If you are an existing LeasePartner customer or you are thinking of leasing a new car or van, it is more than likely you have some questions about how to service and maintain your vehicle. To help you understand servicing and maintenance, we have put together an information guide including what happens in your annual service, recommended service intervals and whether you must take your vehicle to a main dealership or a local garage.
What is vehicle servicing?
To keep your new lease vehicle in good condition, it is essential that you should service it at regular intervals as advised by the manufacturer. Servicing is a very important part of your lease agreement as well as an important part of the manufacturers warranty. Keeping your vehicle in good condition with regular servicing means you will be less likely to incur high garage charges or fair wear and tear charges at the end of the agreement.
So what are the benefits of taking Maintenance Packages?
• Peace of mind knowing that all service and general maintenance of the vehicle is covered, saves time and all the hassle of booking this in as the provider will do this for you.
• Fixed cost over the term of the maintenance package, no unexpected cost for parts and labour as inflation rises. The average cost of a service is around £350 + VAT
• Makes financial budgeting easier, you are guarded against the unplanned costs and can manage cash flow more effectively.
• Overall saving over the term compared to forking out for parts and services and when required.
• Split the costs of maintenance over a fixed term.
• On business contract hire, VAT is 100% recoverable in the maintenance element of the contract.
• Have the trust and access to approved garages, with qualifies mechanics completing high skilled work on your vehicle.
We recommend that you should service your vehicle every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Maintenance Packages
There are a few maintenance packages out there, so it is best to know what is included in your agreement before you take this out.
Guaranteed Maintenance Package Includes:
• Servicing, maintenance and repair in line with manufacturers guidelines of servicing schedules.
• MOT testing Accident Management Breakdown cover (UK cover only, includes home start)
• Tyre replacements (fair wear and tear)
• Tyre punchers (sidewall or shoulder damage not covered)
• Replacement of brake pads and discs (fair wear and tear)
• Replacement fuel, oil, air filters and spark plugs at point of service.
• Replacement bulbs and wiper blades.
• AdBlue and fluid top-ups at point of service.
• 24/7 Breakdown assistance
• 24/7 driver helpline
• Warranty claims bookings
• 16,000 approved garages across the UK
What is not included:
• Batteries
• Sidewall damage to tyres
• Shoulder damage to tyres
• Any form of damage caused by driver error or accident
• Any rental or insurance costs imposed by garages for courtesy vehicles
• Misfuelling, along with any damage or repairs required.
Service only plans
These plans are a slightly cheaper rental per month for service only plans that cover the service over your agreement. Plan includes a choice of over 16,000 approved garages. When the vehicle indicates it requires a major or minor service simply book this in at a garage close to you and have peace of mind knowing the cost of services are taken care of.
Service Plan Includes:
• All major & minor servicing on your vehicle for the duration of the plan
• MOT Testing
• Accident management
Is maintenance and servicing included in my monthly payments?
Maintenance is an optional cost which you can take as part of your lease deal. This includes all servicing, mechanical and electrical repairs, plus any labour costs for work that becomes necessary, all for a monthly payment. So, what does the Maintenance and Service include? See below:
How often are the service intervals?
Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, service intervals vary but generally, servicing is recommended every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. This is because parts, such as oil and brake pads require more frequent checks than other parts like spark plugs and the fuel filter.
All vehicles differ so it is very important to check your manufacturer's handbook to find out the required 'service intervals' for your vehicle and what parts need replacing when. If you do not have your manufacturer's handbook, we recommend visiting the manufacturers website online, giving the manufacturers dealership a call or give us a call on 01942 311508, option 2 and we will be able to assist you. Some manufacturers require you to have more than the annual full service. Some recommend a basic or interim service. This includes a visual inspection, topping up of essential fluids such as brake fluid, washer fluid, steering fluid and antifreeze, and well as an oil and filter change after 6,000 miles or six months driving.
Your vehicle will have a servicing light on the dashboard, it is important to keep an eye on this as it will tell you when your vehicle is due for a service or if there is something wrong with the vehicle. There are a number of lights on your vehicle dashboard, if you are unsure what they mean, it is best to refer to your vehicle handbook.