I’ve started to review the survey responses for the quarter, in preparation for releasing preliminary results to members in a few weeks. As always, this process leads to tweaks, as I refine the rules of what does and does not count as a repair for the purposes of this analysis.

A tweak I’m currently considering: excluding cleaning and lubrication as maintenance rather than repairs.

The number of repairs affected would not be large, perhaps because many people already do not report these items because they consider them to be maintenance. The repair of this type most often reported: lubrication of suspension parts to eliminate a squeak. Repairs that involve cleaning are much less common, and usually involve the engine’s intake and the sensors located there.

So, any reactions?