Used car leasing maintenance explained

When it comes to maintenance on a used lease car, you’ll need to handle most of the routine upkeep to ensure the vehicle is kept in good working condition throughout the lease. Here’s what you need to cover: 

You’ll need to check your tyres regularly, including tread depth, correct inflation, and no obvious damage. Staying within the legal limit keeps you safe and helps avoid any end-of-lease surprises.

If you’ve leased a hybrid or electric vehicle, the battery and electrical systems are key. While the major component may still be under cover (depending on model and age), you’re responsible for general upkeep, keeping it clean and serviced.

Small chips, scrapes or interior signs of wear are usually fine. But try to keep the car looking well-cared-for: clean it, deal with any obvious damage early. It shows respect for the vehicle, reduces risk of extra charges and keeps your lease smooth. 

It’s also worth talking about regular servicing and MOT. Although all used cars leased through Nationwide Vehicle Contracts include a minimum of six months MOT, once this has expired, it becomes your responsibility to ensure your car is road-legal. 

If you'd rather not worry about the detail, add a maintenance package that handles most of this. 

If you've gone with a maintenance package: 

• Use the approved garage or dealer listed in your agreement
• They’ll handle the booking and repairs for you

If you don't have a maintenance package: 

• You're responsible for repairs (unless covered by warranty)
• Check with your leasing provider to find out if you must use a franchised dealer or independent VAT-registered garage (using genuine parts)

At Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, every used lease car has the option of a maintenance package. 

It includes: 

• Routine servicing and maintenance for the duration of the contract.  
• Mechanical repairs due to fair wear and tear.  
• MOT tests. 
• Tyre repair and/or like-for-like replacement (exclusions apply). 
• Breakdown assistance (dependent upon finance provider). 
• Service booking and management service. 
• Vehicle collection and delivery (where available). 
• Complimentary vehicle wash and vacuum (dependent upon finance provider). 

What’s not covered: 

• Repairs or replacement due to driver induced faults. 
• Damage sustained in a road traffic accident caused by malicious damage or vandalism. 
• Missing, stolen, or broken items. 
• Tyre and wheel replacement caused by abuse, neglect, vandalism, or sidewall damage. 
• Excessive tyre replacements due to punctures. 
• Damaged windscreen and/or glass replacement. 
• Misfuelling. 
• Consumables (oil, lubricant, and fuel top up). 

It's straightforward to check the service history on your used lease car: 

• Look at the service book. It should list every service, what was done, and which garage did it
• Many modern cars may have a digital service book stored by the manufacturer 
• If you're unsure, ask us for help and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction

Maintenance and warranty are two things that often get confused. To put it simply:

• Warranty covers the unexpected: things that should not break under normal use (engine, gearbox faults).
• Maintenance covers the expected: the regular stuff that keeps the car running well (servicing, tyres, MOTs).

Because you’re leasing a used car, the manufacturer’s warranty may have expired. If it’s still valid it might cover:

• Engine issues 
• Electrical systems 
• Gearbox 
• Steering 
• Transmission system 
• Fuel and ignition systems 
• Cooling system 
• Suspension 
• Non-frictional clutch 
• Brake system parts 

For more information, check out our guide, What is Covered by a Car Manufacturer Warranty, or head over to our used car extended warranty page. 

If you’ve leased a used car through Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, you can add on our used car service plans for a fixed monthly cost. 

It's best for drivers who want fewer surprises, fewer calls to garages, and predictable monthly costs. 

Your responsibilities include: 

• You must hold a full current driving license 
• Treat the vehicle with due care for the term of the contract
• Avoid unauthorised modifications, these could put your agreement at risk
• Keep comprehensive insurance in place for the vehicle (covering fire, theft, incidental damage)

Check out our Used Car Leasing Service Plans for more information.  

Leasing a used car is a smart choice, but only if you know what you’re responsible for and you set yourself up properly. By understanding the upkeep, choosing the right maintenance cover and staying on top of servicing, you can enjoy your car with less worry.

Ready to take the next step? Browse our latest used car lease deals (with or without maintenance plans). Or if you'd prefer to chat, our friendly team is here to help you choose what's right for you, call us at 0345 811 9595.