"Maintenance included" what does it mean?

You know the feeling. A dashboard light pops up, the garage calls with "a few things we noticed", and a bill you hadn't planned for lands right before payday.

It happens frequently. And it's why one line on a lease quote, "maintenance included", is getting a second look from drivers who used to scroll straight past it.

So what does it actually mean? What's covered, what isn't, and is it worth paying for?

What "maintenance included" actually means

A maintenance package is usually an optional add-on for a leased vehicle that rolls the cost of looking after your car into one fixed monthly payment for the length of your contract.

If a leasing deal says maintenance is included, its cost is already built into the monthly price you see. There's no separate bill on top for the work the package covers, so the figure on the deal is the figure you budget for. Just check the deal details to see exactly what that monthly price includes.

Instead of paying for a service, a set of tyres or new brake pads as and when they come up, you pay a set amount each month alongside your lease rental. When the car needs work, you call a number, book it into an approved garage, and the bill goes to the provider rather than to you.

It isn't the same as a warranty. A manufacturer warranty covers faults, like a part failing early. A maintenance package covers the things that wear out simply because you drive the car.

On most leases it isn't included as standard. You choose whether to add it when you order.

What's usually covered, and what isn't

Packages vary between providers, so the contract is always the final word. As a general guide, based on What Car?'s leasing maintenance guide:

The short version: a package pays for the predictable stuff. It doesn't pay for the unpredictable stuff you cause.

What drivers are saying

Opinion is genuinely split, and that's worth knowing before you decide.

For some, it's about peace of mind. The appeal is never having to budget for the car beyond one monthly figure, and never having to haggle with a garage over a quote.

Others prefer to pay as they go. At a Fleet News roundtable, some fleet managers explained they'd split maintenance out of their leases so they could control costs themselves. Several also felt maintenance on electric cars had been priced cautiously, given that many of their EVs needed very little work.

You'll find the same question asked again and again by everyday drivers too. On Reddit's CarTalkUK forum, people have started threads asking whether it makes sense to add the maintenance package to a lease, and looking for advice on service and maintenance packages before signing.

The common thread across both camps? Nobody regrets knowing what they've signed up for. The frustration comes from assuming something was covered when it wasn't.

Is it worth it? It depends on how you drive

The honest answer is that a maintenance package suits some drivers far better than others. What Car?'s rule of thumb is that drivers covering around 20,000 miles a year or more are more likely to benefit, while low-mileage drivers are often better off paying as they go.

There's also a value you can't put a number on: time. No ringing round for quotes, no wondering whether the work is needed. For plenty of people, that alone settles it.

Leasing, buying, PCP and subscription: who pays for maintenance?

• Personal or business lease. You're responsible for keeping the car serviced to the manufacturer's schedule, whether you add a package or not. A package simply means someone else arranges and pays for it.
• Buying outright or on PCP. You own the costs. Many manufacturers sell service plans that spread the cost of scheduled servicing, but these usually don't cover tyres or brakes.

• Car subscription. Subscriptions are typically built around a single monthly payment with more of the running costs bundled in. Wagonex subscriptions come with maintenance included, so it's already part of the monthly price you see.

• Company car drivers. Maintenance is normally handled by your employer's leasing arrangement. Check your driver handbook before booking anything yourself.
  

Don't forget the MOT

In England, Scotland and Wales, a new car generally needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year after that.  On a two- or three-year lease, you may never need one, but on a longer contract, or a used car lease, you may, and it's worth checking whether your package covers it.

Five questions to ask before you sign

1. Are tyres included, and how many?
2. Are brakes, exhausts, batteries and wipers covered?
3. Is breakdown cover or a replacement car part of the package?
4. Which garages can I use, and how do I book?
5. Does it cover an MOT if my contract runs past three years?

If the answers don't match how you actually drive, the package isn't right for you, and that's ok.

The bottom line

"Maintenance included" is less about saving money and more about removing surprises. For high-mileage drivers, busy families and anyone who hates garage admin, it can make running a car feel a lot simpler. For low-mileage drivers on short contracts, paying as you go is often the better bet.

Read what's covered, compare it to how you really use your car, and choose the option that lets you stop worrying about the next bill.

FAQs 

Do lease cars include maintenance? Not usually as standard. On most leases you're responsible for servicing the car to the manufacturer's schedule, and you can choose to add a maintenance package that covers it for a fixed monthly amount. At Wagonex Leasing, you can choose either maintenance included or maintenance as an additional cost.

What does a lease maintenance package cover? Exactly what's included varies, so always check the contract.

Does a maintenance package cover tyres?  Some packages exclude tyres, and damage such as a puncture or a kerbed tyre is usually not covered.

Is a maintenance package worth it? It depends on your mileage and how much you value a fixed cost. Higher-mileage drivers are more likely to benefit; low-mileage drivers on short contracts are often better off paying as they go.

Do I need an MOT on a lease car? Only if the car reaches three years old during your contract. A new car's first MOT is due by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year.

What happens if I don't service my lease car? You could face charges at the end of the contract. Lease cars are usually checked against the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guide, and a full service history is part of returning the car in good condition.

Can I add maintenance after my lease has started? It depends on the provider. It's simplest to decide when you order, as adding it later may mean reissuing the agreement.

Thinking about your next car? Browse lease deals on Wagonex and choose your term, mileage and initial payment when you order. Finance subject to status.