5 Ways to Care for your Leased Vehicle
A personal vehicle lease lets you drive more car for less money because you only pay for the portion of the vehicle that you use. The remaining portion of the vehicle is the residual value, and that is the amount the lease company anticipates the vehicle will be worth at lease end.
At AUTO ONE, we always want our customers to receive the highest residual value possible. So, here are 5 great tips to help ensure your leased vehicle maintains a high value:
1. Regular Maintenance and Service
Your new car needs regular service intervals as recommended by your manufacturer. They are listed in your owner’s manual. They include check items like changing the oil and oil filter, maintaining proper fluid levels, replacing parts like belts and hoses and rotating tires.
Make sure that the dealership or mechanic records the maintenance in your manual and keep it with the vehicle. Do every interval in your manual.
2. No Modifications
The residual value is also based on the fact that the vehicle will look the way it is supposed to when it is turned in, so do not make any modifications to it that will diminish its value. That means no performance kits, body kits, changes to its stance or additional accessories that are not part of the original lease.
3. Cleanliness
In order to ensure that you get the best return for your money, make sure that the vehicle is in good order and thoroughly cleaned. You may even consider seat covers or floor mats to help keep the fabric and the carpet clean.
Excessive wear can cost you money in the end, so adding a layer of protection to the interior at the beginning can go a long way to keeping its worth.
4. Keep all Your Records
As with anything mechanical, you may need to have repairs done on it, so keep all records of repairs or accidents. This means keeping receipts for tires, as well. Your tire wear will be noted at the time of the lease end, so make sure that you keep track of new tires.
5. Winter Preparations
Since winter driving provides a completely new set of problems, it is important to remember to winterize your vehicle. From the proper coolant to a set of chains, make sure that you do everything you can to ensure your vehicle is not damaged from winter driving.
Be sure that you take your car in for a check of the battery, belts, hoses and spark plugs before it even gets to the freezing point. Winter is hard on these components, and it is best to prepare ahead rather than be towed to a garage due to a ruptured hose.
Car leasing personal contracts can be an excellent way to drive a new car every couple of years, and if you maintain the vehicle properly, moving from one vehicle to another will be a smooth transition.
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