How to Avoid Car Lease Fees: A Guide to Wear-and-Tear Guidelines
As your lease term nears its end in Northeast Ohio, the excitement of choosing a new 2026 INFINITI QX80 or QX60 is often tempered by "lease-end anxiety." Many drivers worry about being blindsided by high invoices for minor dings and scuffs. However, avoiding car lease fees is a matter of understanding the specific math of "excessive" wear and being proactive with your return strategy.
Detailing Common Chargeable Items: From Scratches to Tire Tread
Leasing companies expect "normal" wear—the kind of minor aging that happens during a typical commute on I-271. However, items that fall into the Excessive Wear and Use category will trigger a bill. Knowing the thresholds allows you to address them before they become a line item on your final statement.
Commonly flagged items include:
- Exterior Scratches and Dents: A general rule of thumb is the "Credit Card Test." If a scratch is longer than 3 inches or a dent is larger than a quarter, it is likely chargeable. Any damage that penetrates the paint to the metal or primer is almost always flagged.
- Tire Tread Under 1/8 Inch: Safety is paramount. If your tire tread depth is less than 1/8 inch (approx. 4/32"), you will be charged for a replacement set. Additionally, tires must be a matching set of a reputable brand to meet INFINITI Financial Services standards.
- Stained or Damaged Upholstery: While faint water marks might pass, permanent stains from ink, food, or chemicals, as well as any tears or cigarette burns in the leather or fabric, are high-cost recovery items.
- Chipped Glass: Windshield stars or cracks larger than a quarter, or any damage located directly in the driver’s line of sight, typically require a full replacement.
How a Pre-Inspection Allows for Cost-Effective Repairs
The secret to a $0-fee lease return is the Complimentary Pre-Inspection. Usually available 15 to 60 days before your maturity date, this inspection is performed by a third-party company like AIM (Alliance Inspection Management). This is a "no-penalty" evaluation that provides you with a detailed Condition Report.
Why this saves you money:
- Eliminate the Blame Game: You get a clear list of what the inspector sees, removing the stress of the "unknown" on the day you turn in the keys.
- Shop for Repairs: If the report flags a dent that will cost $400 in lease fees, you have time to visit a local Beachwood body shop. Often, Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) or a professional detailer can fix the issue for a fraction of the captive lender's standard "penalty" rate.
- Insurance Advantage: For larger items like windshields, a pre-inspection gives you time to file an insurance claim, where you might only be responsible for a small deductible rather than the full replacement cost.
By treating your lease return as a scheduled event rather than a deadline, you remain in control of the costs. Most "excess wear" fees are entirely avoidable with just a few weeks of preparation and a quick visit to a specialist.
Pro Tip for INFINITI Owners: If you decide to lease or purchase a new INFINITI within 30 days of your return, INFINITI may waive up to $500 of excess wear-and-use charges and your disposition fee. To learn more about your specific loyalty benefits, come to INFINITI of Beachwood and see a technology specialist for a lease-end consultation.