Yes, you can generally put custom tires on a leased car, but it comes with significant conditions and potential costs. The most critical rule is that you must return the vehicle with the original factory-specification tires, or tires that meet the leasing company's strict approval standards, at the end of your lease term. Failure to do so will result in hefty charges.
The primary concern for leasing companies is maintaining the vehicle's factory specifications, safety, and resale value. Installing non-standard tires can affect the car's suspension, fuel efficiency, and especially its electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems, which are calibrated for the original tire size and type. If you cause wear or damage to the wheel wells or suspension components with incorrectly sized tires, you will be financially responsible for those repairs.
If you decide to proceed, the safest approach is to keep the original tires. Store them properly and have them reinstalled before your lease-end inspection. Alternatively, if you choose not to store the originals, you must ensure the custom tires are the exact same size, speed rating, and load index as the originals. Even then, the leasing company may still charge a "disposition fee" or deem them unacceptable wear.
Here is a comparison of the potential financial outcomes:
| Action | Upfront Cost | End-of-Lease Scenario | Potential Cost |
|---|
| Keep original tires and reinstall them | Cost of new custom tires + mounting/balancing + storage for originals. | Return car with original tires. | Only the initial cost of the custom tires. No lease-end charges if originals have sufficient tread. |
| Sell original tires, use approved-size custom tires | Cost of new tires + mounting/balancing - money from selling originals. | Leasing company inspects custom tires. | Risk of charges if tires are not deemed "equivalent" or if tread depth is below the required 4/32 of an inch. |
| Use incorrect size/type custom tires | Cost of new tires + mounting/balancing. | Certain failure of lease-end inspection. | Charges for a full set of new, approved tires + labor + possible damage fees. ($800 - $1500+) |
Ultimately, while possible, installing custom tires on a leased car is often more trouble and expense than it's worth unless you are prepared for the logistical and financial implications.
