Replacing tyres on lease car - can I use budget tyres?

On-the-coast

Hello
I need to replace front tyres on my lease car which is being handed back at end of March.
Question - can I replace with a budget equivalent of what’s on the car?
I.e. Hankooks on rear, black circles budget specials on front (exact same rating in every other respect)
My paperwork doesn’t seem to answer this...
Also, any reason why “summer tyres” would be a problem?
Thanks.

missile

Hankooks are budget tyres.
Why do you think summer tyres would be a problem?

You might be safer to consult your lease provider.

On-the-coast

In my size the hankooks are still £360 a pair (fitted) whereas the “budget” option is just under half that. You’re probably right about talking to the lease provider... but I wondered what the normal case was.
Summer... because I found a summer tyre option that was £90 a pair (unfitted)...
thank you.

On-the-coast

Answering my own question... the bvrla fair wear and tear standard says:
“Tyres... must comply with vehicle manufacturers recommendations of tyre type, class, size and speed rating for vehicle”
And
“replacement tyres should be in the same class as those which are sold on the new vehicle”
So budget is ok (by my reading...)

It’s still a little unclear whether it acceptable to mix tyre manufacturers (in pairs) I guess I’ll have to ask.

AndyMc.....

On-the-coast wrote: »

Answering my own question... the bvrla fair wear and tear standard says:
“Tyres... must comply with vehicle manufacturers recommendations of tyre type, class, size and speed rating for vehicle”
And
“replacement tyres should be in the same class as those which are sold on the new vehicle”
So budget is ok (by my reading...)

It’s still a little unclear whether it acceptable to mix tyre manufacturers (in pairs) I guess I’ll have to ask.

So not unbranded black circles ditchfinders.

Grey_Critic

From experience as a former service manager leasing companies normally have agreements in place with national companies. They do not accept budget tyres the polcy being replave like with like. When the lease ends and the vehicle is returned it will be inspected for damage etc. You might find yourself being chrged for new tyres if you fit budget. Are the tyres and service/repirs not part of the lease agreemnt?

macman

How can the average punter be expected to know the difference between a Dunlop and a ditchfinder? If the tyre is new and legal, and not a remould or 'pre-owned' tyre, then surely it complies?
The phrase 'same class' is so vague as to be meaningless.
My main concern in this instance is that the OP is contemplating fitting 'budget' tyres on which they will still be driving for 3 months in winter weather conditions.

On-the-coast

Thanks all.
No, the tyres are my responsibility.
I have every interest in fulfilling my obligations, but not to go beyond those contractual obligations. I have read all the documentation I’ve been provided, and what I’ve quoted is the only reference I’ve found to tyres.
I have emailed the lease provider for clarification.
If black circles can provide a tyre that meets the manufacturer requirements exactly then that’s what it will get (unless the lease company provides information to the contrary). I have a at least a month’s wear left so I’m not in a hurry. Tbh I’m second guessing the upcoming MoT anyway.

loskie

on the coast has hit the nail on the head with leasing. It's not your car (P&J) it is a commodity, white goods if you like. Treat it well, hand it back in good nick. But it's not yours so don't go overboard with adding value it is purely a numbers game.

As long as the tyres are legal and meet the spec. Size, load and speed rating then you should be fine UNLESS it specifically defines it in your contract ( VW Finance may do). Your sounds deliberately vague and puts the ball in your corner.
Don't make the mistake I did and leave the fitted rubber mats(I purchased) in the lease car on return and haggle on any damage costs. I got mine down to zero.

jimbo6977

"Class" in this context could also refer to the EU labeling scheme that classes tyres according to noise, wet performance, and fuel efficiency. Some budget tyres peform better than premium brands. Don't know if that says more about the tyres or the tests.

AdrianC

"Summer tyres" are... tyres. They're what 90%+ of tyres in the UK are. Not winter, not all-season.


"Class" is ambiguous, when it comes to brand - it certainly gives the lease company wiggle-room if you fit the cheapest possible unbranded rubbish. How much would you actually be saving per corner on the cheap rubbish, given that you still have to drive the car for three more months?