ESCONDIDO, CA, August 11, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Joseph Leggs, a mechanic, machinist, and engine and gearbox builder specializing in Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini vehicles, is urging drivers to stop overlooking the small warning signs their vehicles give them every day.

According to Leggs, one of the most common and avoidable mistakes people make is ignoring unusual sounds, dashboard warning lights, fluid leaks, or changes in the way a vehicle drives until the problem becomes much more serious.

"Too many people replace parts before they fully understand why something failed," Leggs said. "Diagnosis is often more valuable than the repair itself."

Having spent decades rebuilding engines, gearboxes, and high-performance vehicles, Leggs says nearly every major mechanical failure begins as a smaller issue.

"You can't rush quality work," he said. "Every step matters. The same is true for maintenance. Small problems are much easier to deal with before they become major ones."

The numbers show this is a widespread issue:
AAA responded to more than 27 million roadside assistance calls in 2024, with towing and battery problems making up nearly three-quarters of all incidents.
35% of Americans report delaying or skipping recommended vehicle maintenance.
The average vehicle on U.S. roads is now 12.6 years old, making preventive maintenance more important than ever.
AAA repair facilities report that 88% of motorists miss recommended brake fluid maintenance, while many also fall behind on transmission fluid, battery inspections, and coolant service.
In 2024 alone, approximately 13 million roadside assistance calls required towing, many of which could have been reduced through earlier maintenance.

Leggs believes many people simply become accustomed to small changes until they become impossible to ignore.

"Every component affects something else," he said. "You have to understand how the entire system works together."

His advice is based on lessons learned throughout his career, beginning with working alongside his father on construction sites and repairing family vehicles before starting an apprenticeship at a Porsche specialist shop.

"I've always enjoyed working with my hands and figuring out how things work," Leggs said. "That curiosity teaches you to pay attention before something breaks."

Vehicle Warning Sign Self-Check

Answer Yes or No to each question.

Have you ignored a dashboard warning light for more than a week?
Have you noticed a new noise but continued driving without having it checked?
Do you postpone scheduled maintenance because the vehicle still seems to run fine?
Have you skipped checking your oil or other fluid levels in the past three months?
Have you noticed vibrations, pulling, or changes in braking performance?
Are you unsure when your transmission, coolant, or brake fluids were last serviced?
Have you delayed replacing worn belts, hoses, or batteries because they "still work"?
Do you wait until something fails before scheduling repairs?
Have you driven after seeing fluid spots where your vehicle was parked?
Would you struggle to explain your vehicle's current maintenance schedule?
What Your Answers Mean

0–2 Yes answers

You're staying on top of maintenance.

Continue following your manufacturer's recommended service schedule.

3–5 Yes answers

You're increasing your chances of unexpected repairs.

Schedule a complete inspection and create a maintenance checklist.

6–10 Yes answers

Your vehicle may already be developing avoidable problems.

Arrange a thorough inspection as soon as practical and address safety-related concerns first.

What To Do Next

Did you answer "Yes" to any warning light or unusual noise?

→ Schedule an inspection before continuing long trips.

No warning lights, but maintenance is overdue?

→ Review your owner's manual and book the recommended service.

Unsure about your vehicle's history?

→ Gather service records and create a maintenance timeline.

Everything seems fine?

→ Spend 10 minutes each month checking tire pressure, fluid levels, battery condition, and visible leaks. Small habits often prevent larger problems.

"There's always something new to understand," Leggs said. "The day you think you know everything is the day you stop improving."

He believes that mindset applies just as much to vehicle ownership as it does to building engines.

Call to Action

Joseph Leggs encourages every driver to complete this self-check today. If any answers raise concerns, make a simple maintenance plan before small issues become major repairs. Share this checklist with friends and family so they can recognize warning signs early and help keep their vehicles safer and more reliable.

Vehicle maintenance awareness is about recognizing early warning signs, following recommended service schedules, and understanding how small mechanical issues can develop into larger repairs if ignored. Regular inspections and informed maintenance decisions can improve reliability, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and help drivers make better long-term choices about caring for their vehicles.

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