Upgrades Allowed on Lease Cars

It’s always tempting to modify and upgrade cars. Personalising the car you drive to make it look a little better or be a little more comfortable. Here are some upgrades allowed on lease cars.

Did you know that modifying or upgrading cars can not only be a lot of fun but also void warranties and insurance and sometimes break the law? 

Firstly, ‘lease cars’ include company cars, hire cars and cars your mechanic or insurance company may have provided you temporarily – basically, you’re driving a car that someone else owns.

Reverse Camera

If the car you’re driving doesn’t have a reverse camera, there are simple Bluetooth options available. These clip onto the back of the car (without damaging anything) and display the camera’s view on a screen you can attach in the cabin. They are a fantastic safety feature and a must-have car feature for first-time drivers. Most don’t require expensive modifications or taking apart vehicle panels. A recent US study found that ‘backup cams’ can reduce driveway reversing accidents by 90%!

Cargo Barrier

More applicable in SUVs and larger vehicles, these are fixed metal ‘cages’ that secure between the cargo area and passenger cabin. Most examples secure to the inside of a vehicle via the grab handles, however, some require minor modifications. Their purpose is to provide protection from unsecured luggage in the event of hard braking or an accident. Additionally, cargo barriers prevent dogs from straying into the backseats.

Alarm

Did you know that some insurance policies will actually lower the premium amount when an alarm is installed in a car? Like with most things in life, the higher the price, the better the quality – this rings true with car alarms. Most alarms installations require running cables and attaching sirens and sensors to the body of the car so make sure to talk to a professional about which option is best for the vehicle you’re driving.

Car Theft Facts In 2019:

• Holden VE Commodore – the most stolen vehicle
•  Victoria – the state with the most vehicle thefts (13,912)
• Keys that were stolen in burglary – the most common way cars were stolen

Wind Deflectors / Rain Guards

These are slightly tinted plastic ‘shields’ that fit over the top of side windows. They allow you to open the window without too much wind noise or rain coming in. Obviously, in pouring rain or high speed they struggle, but they’re great for around town. There are also bonnet-mounted plastic protectors available which clip onto the front of your bonnet and protect it from stone chips. These are better for highway driving. 

Rear Seat Entertainment

Not a cheap option, but a good one for the kids, especially on long road trips. A clip-on screen that pairs via Bluetooth is a great source of entertainment. Some examples simply strap over the front seat headrest, taking seconds to install. Many have USB inputs and wireless headsets so you won’t be bothered while rear passengers watch movies. Selecting an ideal vehicle for a road trip may be a better option when leasing a car as some come with entertainment systems from the factory.

The Bottom Line

Of course, you’ll have to check the upgrades allowed on lease cars before modifying anything. The above upgrades are all simple and easy to do, even for the ‘less-than-DIY-friendly’ drivers. If you’re stuck for ideas, take a wander in your auto parts shop like Supercheap Auto or Autobahn.

Angela Monroe

Angela Monroe is the Community Manager at The Positive Group, specialising in giving people the information that they need when they need it, and putting you on the path to a fair financial future. She has 8 years of experience in helping Australians find the right finance solutions, and regularly contributes articles to empower Australians with the knowledge they need to become financially healthy.