What tread depth does a lease car need at return?

At least the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, on every tyre including a spare.

Do lease car tyres have to be a premium brand?

They have to match the manufacturer's recommended type, size and speed rating. The standard does not name brands, so check what your agreement says.

Can I be charged for tyres when I return a lease car?

Yes. Every tyre, including a spare, must be at least at the UK legal tread depth and must match the manufacturer's specification for the car. A tyre with a cut, cracking or sidewall damage is chargeable even with plenty of tread, and passing an MOT does not settle the question.

Last reviewed 13 November 2026. Every figure links to its source.

The rule

The BVRLA standard requires tyres to meet the legal minimum and to be the type, size and speed rating the manufacturer specifies. There must be no damage to the sidewall or tread and no cracking.¹²³ The legal minimum for a car is 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the tyre.

What tyre charges cost

Decision	Fault	Charge
DRN-6074117	Cuts to two tyres	£108.99 each, reduced by the firm from £157.23
DRN-5588300	One cracked tyre	£105

Arguments that have not worked

"It passed its MOT." One customer showed the car passed an MOT after return. The ombudsman accepted the leasing standard is a different test from road legality.¹
"The driver said it was fine." A customer was told at collection that a tyre was legal. The later inspection found cracking and the £105 charge stood.²

What to check before you pay

Ask for the photograph of each tyre charged and what fault it shows.
Check the charge against the cost of a like-for-like tyre. The ombudsman looks at whether a charge is proportionate to the work needed.⁴
If the firm charged for a premium tyre where a matching budget tyre was fitted when delivered, say so.

Before the car goes back

Check all tyres, including any spare, for cuts and uneven wear about three months before return. Replacing a damaged tyre yourself with the correct specification is usually cheaper than the end of contract charge.

Quick answers

What tread depth does a lease car need at return?: At least the UK legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread, on every tyre including a spare.
Do lease car tyres have to be a premium brand?: They have to match the manufacturer's recommended type, size and speed rating. The standard does not name brands, so check what your agreement says.