Matching Tires upon Lease Return

[sonnylax]

Anyone have an experience returning a Leaf without 4 matching tires?

After running over a curb, I had a tire blowout about 4-5 months back and had to replace one of the tires. I used the same size, rating, etc. - but I now have three original tires and one newer one. I've only put ~ 14k miles on the original tires, so they depth/wear should be fine.

In reading the end of lease documentation provided by NMAC, one of the things they can charge you for is having a tire that isn't part of a matching set. Do they expect me to replace all four tires, so they are all truly "matching"?

Thanks.

 

[garsh]

If it's the same brand & model of tire, you should be fine. If not, then you're at the discretion of the dealer/leaser as to what counts as a "match". Can you take your car to the dealer and ask them?

It might be worth your time to find a used OEM Leaf tire.

 

[TomT]

It's not up to the dealer. It is determined by the independent lease return inspector. Generally, it should not be an issue.

If it's the same brand & model of tire, you should be fine. If not, then you're at the discretion of the dealer/leaser as to what counts as a "match". Can you take your car to the dealer and ask them?

 

[davewill]

I had been worried about it on my lease return because I had two original and two Michelins, but the inspector didn't mention it, and I never got any guff about it later, either. If they do try to ding you for it, you should only need to replace the one non-matching tire...so long as the others have enough tread on them.

 

[LTLFTcomposite]

Probably nothing to be gained worrying about it at this point, see how the inspection turns out and deal with it then. Remember they allow a certain amount of wear/damage before considering anything "chargeable", then after that you'll get up to $500 forgiven if you are buying or leasing another Nissan. The last thing you want to do is spend money on the car unnecessarily just to turn it in.