Leased Vehicle Maintenance Neglect
Could Mean Trouble Down The Road For Consumers
So
you're in the market for a used car. More than likely, at the top of your wish
list are low mileage and a low price. You want to know you're not getting a lemon,
and you'll do anything to avoid doing business with the stereotypical used car
dealer - the one with the loud voice, loud clothes and big sales pitch.
Over the last few years, consumers have had a new, viable option when shopping
for a used vehicle - previously owned lease cars. They usually are relatively
new, have low mileage and look good. And considering the fact that approximately
30% of the personal vehicles on the road today are leased, there are plenty of
choices when it comes to buying a used lease car. An estimated 62% of returned
lease cars will be sold at auctions this year alone.
On the surface, it sounds like a good deal. And it might very well be. But first,
you'd better take a close look under the hood. These vehicles may not be such
prime condition, after all.
Negligent Driving
According to a survey released by the Franchise Finance Corporation of America
in June 2001, 60% of lube operators have noticed a decline in car count. That
means fewer cars are getting oil and filter changes. The growing popularity of
leased vehicles is cited as a contributing factor to these falling numbers. Leasing
customers know they will be turning their cars in before any serious trouble develops.
Many of these individuals therefore have little incentive to exert the time and
expense necessary to carry out routine preventative maintenance.
Unfortunately, leasing companies can be equally negligent in enforcing maintenance
requirements as outlined in lease agreements. Contracts typically include language
surrounding the "Excessive Wear and Use" of a vehicle. Instructions are also given
to perform maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
That includes: maintaining proper fluid levels, changing the oil and oil filter
regularly, rotating tires and maintaining tire pressure, and inspecting and replacing
belts and hoses. Lessees are even told to keep service records for review at the
end of the contract.
But when it comes time to turn the car in, lessors are more interested in aesthetics
and low mileage. What does the car look like? Are there dents, broken glass, chips
in the paint? Above all else, is the customer happy? Repeat business is a major
goal. Companies strive to preserve good relationships with customers as they shop
for new vehicles and therefore shy away from demanding proof of maintenance. Cars
are returned and made ready for resale after undergoing repairs that, according
to Walker Manufacturing (a subsidiary of Tenneco), average $225 in cosmetics and
$175-200 in mechanical for a vehicle coming off a 3-year lease.
The Hazards of Ignoring Car Care
But what about the car that went 36,000 miles without an oil change? Believe it
or not, it happens. Or perhaps the oil was just not changed on a regular basis.
Even delays of a few weeks or months can make a difference in the longevity of
your car. In fact, due to the frequent stop-and-go driving and idling common to
drivers today, you should follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for
severe driving.
This is critical because motor oil does more than just lubricate your engine.
Among other things, it allows for easy starts, reduces wear, guards against rust
and corrosion, keeps the internal engine parts clean, and acts as a coolant. Regular
replacement of oil and filters enhances engine life and performance more than
any other single thing the car owner can do. When oil gets low, cooling is seriously
compromised. The longer oil stays in a car, the more acid is produced. That leads
to rusting, corrosion, and even failed engines.
National Car Care Month is a movement that began in Ohio in 1980 to educate motorists
about the benefits of proper maintenance. The program has since spread nationwide
through the efforts of the Car Care Council, a non-profit organization based in
Port Clinton, Ohio. As part of an ongoing public awareness campaign, each October
inspection lanes are set up by sponsoring local organizations and businesses,
and Car Care Council offers free safety and emissions checks.
In 2000, 77% of all vehicles tested were found to be in need of repair or maintenance
with low or dirty engine oil, low tire pressure, inadequate cooling protection,
faulty belts and dirty air filters topping the list of concerns. Inattention to
these details is often a precursor to early failure of an engine, transmission
or braking system. Repair costs, obviously, can be staggering. What most people
don't realize is that 5.2% of all motor vehicle accidents are caused by car neglect.
A sobering consequence, indeed.
What Can You Do?
So how do you keep from being a statistic? Some used lease cars may be great deals.
But you need to be sure. Ask for documentation - proof that the vehicle received
regular maintenance as outlined by the manufacturer. If it's not available, keep
shopping. Purchasing a car is a big investment. You want a reliable product -
one you can count on for the long haul.
Founded in 1987, Dallas, Texas-based Automotive Oil Change Association is a not-for-profit
trade association dedicated to enhancing the professionalism of fast lube operations
and to educating the public on the importance of automotive maintenance. AOCA
champions the provision of vehicle maintenance histories for fast lube customers.
