One of the decisions to make when leasing your next vehicle is whether or not to take out a maintenance contract as well.
Maintenance can be added to your lease for a fixed additional monthly cost, to cover servicing, replacement tyres and other repair costs.
The idea behind a maintenance package is to give you peace of mind against costs you may not have budgeted for.
Common maintenance questions:
What is maintenance?
If the option of maintenance is included within the contract, this generally covers you for the annual car service and any wear-and-tear items that need to be replaced. However, damage such as a nail in a tyre, is not included, and some maintenance contracts can exclude tyres and exhausts. That's why it's vital that you check the full content of the package with the supplying dealer before signing up.
Is maintenance beneficial to me?
You need to assess the overall cost across the contract term. So, work out your expected mileage and the car's individual service schedule, then speak with your dealer and obtain the price for the services you expect the car to need and work out if it is beneficial to you. Remember to include not only regular servicing work, but also the cost of replacing the odd tyre, and perhaps replacement brakes. The plus point is that a maintenance package spreads the cost out over the contract term.
Who would benefit from a maintenance contract?
Motorists who drive a high annual mileage each year, such as 20,000 miles or more, would benefit from having a maintenance package. Businesses that run a fleet may benefit from maintenance.
What options do I have with maintenance?
You could have a tyre-only contract, or a service, maintenance and repair contract that includes UK breakdown cover and replacement vehicles while your car is repaired.
I have taken out a maintenance contract, how do I book an appointment?
You should receive a maintenance contact number from the finance company. Use that to book the vehicle into a local approved garage.
Who carries out the servicing and maintenance?
A franchised dealer or an authorised VAT-registered agent would carry out the required work as stipulated by the contract.
Is windscreen repair included?
No, but your insurance company should be able to assist with this.
Will maintenance cover the cost of an MOT test?
Most lease contracts cover two or three years, so your leased vehicle may never need an MOT test. If your contract is longer and your car does need a MOT test, then call the contact number in the maintenance contract.
