What is a Car Maintenance Package?
If you're unsure whether or not to include a maintenance package with your lease vehicle, you can use this guide to help you decide if it is something you will need.
If you are entering into a car leasing contract, you will need to maintain your vehicle in line with the manufacturer's guidelines. This will include regular servicing, replacement of wear and tear items, and possibly an MOT depending on the length of your contract.
There are two ways you can choose to maintain your vehicle:
- Firstly, you could find an approved garage and pay for maintenance yourself separately from your monthly rentals. This is known as a customer-maintained agreement. Under these circumstances please ensure that any replacement parts used are manufacturer-approved to ensure your warranty remains intact.
- Secondly, you could choose to take out a maintenance package as part of your leasing contract. This option is known as a funder-maintained agreement. The cost of maintenance is spread out throughout your lease and added to the monthly rentals. This means you are paying one total per month for your lease and maintenance. Many drivers find this is an easier way to budget the cost of their car maintenance.
What a car maintenance package covers
A car maintenance package covers routine servicing and maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer. When you lease a vehicle with Rivervale, the leasing company could be one of several it will depend on who has the best deal for you at that time.
Each leasing company have specific terms that apply to, but as a general rule each will include the following.
Items generally included in a car maintenance agreement:
- Routine services as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Replacement tyres including punctures.
- Replacement of wear and tear items including; wipers, bulbs, batteries, exhausts, and brakes.
- Breakdown cover including home start and roadside assistance.
- MOT test if required.
Items not included in a car maintenance agreement:
- Windscreen repair, although most insurers include this, so it is wise to check your policy.
- Damage of any kind due to misuse or an accident.
- Insurance costs.
- Damage due to misfuelling.
- AdBlue fuel additive.
Will a car maintenance package save me money?
It covers all routine servicing, maintenance, and wear and tear with a fixed monthly rental. This spreads out motoring costs into manageable chunks, so there is never a large bill to contend with. The cost will vary due to the type of vehicle, length of lease, and the mileage covered.
To work out if it'll make financial sense for you, we suggest working out the overall cost of your maintenance package, then comparing it to the price of servicing and replacement items such as tyres, bulbs, and wipers on your chosen car throughout your lease.
