Maintaining and replacing your lease car tyres
When you lease a car, you’re responsible for maintaining and replacing any damaged tyres. Find out how to replace lease car tyres and what to do before returning the car.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 6 November 2024 | 0 min read
When you lease a car, you are responsible for maintaining its tyres and replacing any that are worn or damaged. This guide explains when to replace them and what to check before returning your vehicle.
Tyres help you move forward safely, steer, and brake your car, while absorbing any road bumps and shocks to provide you with a smooth ride so it’s important to keep them in a good condition
If your tyres’ tread depth reduces, if you have uneven tyres, or if the tyres get damaged or punctured, you should get the tyres replaced immediately to drive your car safely.
Remember, with leasing, you have to look after, maintain and service the car and its tyres while you’re in possession & still responsible for the vehicle. If the lease car’s tyre gets damages, punctured or worn-out, it’s your responsibility to get it repaired or replaced.
When do tyres need replacing?
Tyres help your car or van accelerate, steer and brake safely. They also absorb bumps and shocks for a smoother journey, so keeping them in good condition is essential.
Replace tyres promptly if the tread is worn, wear is uneven, or they are damaged or punctured. This will help keep the vehicle safe to drive. See the tyre law section below for more information.
Replacing tyres on a leased vehicle
You are responsible for looking after the tyres on your leased car or van. If a tyre becomes worn, damaged or punctured, you must arrange for it to be repaired or replaced.
If you have a maintained contract, tyre replacement is usually included with routine servicing and maintenance. Check whether your agreement limits the number of replacement tyres.
If you have opted for a non-maintained contract, you must ensure the tyres are roadworthy and correctly fitted. This responsibility also applies to any spare tyre.
Do I need to replace the tyres before returning my lease vehicle?
Before returning your leased car or van, inspect the tyres to see whether any need replacing.
At the end of the lease, the vehicle will undergo a fair wear and tear inspection, including all tyres and any spare. You may be charged for damaged wheel trims or spokes. If a tyre is below the legal minimum when the provider arrives to collect the vehicle, they may refuse collection and charge an aborted collection fee. Driving with tyres below the legal tread depth is illegal. You could be fined, and your insurance may be invalidated.
Before returning the vehicle, inspect it carefully, including the tyres and trims. Repair or replace anything that is damaged or outside the acceptable condition standards to help avoid additional charges.
Can I return my lease vehicle with different tyres?
Your lease provider may specify the type of tyre required, and some may insist on premium tyres. Check the provider’s policy before buying replacements. Most providers accept a different brand if the tyres are the correct fit and suitable for the vehicle.
Part-worn tyres can pose a safety risk and are not recommended. Lease providers will usually require replacement tyres to be new.
Are tyres covered by the vehicle warranty?
Most tyre and alloy insurance cover punctures, malicious damages like stolen or damaged tyres, and fixes like rebalancing and replacing the tyre valves, but you should refer to your insurance policy to know exactly what’s covered. Learn more about tyre and alloy insurance.
Does car insurance cover tyres?
Can I fit winter tyres to my lease vehicle?
Winter tyres are not normally included in a lease or maintenance contract. You may fit them at your own expense if they meet the required specification, size, load rating, speed rating and legal tread depth. Before the lease ends, replace the winter tyres with standard tyres to avoid possible charges from the lease provider.
Tyres law to keep in mind
Before driving, keep these tyre requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1988 in mind:
1. Inflate tyres to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure for the load being carried. Check the vehicle handbook for the correct specification.
2. Make sure tyres are free from prohibited cuts and other defects.
3. Car tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm.
4. On vehicles with more than eight passenger seats, tyres over 10 years old must not be fitted to the front axles.
5. The tyre’s date-of-manufacture marking must remain legible. For more guidance, read our full guide to tyre sizes.