Leasing a Car? How to Protect Paint and Avoid Lease Turn-In Charges

Know what your lessor counts as excess wear

Every lessor publishes wear-and-tear guidelines, often with a “credit card” rule for scratches and dents. Read yours early, ideally at signing.

Protect the front early

Rock chips on the bumper and hood are among the most common highway damage. A Partial Front or Full Front LLumar PPF package guards those areas, and film can be removed before turn-in if you prefer. See PPF starting prices

Choose a coating length that matches the lease

For a 2–3 year lease, Ceramic Pro Bronze (two-year warranty tier) or Sport (six-month warranty tier) matches the term. See ceramic packages. See ceramic coating starting prices

Door edges and loading ledges

Door-edge PPF and rear bumper loading-ledge PPF prevent the scuffs that show up in parking lots and when loading the trunk. See PPF starting prices

Interiors and odors

Stains, pet hair and smoke smell can trigger charges. Add-ons like stain treatment, pet-hair removal and ozone odor treatment are on our auto detailing page. Also see how to get smoke smell out of a car.

Detail before inspection

Book a Tier 2 or Tier 3 detail a few days before your inspection. Clean paint lets the inspector see the car accurately, and headlight restoration helps hazy lenses. Check can car detailing remove scratches? See detailing starting prices

Glass and tires

Windshield chips and worn tires are common lease-end items — we offer auto glass and tire service.

Keys

Missing a second key can be a charge too — see key replacement.

Frequently asked questions