Understand tyre responsibility, maintenance packages and why your own lease agreement is the deciding document.
Who pays for tyres on a lease car?
There is no single answer for every lease. The contract decides. On a non-maintained lease, routine tyre replacement is commonly the driver’s responsibility. A maintained agreement may include tyres, but the scope, approved suppliers, exclusions and damage rules vary. Read the tyre and maintenance clauses before authorising work.
Start with the agreement
Check whether tyres are included for normal wear, whether punctures or accidental damage are excluded, whether there is a call-out process and whether you must use an approved network. Also check requirements for tyre make, specification, load/speed rating, run-flat construction or manufacturer approval.
When replacement is needed
Legal roadworthiness remains your responsibility while using the vehicle. Do not delay replacement because the car is due back soon. If wear is abnormal, investigate pressure, alignment or suspension so a replacement tyre is not damaged in the same way.
Think about the return inspection
Lease-return standards can be stricter than the legal minimum or can include wheel/tyre condition requirements beyond tread depth. Obtain the provider’s current return standard well before collection so you have time to inspect all four tyres and wheels.
Compare the real cost
If you are paying, compare like-for-like fitted prices including balancing, valves, disposal, delivery or mobile call-out. A cheaper tyre that does not meet the lease or vehicle specification is not a saving.
Lease, finance, hire, warranty and maintenance terms vary by provider and contract. Check the documents that apply to your vehicle before spending money or relying on general guidance.
What to do next
Gather the relevant contract, vehicle handbook, recent invoices and real mileage/cost figures. Compare like-for-like options over the same period rather than deciding from a headline monthly payment.