As more Canadians return to the office, OK Tire is warning drivers to give their vehicles a closer look — or risk costly repairs down the road.
Canadians’ commute times are on the rise for the fourth year in a row, according to Statistics Canada. In May 2025, 82.6 per cent of employed people worked most of their hours outside the home, up from 81.3 per cent a year earlier. That’s a jump from the pandemic-era low of 75.7 per cent in 2021.
The independent tire and auto service network asked its licensed technicians to share the most common maintenance issues drivers ignore. Here are the top five:
Dashboard warning lights
Many drivers dismiss the “check engine” light if the car seems fine. But ignoring it can hide bigger problems like failing sensors or transmission issues. A $100 fix today could turn into a repair bill in the thousands.
Uneven tire wear and low tread
Subtle wear patterns often signal misalignment, suspension problems or underinflation. These issues reduce fuel efficiency, shorten tire life and compromise safety.
Brake noise or vibration
Squealing or grinding brakes may seem harmless if the car still stops, but they often point to worn pads or warped rotors. Left unchecked, they can lead to full brake failure.
Fluid leaks
Even a few drops of oil or coolant can indicate gasket or radiator problems. Running low on fluids accelerates wear and can destroy an engine or transmission.
Strange noises
Clunks, rattles or vibrations often mean worn suspension parts or failing wheel bearings. Ignoring them can cause major damage to larger systems.
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