If you are coming to the end of a lease agreement, the condition of your wheels can cost you more than you might expect. Leasing companies inspect every car closely before they take it back, and kerbed or scuffed alloys are one of the most common reasons drivers are charged for damage. Getting the wheels repaired before the inspection is usually far cheaper than paying the leasing company’s own repair bill.
Key takeaways
- Kerbed or scuffed alloys are one of the most common reasons drivers are charged for damage.
- Light surface scuffing and small scratches under around 25mm are usually fair wear and tear.
- Kerb dents, cracks, corrosion and buckled wheels are usually chargeable.
- Getting the wheels repaired before the inspection is usually far cheaper than paying the leasing company’s own repair bill.
Fair wear and tear versus chargeable damage
Leasing companies use industry guidance on what counts as fair wear and tear and what does not; the MoneyHelper guide to Personal Contract Hire explains this in more detail and how the rest of your lease return inspection works. As a general guide:
| Type of damage | Usually fair wear and tear | Usually chargeable |
|---|---|---|
| Light surface scuffing from parking | Yes | No |
| Small scratches, roughly under 25mm | Yes | No |
| Kerb damage with a visible dent or gouge | No | Yes |
| Cracked or split alloy | No | Yes |
| Corrosion or flaking lacquer | No | Yes |
| A buckled or warped wheel | No | Yes |
Good to know
If you are not sure where your wheels fall, the leasing company’s own handback guidance takes priority; this table is a general starting point, not a substitute for their inspection criteria.
Common lease damage we see
Kerbing while parking is the most common cause, followed by potholes and tight multi-storey car parks. A harder knock may need a buckled wheel repair rather than a simple cosmetic fix, particularly if you have felt a vibration through the steering wheel at speed.
Tip
Check all four wheels properly, including the inner edge facing the kerb, where damage is easiest to miss.
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A buckled rim after a hard knock. -
Straightening a wheel in our workshop.
Our wheel repair services
- Alloy wheel repair and refurbishment for scuffs, scratches and general wear.
- Crack repair, backed by a 1 year warranty.
- Diamond cut alloy wheel refurbishment, restoring the original factory finish.
- Powder coating, backed by a 3 year warranty, in a wide range of colours and finishes.
- Buckled wheel repair, for wheels knocked out of shape by a pothole or impact.
We are the only company to offer a 3 year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut wheels. See our price list for current prices.
Book before your lease return date
Book at your nearest Alloy Fix workshop in Romford, Dartford or Hemel Hempstead. The earlier you book before your handback date, the more time we have to source the right finish.
- 800+ five-star reviews
- Rated 4.8★ on Google
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- 3-year warranty on powder coating and diamond cut
- 3 workshops: Romford, Dartford, Hemel
Frequently asked questions
Will the leasing company charge me for small scuffs?
Usually not. Light surface scuffing and small scratches under around 25mm are typically treated as fair wear and tear, but check your leasing company’s own handback guidance, as policies vary.
Is it cheaper to repair wheels myself before handback than let the leasing company charge me?
In most cases, yes. Leasing companies use third-party repairers and then pass the bill on to you, often with a mark-up, so arranging the repair yourself beforehand is usually cheaper.
What if one wheel is damaged? Should I get all four checked?
Yes, it’s worth it. An impact hard enough to damage one wheel can sometimes affect the others without it being obvious.
What warranty do I get on a repair before lease return?
Crack repairs carry a 1 year warranty. Powder coating and diamond cut work carry a 3 year warranty.
