And that's why today cars have so much extra BS on them because most people just drive a car until it stops and then call for help. We need warning lights to tell drivers when a tire is low and when to change their oil or a CEL when things aren't kosher under the hood. How many people actually listen to their car anymore and can tell by ear if it's not running right? Or pay attention to that clunk in the rear because their lug nuts are loose which they don't discover until the wheel falls off (saw two last week). Or wonder what that squealing coming from the brake sensors happens to be. How many drivers actually know how to change a tire. I see people along the side of the road regularly standing with their spare out waiting for the HELP truck to change it for them. Those that have one that is but that's a whole different story.
Emission systems were created to keep cars running clean, adjust the timing and the fuel ratio for them because most drivers don't have routine maintenance like a tune up done when needed. They don't check fluid levels and air pressures regularly. But then again you go to a dealership for your 20K mile service and it's $900.00 for an oil change, tire rotation and air and cabin filter. So in a way can you blame them for ignoring these things and just turning the radio up louder.
OK, time to get down from my soap box.