can you return a leased car with different tires

[OErin]

Yes, you can return a leased car with different tires, but it will likely cost you extra money. Lease agreements almost always require the vehicle to be returned with tires that match the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) specifications for size, type, speed rating, and tread depth. If the tires on the car are not the exact same as what it came with, the leasing company will charge a wear-and-tear fee. The key is the tread depth; even if you have the correct OEM tires, if they are below the minimum tread depth (usually 4/32 of an inch for most lessors), you will be charged for a new set.

Before you turn in the car, you should review your lease agreement's wear-and-tere guidelines. These documents specify the exact requirements. The inspection, often conducted by a third-party company like AutoVIN, will note any discrepancies. If you have aftermarket or mismatched tires, the inspector will flag it. The leasing company will then estimate the cost to bring the car back to OEM standard, which means purchasing and installing four new tires.

Your best strategy is to be proactive. If your current tires are worn or different, consider finding a used set of the correct OEM tires online or from a tire shop. This can be significantly cheaper than paying the leasing company's retail price for a full new set. Always get a pre-inspection done about 60 days before your lease ends. This gives you time to address any issues, including tires, on your own terms and budget.

Here is a table outlining common potential charges related to tire condition at lease end:

Tire Condition Issue	Typical Lessor Requirement	Potential Fee Range (Approximate)
Tread Depth Below 4/32"	Minimum of 4/32" tread depth on all tires	$100 - $200 per tire
Non-OEM Tires	Tires must match original size, type, and speed rating	Fee for a full set of 4 OEM tires + installation ($600 - $1,200+)
Mismatched Tires	All four tires must be the same brand, type, and wear level	Fee to replace mismatched tires to create a uniform set
Run-Flat Tires Missing	Vehicle originally equipped with run-flats must be returned with them	Cost difference between standard and run-flat tires
Significant Damage	No sidewall gashes, bulges, or plugs	Fee for individual tire replacement

[McCody]

I learned this the hard way. I put all-season tires on my leased SUV for a winter, thinking it was a smart move. At turn-in, the inspector immediately noticed they weren't the original highway tires. The fee was brutal—almost $900. My advice? If you've swapped tires, try to find a used set of the originals online before your turn-in date. It’s a hassle, but it'll save you a ton of cash compared to the leasing company's bill. Just make sure the tread is still good enough.

[VanLilliana]

Check your lease agreement's wear-and-tear booklet—it spells everything out. The tires need to be the exact same size and type as when you drove it off the lot. The big thing they measure is tread depth. If it's below a certain point, you'll pay for it. If the tires are wrong altogether, the cost is even higher. A pre-inspection is your best friend here; it tells you exactly what you're facing so there are no surprises at the end.

[OBenjamin]

From a purely financial standpoint, returning a leased car with different tires is an avoidable expense. Leasing companies are strict about OEM specifications because it standardizes the resale process. The fee you pay isn't just for the tires; it covers their procurement and labor. To minimize cost, assess your tire situation months before the lease ends. Sourcing a matching set of used OEM tires is often the most cost-effective solution, turning a large, unexpected fee into a manageable, planned expense.