Modifying a car is a great way to add a personal touch, improve functionality, or even reflect your brand’s identity if it’s for business use. However, if your car is leased, making modifications isn’t straightforward.
Car leasing agreements often include specific terms about modifications, and breaking these can lead to penalties, which nobody wants.
In this blog, we’ll explore what modifications are allowed, what’s prohibited, and what to consider for both personal and business leasing.
We discuss:
When it comes to modifying your lease car, you must go for small and reversible modifications. This is because you don’t own the vehicle; the finance provider does, and when you come to return your vehicle at the end of your agreement, it must be in its original condition.
If you know you’ll need a modification before you order your new vehicle, we advise that you request this at the point of order.
Before making any changes to your vehicle, please note that it will be at your own risk and may invalidate the vehicle warranty. We recommend that you speak to an industry professional or sales adviser who can point you in the right direction.
You will also need to arrange to remove the modifications without damaging the vehicle before returning it at the end of the contract.
Restrictions on modifications will depend on the specific modification, the manufacturer, and the finance provider. Modifications that usually tend to be accepted by the funder include:
- Tow bar - A tow bar may be fitted in the back of the vehicle to carry a trailer or a caravan, subject to permission from the finance provider.
- Dashboard camera - A dashboard camera may be installed on the front of the car to record the view through your vehicle’s windscreen, subject to permission by the finance provider.
- Black box - A telematics box, otherwise known as a 'black box', installed by your insurance company to track your driving activity may be fitted subject to permission by the finance provider.
- Vehicle wrapping - Many companies wish to wrap their lease vehicle with company decals to promote their services, and most finance providers allow this, providing these are removed before the vehicle is returned.
- Vehicle tracker - Prestige or high-value vehicles may be fitted with a vehicle tracking device subject to approval by the finance provider, helping to recover your car in the event of a theft.
- Roof racks and racking - A roof rack is a set of bars that may be placed on the top of the roof for transferring luggage, bikes, and business apparatus. For example, if you run a delivery business, a roof rack might help you carry more cargo, but always check with your finance provider first.
- Van ply lining - Ply lining must be fitted to all leased vans to help protect you from any de-hire damage charges and to help maintain the resale value of the van. All vans leased with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts will be fitted before the vehicle is delivered to you.
Whether a personal or business lease, there are some modifications that are almost universally prohibited:
Permanent body modifications - This includes areas such as the suspension or bodywork, which are lasting modifications and can change how the vehicle drives and looks. You should avoid modifying:
- Spoilers - Adding a fixed spoiler or side skirt to enhance the car’s aerodynamics or appearance is not allowed.
- Bumpers - Replacing the original front grille or bumper with a custom design can impact safety features and isn’t allowed.
- Wheel arches - Adjusting the car’s wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels is often prohibited. These modifications require reshaping the body of the car, which is permanent.
Engine and performance modifications - Modifications such as engine tuning or chip remapping are prohibited. Such changes can also void warranties and cause lasting damage to the vehicle.
Interior changes (upholstery, new seats, headliner) - Changing the car's interior, like reupholstering seats, installing non-standard fittings, and altering built-in electronics, is often forbidden.
Altering the exhaust system - Replacing the exhaust system with a custom system or making it louder is not allowed.
If you’re thinking about modifying your lease car, ensure you’ve considered the following:
- Ensure you understand your lease agreement - A leasing contract often includes stipulations regarding modifications to the vehicle. While some finance providers might allow minor cosmetic changes, others will have stricter guidelines. It's essential that you understand the terms of your lease, and if you modify it, it's within the boundaries.
- Don’t assume all modifications are allowed - It's a common misconception that a lease car can be modified without any restrictions. Generally, finance providers are concerned about changes that could affect the vehicle's value, safety, or return condition. Major structural or performance modifications might be strictly prohibited, so it's essential to clarify what's permitted.
- Keep documentation - Keep thorough documentation of any modifications you make to your leased car. This includes invoices, receipts, and records of the work done. Documentation can serve as evidence of the changes made and can be helpful when you're returning the car at the end of the lease term.
- Don’t overlook resale value - Remember that lease cars will eventually be returned to the finance provider (unless you agree to buy the vehicle as per your contract terms). Overly personalised modifications might limit the appeal of the car to potential buyers in the future, which could negatively impact its residual value.
So, what should you do if you’re thinking about modifying your lease vehicle? First, speak to your leasing adviser, who will point you in the right direction.
Stick to small and reversible changes that won’t influence the value or performance of the vehicle, and avoid permanent modifications that affect the body, engine, or interior.
Remember, when you lease a car, you don’t own it, and you should always double-check any modification you want to make.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK’s largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of deals to suit every need. For more information, check out our helpful car leasing guides or call us on 0345 811 9595.
