5 Things To Know About Maintaining a Leased Vehicle

5. Read the Fine Print

Before you touch a thing for your leased vehicle, in fact before you even get behind the wheel for the first time, go over your lease agreement contract carefully and read all the fine print. Are you responsible for paying for the regular maintenance of the leased vehicle or is maintenance included in the lease? How does that affect your monthly payments? Can you replace OEM parts with aftermarket options without voiding the warranty? These are all important questions you should go over yourself and with your sales agent so everything is crystal clear.

4. Inspect for Wear and Tear

As all drivers should do for their cars whether they own it or lease it, inspect your car regularly for wear and tear. Check the tread on your tires and test your headlights and taillights regularly. Keep an eye on your fluids and make sure they stay filled to their optimum levels. Just because you don't outright own the car, doesn't mean you won't be on the hook for any repairs that are due to improper maintenance. Take the time monthly or weekly to give your car a good once over in the important areas so you know it's running at top shape.

3. Stay On Regular Maintenance Schedule

Along with regularly inspecting your leased vehicle, keep it on a steady and consistent maintenance schedule. That means always following manufacturer recommendations when it comes to changing the oil as well as other basic maintenance things like rotating the tires. Replace the air filter regularly and if you hear a strange knocking, notice a leak, or feel the car is running a bit rough at times, don't ignore it. Take it into the dealership right away to identify any small problems before they snowball into large and expensive repairs.

2. Wash, Wax, And Clean

It seems obvious, but don't underestimate how far a simple wash and vacuum can go in maintaining your leased vehicle's longevity and health. Especially if you live in a cold climate that regularly has wet roads, like Salem, Oregon, a regular wash and wax of your vehicle really helps protect the exterior paint job. And, a regular vacuum of the interior helps keep the upholstery looking as fresh as the day you bought it. Whether you decide to turn in your lease when the time comes or purchase it, everyone is better off if the vehicle has been well cared for and that includes regular cleaning.

1. Treat a Lease Like A Vehicle You Want to Keep

The number one thing drivers should know about maintaining a leased vehicle is that they should treat it like the car they want to keep for a very long time. After all, whether you turn it in at the end of the lease or keep it, someone will expect the vehicle to last. Also, if you don't keep up with the manufacturer's recommendations, you can be held responsible for catching the vehicle up on maintenance and any damages determined by not taking care of the vehicle. Leasing a new Chevrolet is a great way to get a lot more for your money, but it could prove more expensive if you don't keep up with regular maintenance and general care. Swing by our authorized GM service center to learn more at Capitol Chevrolet.