What is a common consequence of neglecting regular maintenance on equipment?

Neglecting regular maintenance on equipment often leads to an increased likelihood of breakdowns and costly repairs. When maintenance is overlooked, small issues can go unnoticed and can escalate into significant problems that require extensive repairs or even complete equipment failure. This not only disrupts operations but can also lead to unplanned downtime, which can be incredibly costly for a business. Regular maintenance helps to identify and resolve minor issues before they become serious, ensuring that the equipment remains operational and efficient. Additionally, responding to repairs after an equipment failure tends to require more resources and time compared to regular upkeep, making it financially burdening in the long run. Therefore, the consequence of neglecting maintenance is predominantly associated with increased repair needs and operational risks.