Leasing promises a shiny new car, predictable payments, and the pleasure of handing back the keys before long-term headaches show up. But one question can make or break your budget: is maintenance included in a lease—or are you on the hook for oil changes, tires, and brake pads? The short answer is that warranty repairs are almost always covered, but routine maintenance is not guaranteed. Some brands bundle complimentary maintenance for the first few years, others sell prepaid plans you can roll into the lease, and many leave maintenance entirely to you. This guide breaks down exactly what’s typically covered, what isn’t, how to evaluate prepaid plans, and the smart way to budget so you’re never surprised at lease-end.
The One-Minute Answer
Most leases include factory warranty coverage for defects and repairs, and many include roadside assistance. Routine maintenance—oil and filter changes, tire rotations, cabin filters, brake pads, wiper blades, alignment—is often your responsibility unless the automaker bundles a complimentary program or you purchase a prepaid maintenance plan. Electric vehicles flip the script a bit (no oil changes), but you’ll still budget for cabin filters, brake fluid intervals, tire rotations, and tires.
If you want maintenance “included,” you can usually add a manufacturer prepaid plan to your lease; sometimes that plan is residualized (your monthly payment only reflects the portion you actually use during the term). Always read the lease agreement and the maintenance plan brochure—line by line—before you sign.
What a Lease Typically Covers vs. What It Doesn’t
Warranty Repairs (Usually Covered)
The automaker’s new-car limited warranty pays to fix manufacturing defects in covered components. If your infotainment screen fails or a sensor goes bad, that’s a warranty repair. Powertrain coverage handles engine and transmission defects for a separate, often longer period. None of this is “maintenance;” it’s repair coverage for things that shouldn’t have broken.
Roadside Assistance (Often Included)
Most manufacturers provide roadside assistance during the basic warranty term. If you punch a tire or need a tow, roadside can help. It does not buy you new tires; it just gets you moving again.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance (Sometimes Included)
A growing list of brands now include limited, scheduled maintenance on new cars for the first 2–3 years. Coverage varies by brand and market and may include oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and inspections. Some luxury brands include more services, some mainstream brands include fewer, and the details change by model year. Always verify the current program for the exact vehicle you’re leasing.
Wear-and-Tear Items (Usually Not Included)
Items that wear out with use are typically your responsibility unless explicitly included in a complimentary or prepaid plan. Expect to pay for brake pads and rotors, wiper blades, light bulbs (non-LED), tires, and alignments. Glass chips and cracks are also on you, unless your insurance policy covers them.
Consumables and Fluids (Often Not Included)
Air filters, cabin filters, brake fluid exchanges at scheduled intervals, and coolant or transmission services (if due during your term) are generally yours to handle. If a prepaid plan is added, it may cover these on the manufacturer’s schedule.
Brand-by-Brand Tendencies (2025 Snapshot, Always Verify Locally)
Programs change and may vary by region, but this is the general lay of the land:
- Mainstream brands with complimentary maintenance on many models typically include a limited number of oil/filter services and tire rotations for the first two years (sometimes three).
- Some luxury brands include complimentary maintenance for the first three years on many models; others provide only the first service for free and sell a broader prepaid package.
- Several automakers introduced new complimentary programs in recent model years on select trims. These may be mileage-limited, time-limited, or service-count-limited.
- Prepaid maintenance plans are available through most dealer networks and can be added to the lease; the plan’s price and what it covers are set by the automaker and/or dealer.
Because policies shift often, confirm the current program for your exact VIN and market before you sign. Ask for the official maintenance brochure and the plan contract pages, not just a sales sheet.
EV Leases: What’s Different About Maintenance
Electric vehicles remove oil changes from your life, but maintenance doesn’t disappear entirely:
- Cabin air filters still need periodic replacement.
- Brake pads typically last longer due to regenerative braking, but brake fluid still has time-based service intervals.
- Tires may wear faster because EVs are heavier and deliver instant torque; rotations matter more.
- Coolant loops for battery and power electronics exist on many EVs—intervals vary by brand.
- Software updates are frequent; most are over-the-air and covered.
- High-voltage battery warranties are long and separate (commonly eight years with mileage caps), but they are not “maintenance plans.”
When you lease an EV, ask for the official service schedule. Many EV intervals are mileage- or time-based rather than “every oil change,” so it’s easier to predict costs during a 24–36-month lease.
Prepaid Maintenance: When It Makes Sense—and When It Doesn’t
What Prepaid Plans Usually Include
Prepaid manufacturer plans generally mirror the factory maintenance schedule: oil and filter changes, tire rotations, multipoint inspections, and scheduled fluids (brake fluid at two or three years, for example). Some plans include cabin and engine air filters; some don’t. Luxury plans may add spark plugs at extended intervals if your lease is long enough. Read the line-item list.
Residualization Explained
Some captive finance companies allow the cost of the prepaid plan to be residualized. Example: if you buy a plan that covers 5 services over 5 years but your lease is 36 months, you pay only the portion of plan value used during your term. This can make the monthly premium surprisingly low. Ask the finance manager to show you both scenarios: residualized vs. capitalized in full.
Simple Math Example
Suppose your car will need three oil/filter services and three tire rotations during a 36-month lease. If you pay retail, each service might run 120 for oil and 25 for a rotation, totaling roughly 435 plus taxes and shop fees over the term. If a prepaid plan costs 350 net for the same items and you can residualize half of that, your monthly delta could be only a few dollars. But if retail service at your trusted independent shop is cheaper than the plan, skip the plan and keep receipts.
When to Skip
- You drive low miles and will only hit one service interval.
- Your brand already includes complimentary maintenance for your full lease term.
- You prefer an independent shop and their pricing beats the plan, and your lease allows non-dealer maintenance using OEM-spec parts while preserving warranty.
Lease Agreements and Maintenance Obligations: Read the Fine Print
Minimum Maintenance Requirement
Most leases require you to maintain the vehicle according to the manufacturer’s schedule. The contract may not dictate where you get service, but it will demand proof that you did it on time. Keep every receipt; if the shop uses digital records, ask for printed or emailed copies and store them in a dedicated folder.
Normal Wear vs. Excess Wear
Leasing companies publish a wear-and-tear guide for lease-end inspections. Maintenance affects this more than you think. Uneven tire wear from skipped rotations, squealing brakes near metal-on-metal, or cracks from neglected chips can all become chargeable items.
Approved Fluids and Parts
Warranty law generally allows you to use equivalent OEM-spec parts and fluids outside the dealership. That said, using the wrong viscosity oil, a non-approved fluid, or substandard parts can jeopardize related warranty claims. If you service outside the dealer, specify OEM-equivalent parts and keep the documentation.
Service Timing
Time matters as much as miles. If your schedule says “12 months or 10,000 miles,” don’t wait until month 18 just because you didn’t hit the mileage. Lease-end inspectors can flag an overdue service as neglect.
Tires: The Expense Many Leasers Forget
Tires are rarely included. You are expected to return the car with safe, even tread and no sidewall damage beyond normal wear. Key points:
- Minimum tread depth requirements are spelled out in the lease-end guide; many lenders require at least 4/32″ to 1/8″ on all tires with even wear.
- Mismatched brands or sizes may trigger charges unless the lender’s guide allows equivalent replacements.
- Run-flat or acoustic-foam tires cost more; budget accordingly if your car uses them.
- Rotations at the recommended intervals reduce the chance you’ll buy a set before turn-in.
- Consider a road hazard plan if you live with potholes or construction debris.
Brakes, Wipers, and Other Wear Items
- Brake pads and rotors are consumables. If you drive aggressively or in dense traffic, expect at least one brake service within a 36-month lease. Some brands consider rotors wear items and replace them with pads; others resurface. Budget for your brand’s pattern.
- Wiper blades, bulbs (non-LED), and filters are small but add up if you ignore them. Replace them proactively before harsh seasons to avoid streaky visibility and extra labor charges.
- Alignments keep tires even. If your car pulls or the steering wheel is off-center, align it now—uneven wear is more expensive at turn-in than a quick alignment today.
Dealer vs. Independent Shop: What’s Allowed and What’s Smart
You can typically service a leased vehicle at any qualified shop that uses OEM-spec parts and keeps records. The dealership advantage is record integration: your services live in the manufacturer’s system, which makes lease-end and warranty claims smooth. A reputable independent can be more affordable, but confirm they document OEM-spec fluids and parts on the invoice. In either case, keep copies of everything.
EV-Specific Maintenance: Budget Reality Check
- Cabin filter: usually every 1–2 years.
- Brake fluid: often every 2–3 years regardless of miles.
- Tires: budget more than you think—EV weight and torque can shorten life; rotate on schedule.
- Coolant loops for battery and drive unit: interval varies; many won’t come due within a 36-month lease, but check the schedule for your model.
- Software: updates are covered; if a service visit is required, it’s typically warranty.
For many EV lessees, the only out-of-pocket maintenance during a three-year term is rotations, a cabin filter, and possibly a set of tires if mileage is high.
How Maintenance Choices Affect Lease-End Charges
Lease-end inspectors look for signs of neglect:
- Uneven tire wear from skipped rotations or poor alignment.
- Brakes below spec or metal-on-metal scoring.
- Service lights on, missed service milestones in the maintenance log, or “oil life 0%” at turn-in.
- Cracked windshields or ignored chips that spread.
- Odors and stains suggesting neglect of cabin filters and routine care.
You can usually fix small items cheaper yourself before inspection day than accept the leasing company’s fee. Schedule a pre-inspection 30–60 days before turn-in so you have time to address anything.
Budgeting Cheat Sheet: What to Set Aside Monthly
Here’s a conservative monthly set-aside for a typical 36-month lease (numbers vary by region and brand; adjust to your reality):
- Compact gas sedan: 25–35 per month for routine maintenance and wipers; 20–35 per month for future tires.
- Luxury SUV with run-flats: 35–50 per month for routine maintenance; 40–60 per month for tires.
- EV compact crossover: 15–25 per month for routine maintenance; 30–50 per month for tires.
If complimentary maintenance covers your whole term, drop the routine line to near zero—but keep the tire fund.
Negotiation Tips: Get the Maintenance You Want Before You Sign
- Ask whether complimentary maintenance applies to your specific VIN and how many services it includes.
- If you want “maintenance included,” request a manufacturer prepaid plan and ask if it can be residualized. Have the finance manager show the math both ways.
- If the plan includes services that won’t occur within your term, ask for the term-appropriate plan (you shouldn’t pay for services you will never reach).
- Request the official maintenance schedule printout and a copy of the plan contract. Verify that cabin filters, brake fluid, and rotations are included if those matter to you.
- Clarify whether service must be performed at the selling dealer or any franchised dealer.
Record-Keeping: Your Low-Cost Insurance Policy
Create a simple folder (paper or digital) for invoices, dealer RO numbers, and dates/miles of every service. Snap photos of odometer and receipts. At lease-end, you can demonstrate compliance in seconds and avoid “we can’t verify” fees. If you move or sell the lease to another party, those records preserve value.
Insurance, Road Hazard, and Glass: Separate From Maintenance—But Related
- Road hazard tire protection can save you from buying a new tire because of a single nail.
- Glass repair coverage turns a 300 windshield crack into a quick fix.
- Some policies bundle these; some dealers sell separate products. Compare prices with your insurer’s riders.
- If you commute long distances or on gravel-heavy roads, these add-ons can be cheaper than one big incident.
Regional Nuances: U.S., Canada, and Europe
- In many European markets, long service intervals are common, and maintenance-inclusive leases on corporate plans are more widespread.
- In the U.S. and Canada, complimentary plans are offered by several brands, but inclusion varies by trim and model year; prepaid plans are the universal fallback.
- Taxes and shop fees vary widely; budget with local quotes, not national averages.
Real-World Scenarios and What to Do
You Lease for 24 Months and Drive 8,000 Miles/Year
You’ll likely need one or two basic services. Complimentary plans may cover all of it. Skip prepaid unless it’s heavily discounted and residualized.
You Lease for 36 Months and Drive 15,000 Miles/Year
Expect three services and rotations, maybe a cabin filter and brake fluid depending on brand. Prepaid can make sense here—do the math versus retail. Budget seriously for tires.
You Lease a Performance EV
Rotations are critical; tires may be your biggest maintenance cost. Brake pads probably last the term. Software updates and occasional inspections will be covered.
You Lease a Luxury SUV With Air Suspension
Maintenance plans rarely cover air spring replacements—that’s a repair if it fails under warranty, not routine care. Still budget for higher tire costs, and follow alignment recommendations.
A Calm, Practical Note on Routines
Car care should fit your life, not become a source of stress. If you find yourself obsessing over tiny maintenance decisions, it’s okay to simplify your routine: follow the manufacturer schedule, choose a reputable service provider, keep receipts, and move on. For a completely different kind of palate cleanser after sifting through contracts and spreadsheets, some readers enjoy this gentle detour on symbolism and personal meaning: Flowers That Represent Freedom.
Bottom Line
Maintenance is not automatically included in a car lease, but you have options. Complimentary programs may cover your entire term, prepaid plans can bundle costs into your payment, and you can always pay as you go—so long as you follow the schedule and keep records. Decide what you value most: the lowest long-run cost (often pay-as-you-go), the most convenience (prepaid), or the simplest path (complimentary if your brand offers it). With a clear view of what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to plan for tires and other wear, you’ll enjoy the benefits of leasing without unpleasant surprises at turn-in.
FAQ’s
When you lease a car, is maintenance included?
Not by default. Warranty repairs and roadside assistance are usually included; routine maintenance may be complimentary for a limited time on some brands, or you can buy a prepaid plan. Otherwise, you pay for routine items.
Do I have to service at the dealership to keep my lease valid?
Typically no, but you must follow the factory schedule and use OEM-spec parts/fluids. Keeping records is essential.
Are oil changes covered under a lease?
Only if your vehicle comes with a complimentary maintenance program or you purchase a prepaid plan. Otherwise, they’re your expense.
Are tires covered?
No. Tires are a wear item. You must return the car with safe tread and no damage beyond normal wear, or you’ll be charged.
