A shortage of automotive repair parts is continuing to frustrated vehicle owners and mechanics. The ongoing shortage is creating long wait times for repairs, mechanics said.”There’s parts delays on everything as far as brakes, exhaust, tires,” said John Lightbown, service manager for Toyota of Portsmouth. “Lightbulbs are easy to get, but the stuff we really need to get people out on the road is very difficult to get right now.”According to industry experts, supply chain issues brought on by the pandemic, from factories shutting down to backed- up ports and transportation and staffing issues, have not caught up with increased demand.”Beyond semiconductors, these can be metal stamped components, these can be aluminum or iron castings, they could be plastic parts — I mean, a whole variety of parts that feeds the auto industry,” said Alan Amici, of the Center for Automotive Research. One woman told News 9 that her new car was recalled for a part at another dealership. She has been waiting eight days, and there isn’t a loaner available. A service manager in another town said he has had two customer vehicles waiting on the lot since April.”There have been incremental improvements,” Amici said. “The supply is getting better, but I think we’re going to still be having this discussion next summer.””All we can do is present it to the customer as best we can,” Lightbown said. “Have some sympathy for us.”Mechanics urged owners to keep their cars maintained to limit the need for major repairs. If possible, plan ahead with the mechanic so parts can be ordered and delivered before taking a vehicle in.