Can you modify a leased car?

Leasing a car is a great way to enjoy all of the benefits of a new-to-you car without a large initial outlay. However, you might find yourself wondering if you’re allowed you make the kind of tweaks or modifications you’d like without invalidating your lease. Modifying a leased car can sometimes be possible, but it’s not always straightforward.

Modifying a lease car

There are a lot of different types of modifications you might want to carry out, from branded decals for your small business to ways to improve functionality. Whether these are permitted or not depends on the details in your lease agreement – as well as how permanent the modifications are.

When you lease a car, it’s still owned by the dealership or finance provider and when your lease is up, you’re expected to return your vehicle in the same condition it was leased in. While there is of course some provision for wear and tear, modifications don’t fall under the same rule.

This means that if you want to make changes to your car, it’s very important you speak to the lease holder beforehand. If you make changes without permission, you may invalidate your car warranty and cause yourself some big headaches.

What kind of modifications might be accepted?

While the modifications your lease provider is likely to accept will vary widely, there are a few that are generally accepted to be more acceptable than others. For personal leases, these include things like a tow bar a dashboard camera and a black box. The last two can be very useful if you are in an accident and are well worth considering.

If you’re leasing a commercial vehicle, there are a few other modifications that may be considered acceptable. These could be things like roof racks or vehicle wrappings that allow you to advertise your business on your car or van.

Another common modification for lease vans is the addition of van ply lining, which can help protect the interior from damage and ensure that the van is returned in good condition. If you’re leasing an expensive vehicle, the finance provider may also ok a vehicle tracking device, to help you recover the vehicle if it’s lost or stolen.

What kind of modifications aren’t allowed

There are some modifications that are very unlikely to be allowed by your lease provider. For example, permanent body modifications that change the way the vehicle drives or looks are generally prohibited. This could be anything from adding a spoiler to making changes to the suspension. Likewise, altering the wheel arches, changing the exhaust system or swapping out the upholstery could result in problems.

If you are thinking about making any kind of modification to a car you’ve leased, be sure to get the all clear from your finance provider first. Or if you’re thinking of leasing a car, ask about modifications before making your decision. If the changes are allowed, then remember that they must be reversible and keep hold of all of your receipts and paperwork.