Servicing Your Leased Pickup Truck
- By
Donna
Bio
Over the past few years, pickup trucks have become increasingly popular with businesses and private individuals alike thanks to their robust style and impressive flexibility.
Boasting the style of a modern 4X4 with the load space and practicality of a van, pickup trucks are the ideal vehicle for combining work and family life, with the award-winning Mitsubishi L200, the popular Nissan Navara and the best-selling Ford Ranger all standing out for their style, practicality and impressive power.
But just like a lease car or a lease van, pickup trucks also need servicing and maintaining on a regular basis to stay in tip top working order. But what exactly is included on a service for a pickup truck, how often are the service intervals and should you use a main dealer to carry out your service?
To help answer all these questions and more, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a short guide to servicing your leased pickup truck.
What is included in a service for my pickup truck?
As part of your lease agreement with the finance provider, it is your responsibility to ensure that your leased pickup truck is maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines at a dealership or garage approved by the finance provider.
Depending on the mileage, age and model of your vehicle, this may be a full service or an interim service. These services are typically required at certain mileage points during the life of the vehicle or every 12-24 months.
Just like a car service or a van service, the purpose of a pickup service is to check and replace the parts which wear down over time and use. Parts of the pickup truck that are usually checked as part of a full service include:
- Air Filters
- Brake pads, Drums and Discs
- Clutch
- Coolant (Antifreeze)
- Engine and gearbox mounts
- Engine oil
- Exhaust
- Gearbox
- Lights
- Steering and Suspension
- Timing and Auxiliary Belts
- Tyre Condition and Pressure
- Wiper Blades
Once all these checks have been carried out, the servicing agent will stamp the vehicle’s service book (if not held electronically) and the servicing light on the dashboard will be reset.
Why is it important to get my lease pickup truck serviced?
As well as being part of your contract, there are plenty of good reasons to get your leased pickup truck serviced on a regular basis:
Pickup truck service
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Running efficiency
The running efficiency of the vehicle is kept at an optimum level, helping you to save you money on fuel
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Wear and tear
The checking of parts for wear and tear increases the safety of your pickup on the road as well as the possibility of incurring fair wear and tear charges at the end your lease contract
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Service checks
Service checks can help to nip any future problems in the bud, helping to avoid any costly breakdowns or repair jobs that may arise
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Vehicle lifespan
Services can help to increase the lifespan of the pickup so if you decide to extend your lease pickup or even purchase it at the end of the contract
How often are the service intervals on my lease pickup?
As each pickup is different, it is vitally important that you read the manufacturer’s handbook supplied with the vehicle to find out the required service intervals for your particular model. If you do not have your manufacturer's handbook to hand, you can check the manufacturer’s website for further information.
Is maintenance and servicing included in my monthly payments?
Not unless you have opted for a maintenance package when you ordered your pickup. Available as an optional monthly cost, the maintenance package includes all servicing on the vehicle but it MUST be applied at point of order, it cannot be added on at a later stage.
A maintenance contract usually includes:
- Mechanical and electrical repairs or replacements, including associated parts and labour due to fair wear and tear Bulbs, Batteries, Exhausts, Cam Belts, Wiper Blades, Alternators & Starter Motors
- MOT tests and routine servicing
- Premium tyre replacements including valve and balance
- Free mobile tyre fitting service at a convenient location for you (dependent upon finance provider)
- No recharges for punctures or damaged tyres (dependent upon finance provider)
Please note that without a maintenance package, you are responsible for all maintenance and servicing costs for the vehicle throughout the duration of your contract.
Do I have to use a main dealer to service my lease pickup?
If you have a maintenance package, the finance company will advise you on how to book your pickup truck in for its annual service and/or MOT (if required).
If you do not have a maintenance package included in your contract, you must arrange the servicing and/or MOT whenever it is required.
You are advised to go to a local main dealer to have your vehicle serviced but if you’d prefer using a local garage, it must be VAT registered and genuine manufacturer parts must be used on the vehicle. Please make sure that the service light on the dashboard is reset and that your service handbook is stamped.
Please note, some finance providers, such as Mercedes-Benz Finance, specify that the vehicle must be serviced at an authorised dealership, therefore, it is important that you check your finance documentation before booking your pickup in for a service to ensure you are following the correct guidelines.
I need to replace the tyres on my leased pickup, what brand should I use?
If you need to replace the tyres on your lease pickup truck, it is important that you select the right size and weight for your vehicle. Most finance providers also stipulate that you use a premium brand, such as Pirelli, Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear or Dunlop.
For more information choosing the right tyre for your vehicle, read our Tyre Classification guide here.
Still have a question about servicing your lease pickup? Leave us a comment below or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 to speak to one of our leasing specialists.