Who is Responsible for Maintenance on Leased Cars?

If you are considering leasing a car, you are likely wondering what your responsibilities will be as a lessee. After all, you are not the legal owner of the vehicle, so it stands to reason that your obligations are different than an owner’s—and, to a certain extent, this is true. But ultimately, who is responsible for maintenance on leased cars? Does the dealer cover maintenance for leased cars? Find the answers to these questions in the following guide from Pfaff Leasing, the trusted rental car resource for drivers from Toronto to Woodbridge and beyond.

Does the Dealer Cover Maintenance for Leased Cars?

So, does the dealer cover maintenance for leased cars, or is it the lessee’s duty to stay current on routine upkeep? While it depends on the terms of your lease agreement, in most cases, a lessee is the one who is responsible for maintenance on a leased car. This typically means that you, as the lessee, need to schedule and pay for regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and other essential services as outlined in your owner’s manual or lease agreement.

With that said, some leasing companies include prepaid maintenance plans as a leasing incentive. In these situations, it is the leasing dealer who takes care of select maintenance needs at no additional cost. Consult your leasing agreement or the dealer directly to see if this coverage is included.

What Costs are Dealers & Lessees Each Responsible for?

Now that you know who is responsible for maintenance on leased cars, we will take a closer look at the costs dealers and lessees are usually each responsible for; keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list:

Lessee’s Costs

• Routine maintenance
• Service recordkeeping
• Repairs resulting from normal wear and tear
• Returning the vehicle in good condition and within mileage limits

Dealer’s Costs

• Recalls or manufacturer repairs
• Maintenance plans or warranty coverage, if included in your lease terms

Lease Your Next Vehicle Near Calgary

Contact our Woodbridge-based team for more information about what we include in a typical lease agreement and what you are responsible for. In the meantime, feel free to continue your research on our website. The benefits of vehicle leasing are legion—start enjoying them for yourself today.