do you pay for maintenance on a leased car

[DeVictoria]

Yes, you are typically responsible for the routine maintenance and repair costs on a leased car, just as if you owned it. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements. The leasing company (the lessor) owns the vehicle and expects it to be returned in good condition, so adhering to the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance is a contractual obligation. However, major repairs are often covered by the factory warranty, which usually lasts for the duration of a standard lease.

Your primary tool is the manufacturer's warranty. Most new car warranties, like a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, will cover unexpected repairs for defective parts. The powertrain warranty often lasts longer. Since leases are typically 36 months, the bumper-to-bumper warranty should cover you for most major issues.

You are financially responsible for all routine maintenance outlined in your vehicle's manual. Neglecting this can result in costly "wear and tear" charges at lease-end. Here’s a breakdown of common maintenance items and their typical costs:

Maintenance Item	Estimated Cost Range	Frequency (Approx.)
Oil Change & Filter	$50 - $100	Every 5,000 - 10,000 miles
Tire Rotation	$0 - $50	Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles
Cabin Air Filter	$50 - $100	Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Engine Air Filter	$30 - $70	Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles
Brake Pad Replacement	$250 - $400 per axle	Varies by driving style

Many dealers and third-party companies offer pre-paid maintenance plans. You pay upfront for scheduled services, which can help budget for these costs and ensure records are perfectly maintained for the lessor. Always keep all service receipts as proof you maintained the vehicle properly. At lease-end, the vehicle will be inspected for excessive wear and tear, and any damage beyond normal use will be your responsibility to pay.

[DeDominic]

Absolutely, you pay for maintenance. Think of it like renting an apartment—you're responsible for keeping it clean and fixing small things, but the landlord handles a major issue like a broken water heater. For a lease, you cover oil changes and tires. The leasing company covers big engine failures under the warranty. Just keep all your service records to avoid extra charges when you return the car.

[EmeryDella]

In my experience, yes, you do. The key is understanding the difference between routine upkeep and major repairs. You're on the hook for oil changes, new wiper blades, and tire rotations to keep the car running smoothly. The good news is that the factory warranty has your back for anything major that breaks unexpectedly. My advice is to stick strictly to the maintenance schedule in the manual to avoid any surprises at the end of your lease term.

[LeEmerson]

You pay for the scheduled maintenance, but not for most big-ticket repairs. The lease agreement requires you to follow the manufacturer's service schedule to protect the vehicle's value. This means budgeting for things like brake pads and filter changes. However, since you're driving a new car, the warranty should cover any significant mechanical failures. The main goal is to return the car without any penalties for neglect, so document every service.

[LilaRose]

Yes, you are responsible for the cost of maintaining the leased vehicle. This is a non-negotiable part of the contract. Your obligation is to perform all the factory-recommended services to keep the car in good working order. Failure to do so can result in significant charges for excess wear and tear when you turn it in. The silver lining is that the vehicle's original warranty will cover most costly repairs, providing a financial safety net for issues beyond standard maintenance.