DO NOT BE AFRAID!
Returning a lease vehicle requires special attention to avoid any misunderstandings or unexpected additional costs. At EXPRESS AutoCare, we know how dealerships evaluate lease returns.
HERE ARE SOME COMMON ISSUES THAT CAN ARISE AT THE END OF YOUR LEASE.
A chip on the windshield, a scratched bumper, a slightly dented door, a damaged wheel. hose little nicks and bumps of daily life are common when frequently used your vehicle, especially in urban areas. But these unavoidable traces of wear may now disappear as quickly they appeared through EXPRESS AutoCare cosmetic care and repairs, a range of intelligent services all to restore your vehicle sparkle.
IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
That you bring your vehicle in one month before the end your lease agreement, to carefully examine your vehicle condition and make an assessment of restoration and refurbishment work.
Schedule A Quick Appointment (450) 681-1414
Lease return, especially for a car, can be a straightforward process if you're well prepared. Understanding your obligations is essential to avoid unexpected charges.
VEHICLE INSPECTION AND REPAIR
The first step is to check the condition of your vehicle. Most dealerships offer a free pre-inspection, which you should ideally schedule between 30 and 60 days before the end of your lease. This inspection, often performed by a third-party company like AutoVIN, helps identify excessive wear and tear or damage that could result in a charge.
HERE'S WHAT INSPECTORS GENERALLY LOOK FOR
- Exterior: Dents, scratches, paint chips, wheel damage. Most contracts allow for some "normal wear and tear," but deep scratches, dents larger than a few inches, and damage that has penetrated the paint are considered excessive.
- Interior: Stains, tears, burn holes on seats, dashboard or carpets.
- Tires: Abnormal wear, cuts, lack of tread depth (usually less than 3 or 4 mm). Tires must be the correct size and the same brand on each axle.
- Accessories and Equipment: Owner's manuals, two (or more) keys, and all original accessories (floor mats, cargo covers, etc.) must be present. Tinted films or unauthorized modifications may also incur a fee.
- Mileage: This is a major factor. Make sure you know your policy's mileage limit and assess whether you've exceeded it. Charges per excess mile can add up quickly.
If any problems are detected during the pre-inspection, you have the option of making the repairs yourself before the return date. This could cost you less than letting the dealer do it and charging you full price.
OPTIONS AT THE END OF THE LEASE
At the end of your lease, you generally have several choices:
- Return the vehicle and lease a new one: This is a common option. The dealer will handle the return of the vehicle, and you can upgrade to your next model. Some manufacturers offer loyalty programs or incentives for returning customers.
- Buy the vehicle: If you like your car and the final buyout price, also called residual value, is advantageous compared to its current market value, you might consider buying it.
- Return the vehicle and take nothing else: If you do not wish to continue leasing or buying a new car, you can simply return the vehicle and sign the final return receipt.
FEES AND PENALTIES
In addition to damage and excess mileage charges, other penalties may apply:
- Early termination: If you decide to terminate the contract before the scheduled date, an early termination fee may apply. This fee may include outstanding payments and other penalties. Most contracts do not allow early termination without a fee, unless there are very specific circumstances.
- Security Deposit: If you paid a security deposit, it is generally refundable at the end of the lease, unless it is used to cover late payments or other fees.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, carefully review your rental agreement. It contains all the details on fees, penalties, and return conditions. Don't hesitate to ask your dealer questions to clarify any points that are unclear.
Pre-inspection, inspecting the vehicle before returning it to the rental company is a crucial step to ensure everything is in order and avoid additional charges. Here is a guide to performing a thorough inspection of the vehicle before returning it:
- We carefully examine the bodywork for any scratches, dents, cracks or other visible damage.
- Checks the bumper, mirrors, headlights, taillights and any other exterior parts to ensure they are intact and functioning properly.
- Controls the wheels for damage, such as scrapes or dents, and ensure that the tires have adequate tread.
- We carefully examinethe interior for any damage, stains or tears on seats, carpets, door panels, dashboard, etc.
- Checking the operation of all interior equipment, including air conditioning, heating, radio, navigation systems, electric seat adjustments, electric windows, etc.
- Ensure that all equipment provided with the rental, such as owner's manual, jack, wheel wrench, etc., are present and in good condition.
Cleaning the vehicle before returning it to the rental company is an important step to ensure that the return process goes smoothly and that you avoid additional charges. Here are some tips for cleaning the vehicle before returning from rental:
- Thoroughly hand wash and dry the exterior of the vehicle, including door and trunk openings.
- Interior shampoo, complete interior cleaning, including vacuuming of seats, carpet, floor mats, cleaning of windows, dashboard, console and cup holder etc.
- Engine shampoo, degreasing and pressure washing of the engine compartment and the lower part of the body.
- Remove lettering, vinyl stickers and decals on the vehicle, clean the glue residue, decontamination, waxing and polishing the paint (if applicable).
When returning a rental vehicle, repairs may be required due to damage or mechanical or cosmetic issues. Here is what to do if repairs are necessary:
Checking tread depth wear. If the tread depth is below the legal or recommended threshold, the tires are worn and must be replaced.
Wheel repair, reconditioning or repair of chipped, scuffed, discolored, tarnished or scratched rims.
- We can repair and restore most of your vehicle's seats and internal trim, plastics, vinyl, leather, fabrics and carpets.
- Restoration process of the headlight lens to remove slight imperfections and restore the original light.
- Repair of glass surfaces, such as the windshield, side windows or rear window, is often necessary in the event of chips, cracks or other damage.
- When the protective stone protection film is damaged, apply a patch or completely replace the damaged part.
- Repairing the liner of a truck bed may be necessary if it is damaged by wear, weather, or accidents..
When returning a vehicle rental, if the bodywork has dents or scratches that require dent removal and touch-up paint, here are the typical steps to follow:
- Automotive paint touch-up is a process to repair small scratches, chips, or discolored areas in your car's paint.
- For minor dents, paintless dent removal can be performed using special tools that manipulate the body surface from the inside, without damaging the paint. This method is ideal for shallow dents.
- For larger dents or those that affect the paint, painted dent removal may be necessary. This method involves denting the body surface followed by touch-up paint to restore the original appearance.
- By following these steps and once repairs are completed, you can ensure that the vehicle is returned in a clean and neat condition, which can avoid additional charges and ensure a hassle-free rental return experience. worry.
