotiable. Returning a car overdue for a service almost always results in a charge. 

Tyres on Leased Cars: What’s Allowed? 

Tyres are one of the most common causes of end-of-lease charges, so it’s important to get this right. If you need replacement tyres, they must be both, the correct size and speed rating as well as from a premium manufacturer. Commonly accepted brands include: 

• Michelin 

• Pirelli 

• Continental 

• Bridgestone 

• Dunlop 

Budget tyres may be cheaper upfront, but they’re often rejected at inspection, which can cost you more in the long run. 

AdBlue: Is It My Responsibility? 

If you drive a diesel car, yes, topping up AdBlue is your responsibility. 

AdBlue reduces harmful emissions and is essential for modern diesel engines. Most cars will warn you well in advance when it’s running low. 

Key things to know: 

• 1 litre typically lasts 350 - 500 miles 

• It’s inexpensive and widely available 

• The filler is usually under the bonnet or near the fuel cap 

Ignoring AdBlue warnings can stop the car from starting, so don’t leave it too late. 

Do I Need to Clean a Leased Car? 

Yes, and not just for appearances. Regular cleaning helps protect the paintwork and body panels, especially during winter when road salt can cause damage. Damage caused by neglect (such as ingrained dirt, staining or corrosion) can be chargeable at the end of the lease. A simple wash every few weeks and occasional interior clean is more than enough. 

Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Maintenance

As hybrid and electric cars become increasingly popular on lease, maintenance expectations do differ in a few important ways. While many traditional checks (servicing, tyres, wash and care) remain the same, electrified vehicles introduce some unique considerations. 

Battery Health & Cooling System Checks 

Unlike petrol or diesel cars, hybrids and EVs rely on large battery packs that benefit from regular monitoring. While there’s no service you can “skip,” ensuring the battery cooling system, electrical connections and software diagnostics are checked during main dealer servicing helps maintain efficiency and range over time. 

Most EVs work best when the battery stays between roughly 20 - 80% charge in everyday use. Regularly charging to 100% doesn’t harm the battery, but doing so habitually can put extra stress on cells over time. 

Brake Wear is Often Different 

Regenerative braking used in hybrids and EVs means that brake pads and discs typically wear slower, because the electric system assists much of the stopping force. However, brake fluid and system checks should still be included in every service. 

Tyres Still Matter (Maybe Even More) 

EVs often weigh more than comparable petrol cars due to their battery packs. That means tyre wear can be different, and maintaining correct pressures helps efficiency and comfort. So premium tyres with proper ratings remain essential. 

Software Updates 

Many electrified vehicles receive diagnostic and software updates during servicing. These updates can: 

• Improve battery management 

• Enhance energy efficiency 

• Fix minor bugs affecting range or climate control 

This makes servicing at approved centres particularly useful, as they can manage these updates properly. 

What to Ask Your Service Centre 

When you book a service for a hybrid or EV, it’s reasonable to ask for: 

• High-voltage system diagnostic check 

• Battery coolant level check 

• Software update history 

• Regenerative braking inspection 

Approved main dealers will include these as standard, but it’s worth checking, especially if you’re using an independent garage (with approval). 

Wear and Tear vs Damage: What’s the Difference? 

Normal wear and tear is expected on a leased car. This includes: 

• Light scratches 

• Minor stone chips 

• General interior use 

Damage, however, is chargeable. This includes: 

• Deep scratches or dents 

• Cracked alloy wheels 

• Torn upholstery 

• Missing service history 

Most lease providers follow the BVRLA fair wear and tear guidelines, which are worth reviewing before your car is returned. 

Does Maintenance Affect My End-of-Lease Inspection? 

Absolutely. A well-maintained car is far more likely to pass inspection without additional charges. Keeping up with servicing, tyres and general care helps ensure: 

• Fewer disputes 

• Lower end-of-lease costs 

• A smoother hand back process 

This is one of the biggest advantages of staying organised with maintenance throughout the lease. 

Maintaining a Leased Car Is Easier Than You Think

Whether you’ve chosen a lease with maintenance or you’re managing things yourself, maintaining a leased car is straightforward once you know what’s expected. 

To stay on track: 

• Service the car on time 

• Use approved garages 

• Fit premium tyres 

• Top up AdBlue when needed 

• Keep the car reasonably clean 

Do that, and you’ll avoid most end-of-lease charges without any hassle. 

If you’re ever unsure, Motorlet’s expert team is always happy to help, whether you’re already leasing or just exploring your options. You can also browse our leasing guides for more advice on running, maintaining and choosing your next car.