Joseph Leggs, a mechanic and engine builder specializing in Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini vehicles, is alerting drivers about a costly mistake many make: ignoring small warning signs until they become major problems. Leggs, based in Escondido, CA, says that unusual sounds, dashboard lights, fluid leaks, or changes in driving behavior are often dismissed until it's too late.
"Too many people replace parts before they fully understand why something failed," Leggs said. "Diagnosis is often more valuable than the repair itself." With decades of experience rebuilding engines and gearboxes, he stresses that nearly every major mechanical failure starts as a smaller issue. "You can't rush quality work," he added. "Every step matters. The same is true for maintenance. Small problems are much easier to deal with before they become major ones."
The scale of the problem is significant. According to AAA, they responded to over 27 million roadside assistance calls in 2024, with towing and battery issues making up nearly three-quarters of incidents. Additionally, 35% of Americans admit to delaying or skipping recommended maintenance. With the average vehicle on U.S. roads now 12.6 years old, preventive care is more critical than ever. AAA repair facilities report that 88% of motorists miss recommended brake fluid service, and many fall behind on transmission fluid, battery checks, and coolant flushes. In 2024 alone, about 13 million calls required towing, many of which could have been avoided with earlier attention.
Leggs believes drivers become accustomed to subtle changes until they're impossible to ignore. "Every component affects something else," he explained. "You have to understand how the entire system works together." His insights come from a career that started with hands-on work alongside his father and later an apprenticeship at a Porsche specialist shop.
To help drivers assess their habits, Leggs offers a self-check: Have you ignored a dashboard warning light for over a week? Noticed a new noise but kept driving? Delayed maintenance because the car seems fine? Skipped checking fluids in three months? Felt vibrations or changes in braking? Unsure when fluids were last serviced? Put off replacing worn belts or batteries? Waited for failure before repairing? Driven after seeing fluid spots? Struggled to explain your maintenance schedule? If you answered yes to 3-5 questions, it's time for an inspection; 6-10 yes answers indicate potential problems already developing.
Leggs advises immediate action for warning lights or noises, booking overdue services, and creating a maintenance timeline. Even if everything seems fine, he suggests a 10-minute monthly check of tire pressure, fluids, battery, and leaks. "There's always something new to understand," he said. "The day you think you know everything is the day you stop improving."
This awareness matters because regular inspections and informed maintenance can improve reliability, reduce unexpected breakdowns, and help drivers make better long-term decisions about vehicle care. By paying attention to early signs, drivers can avoid the cost and inconvenience of major repairs.
