Can You Put New Rims On A Leased Car?

Putting new rims on your car is a great way to improve its aesthetics and change the style to suit your preferences. However, if your car is on a lease, then you might have to think twice before changing the rims.  

You can put new rims on a leased car, but be sure to replace them with the originals before returning the car. You can also add window tint or a vehicle wrap to your leased car, provided that the changes don’t violate your agreement. Avoid making modifications to the engine or the suspension.

Making modifications to your leased car can be quite tempting, but before you proceed, you should always consider whether they can be made without violating your lease agreement. Let’s take a closer look at the modifications that are permitted and those you should definitely avoid.

Can You Put New Rims on a Leased Car?

You can replace the rims on your leased car if you want to give it a different look. But make sure that you keep the originals in a safe place, and then put them back on your car at the end of the lease. 

If you need to change the wheels or tires due to wear and tear, it’s better to communicate with your lessor to check whether they’re under warranty and to make sure that replacing them won’t cause any trouble. 

Which Modifications Are Allowed on a Lease? 

If you want to make modifications to your leased car, it’s best to keep them straightforward and reversible because you’ll have to return your leased car in its original condition.

Let’s look at a few non-permanent modifications that are typically permitted for a leased vehicle. However, before proceeding with any of these changes, make sure that your lease agreement doesn’t specifically prohibit them.

Window Tinting

Window tinting means applying a thin laminated film to your car window to ensure thermal insulation, glare reduction, and privacy. It’s a very popular aftermarket update that changes a car’s appearance and reduces the strain on its air conditioning system. 

If window tinting is allowed in your agreement and is compliant with your state laws, then it’s possible that this service is also offered by your dealer as an upgrade. You may even be able to return the car without removing the tint.      

If you choose a third party for this service, make sure to hire a reputable shop to protect yourself from any financial consequences at the end of the lease.

You can also purchase window tint film (on Amazon) and apply it yourself.

Vehicle Wrap

An exterior vinyl wrap is an excellent way to change your car’s color without applying a new coat of paint. In addition, it helps to protect your car from minor nicks and scratches. The best part is that you can easily peel it off to return the car to its original color when the lease is up.

Vinyl wraps come in a range of colors and styles, such as chrome (on Amazon) and matte black (also on Amazon).

Seat Covers

Whether you go for a custom-fit product or choose a generic slipcover, seat covers not only protect the upholstery but also change the look of your car’s interior. Also, this modification is easy to remove.  

Consider going for a fun design — like these forest mushroom covers (on Amazon) — or something more classy and elegant, like these black leather covers (also on Amazon).

Wheels and Tires

Avoid tires that can damage other car systems such as the suspension and go for a compatible setup that suits your requirements. Remember to put the original tires back once the lease has expired!

Which Modifications Aren’t Allowed on a Lease? 

Carrying out significant alterations to your leased car can void the manufacturer’s warranty and hold you responsible for repairs and a diminished vehicle value. 

The following are some modifications that typically aren’t allowed on your leased car:

Engine Tuning

Tuning helps to program the computer that controls engine performance. It also helps to improve accelerations. Nonetheless, on a leased car, carrying out these changes is a recipe for disaster.

Exhaust System

Installing a performance exhaust system offers a horsepower increase as well as an engaging sound, but modifying your leased car in this way can only lead to headaches when your lease is up. 

This is particularly the case when you make changes to your catalytic converter or some other pollution control system. 

Suspension Upgrade

Raising the suspension on your flashy new pickup or SUV can be quite tempting, but doing this on a leased car is a clear no-no.

Just like with other substantial mechanical modifications, this will be considered a violation of the lease agreement, and you’ll have to pay a handsome sum to restore it to its original condition.     

Turbocharging/Supercharging

Installing an aftermarket supercharger or turbocharger to crank up the performance may seem enticing, but this change to the engine can be easily spotted and is definitely not worth the expense and hassle to reverse.

In addition, power upgrades like these can damage the transmission, engine, or both.

Seat Upgrade

Replacing the original front seats of your leased car with sleek sporty versions or aftermarket leather upholstery can become problematic when it’s time to return the car, irrespective of how attractive the change looks. It’s better to just change the covers, as we mentioned above.