When leasing a car with Lex Autolease, understanding your responsibilities for maintenance is key to ensuring a smooth leasing experience and avoiding penalties at the end of your lease. Tyres, as one of the most crucial components of a vehicle, require regular checks and proper care throughout the lease period.

In this guide, we’ll outline your responsibilities for maintaining your Lex Autolease car, how to assess tyre condition, and what their policies mean for you. You can keep view and manage your lease by downloading Caura and adding your leased vehicle to the app.

Your Responsibilities as a Lex Autolease Customer

When leasing a car through Lex Autolease, you’re responsible for maintaining the vehicle to an acceptable standard as per the lease agreement. This includes:

1. Routine Maintenance

o Ensuring the car is regularly serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

o Addressing any issues that arise during the lease period, such as warning lights or mechanical faults.

2.     Tyre Care

o Keeping tyres in safe and legal condition, which includes monitoring tread depth and overall wear.

o Repairing or replacing tyres that are damaged or excessively worn during the lease term.

3. Adhering to Fair Wear and Tear Standards

At the end of the lease, your car will be inspected for fair wear and tear, which outlines acceptable levels of usage. Neglecting tyre care or returning the car with tyres that don’t meet these standards may result in additional charges. You can read more on this here.

The best way to keep track of your lease is to download Caura and add your vehicle to the app. You’ll be able to manage your lease, book servicing and contact Lex Autolease for support.

How to Check and Maintain Your Tyres

To ensure your tyres remain in good condition throughout your lease, follow these simple steps:

1.      Check Tread Depth

Tread depth affects your car’s grip and safety, especially in wet conditions. UK law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, but tyres should ideally be replaced before they reach this limit. Use a tread depth gauge or the edge of a 20p coin:

• Insert the coin into the tyre’s tread grooves.

• If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is too shallow, and the tyre needs replacing.

You can read more on how to carry out this test here

2.      Inspect for Damage

Regularly examine your tyres for signs of damage, such as:

• Cuts or Tears: Visible damage to the tyre wall could compromise its structure.

• Bulges: These indicate internal damage and require immediate attention.

• Embedded Objects: Remove nails or debris carefully, and repair punctures promptly to prevent further damage.

3. Monitor Tyre Pressure

Under-inflated or over-inflated tyres can lead to uneven wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised safety. Check your tyre pressure monthly and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, which can usually be found in your car manual or on a label inside the driver’s door.

4. Rotate Tyres

If your lease is long-term, rotating the tyres (moving them from front to back) can ensure even wear and prolong their lifespan. This is typically done during routine servicing. You can book a service in app with Caura.

Maintenance Under Lex Autolease’s Policies

If you’ve opted for Lex Autolease’s maintenance package, much of the hassle of tyre care is taken off your hands. Here’s what’s included:

1. Tyre Replacement

o Tyres will be replaced when their tread depth reaches 2mm or they’re deemed unfit for use due to wear or damage.

o Replacement is done through Lex Autolease’s approved providers, such as Kwik Fit, ensuring high-quality service.

2. Puncture Repairs

Minor punctures can often be repaired rather than requiring a full tyre replacement. The maintenance package covers repairs at no additional cost, provided the damage falls within repairable limits.

3. Roadside Assistance

If you experience a tyre-related breakdown, Lex Autolease provides 24/7 roadside assistance as part of their maintenance package.

4. Replacement Glass

Lex Autolease offer a 24 hour service for windscreen and body glass repairs and replacements.

Understanding Fair Wear and Tear for Tyres

At the end of your lease, Lex Autolease will assess the condition of your vehicle, including the tyres, using fair wear and tear guidelines. Here’s what you need to know:

1. What’s Acceptable:

o Tyres with a tread depth above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.

o Light scuffing or minor surface damage that doesn’t impact safety.

2. What’s Not Acceptable:

o Tyres below the legal tread depth or uneven wear due to poor maintenance.

o Damage such as cuts, bulges, or cracks in the tyre wall.

o Missing or mismatched tyres (e.g., replacing one tyre with a cheaper or incorrect model).

Failing to meet these standards can result in penalty charges, so maintaining your tyres during the lease term is essential. You can read more about what fair wear and tear is according to Lex Autolease here.

Practical Tyre Maintenance Tips

To avoid penalties and keep your tyres in top condition, consider these additional tips:

• Check Tyres After Long Journeys: Extended trips can accelerate wear, so inspect your tyres after covering significant distances.

• Avoid Kerbing: Hitting kerbs while parking or driving can cause serious damage to the tyre walls. Take care when manoeuvring.

• Drive Responsibly: Sudden braking, sharp turns, and aggressive driving can all contribute to premature tyre wear.

Conclusion

Maintaining your tyres is a critical part of your responsibilities as a Lex Autolease customer. By performing regular checks and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure your car meets the required fair wear and tear standards at the end of your lease. For added convenience and peace of mind, Lex Autolease’s maintenance package can take care of tyre replacements, repairs, and servicing.

Whether you choose to handle tyre care independently or rely on the maintenance package, staying proactive will save you from unexpected costs and keep your car running safely throughout the lease term. Remember to download Caura to manage your lease.

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