Leasing a vehicle comes with convenience, the latest features, and an aspect of saving. Nonetheless, you never gain full ownership, which means you have to return the car in excellent condition. It's, therefore, your responsibility to keep the vehicle clean, maintained, and without defects.
Failure to take care of the vehicle can lead to penalties to cover repairs that sometimes span to over a thousand dollars. Simple signs like dirt on upholstery, damage on the doors, or excess mileage might cost you at the end of the lease. So, how can you make your car ready for a turn-in?
Here are the tips for making a leased vehicle ready.
1. Conduct Necessary Repairs on a Leased Vehicle
As long as a car is on the road, it'll be subjected to wear and tear and physical damage caused by minor incidents on the road. Ideally, it's wise to change a defective part or conduct repairs promptly to minimize the total cost.
Here are some areas to be keen on:
Tires
The dealer will inspect the vehicle to ascertain the condition of the threads, any physical defects, and tire pressure. As a precaution, always ensure the tires have sufficient pressure. Consider changing the tires if you experience an incident that accelerates the depreciation of the threads. If the lease is more than three years, consider changing the tires every two years.
Body Work
The vehicle's body is one of the most vulnerable parts, leading to frequent dents, scratches, and damage. If the vehicle has material damage like a damaged bumper, consider replacing it to avoid penalties.
General Repairs
The dealer will also charge for other dysfunctional items like infotainment, navigation systems, or the car's AC. Prioritize repairs or replacements beforehand, which is more affordable compared to the associated penalty. Although inspectors might overlook minor scratches on headlights, you're likely to be charged for a broken windscreen.
2. Prioritize Regular Oil Change and Servicing for a Leased Vehicle
Maintaining a car in top condition requires regular oil change and service. Typically, a car requires an oil change every 3,000 to 12,000 miles, depending on the model. Even so, if you're not a heavy user, you can plan an oil change every 12 months as recommended by automakers.
The car service involves an oil change, change of filters, and an overall diagnostic test. Besides penalties, observing the service schedule averts potential mechanical problems and improves your overall safety on the road.
3. Consult Dealers Website for End-of-Lease Requirements
It's wise to check the lease policy before you worry about every scratch, stain, or abrasion. Every dealer has a different interpretation and policy, some of which are friendly. You'll be surprised to find that the repair you may be planning to make is categorized as normal wear and tear.
Manufacturers, for instance, measure the extent of damage to the body using inches. Some do not charge a dent with a diameter less than 2 inches, while others ignore defects below 4 inches in diameter.
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4. Observe the Prescribed Mileage Limit on Your Leased Vehicle
Leasing companies set a limit on how many miles you can cover. Some companies set an annual limit of 10,000 miles while others set up to 19,000 miles. It can cost you up to 25 cents per mile if you break the barrier. If you cannot stick to the limit, pre-negotiate with the dealer to save you from expensive penalties during the turn-in.
5. The General Condition of the Car
It's important to work on the general impression before returning the leased car. General maintenance like washing, regular upholstery care, or not smoking inside the car works towards maintaining a vehicle in excellent condition.
Try Our Cadillac Repair and Service Experts
It's critical to maintain a leased car in excellent condition to avoid hefty penalties upon return. Simple actions like regular oil changes, timely repairs, or observing mileage limits can keep you in good books.
That said, Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton is here to serve you. Our dealership is full of Cadillac experts who can ensure your leased vehicle is ready for turn-in. Contact us at (941) 932-8852 or visit us at 4780 14th St. Monday - Saturday.
