Curbside mailboxes include a flag mounted on a hinge. This flag is raised to indicate outgoing mail.
Routine maintenance once involved applying lubricating oil to the flag hinge. This step was performed periodically.
The application of oil to mailbox flag hinges no longer takes place.
Mailbox flags remain attached to boxes at driveways and streetsides. They continue to occupy their positions as part of curbside mail systems.
This setup exists without the prior hinge lubrication, marking the maintenance gap.