What type of maintenance involves regularly checking equipment to prevent future problems?

Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach that focuses on regularly scheduled checks and servicing of equipment to prevent unexpected failures and extend the lifespan of the assets. This type of maintenance involves routine inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and replacement of parts based on the manufacturer’s recommendations or industry best practices. By addressing potential issues before they lead to equipment breakdowns, preventive maintenance helps ensure that systems operate smoothly and efficiently.

This approach contrasts with other types of maintenance. Corrective maintenance occurs after a failure has happened, addressing and fixing issues that have already manifested. Predictive maintenance uses data analysis tools and techniques to predict when maintenance should be performed, relying on condition-monitoring tools to identify potential failures before they occur. Emergency maintenance, on the other hand, refers to urgent repairs needed after a sudden equipment failure, often in response to immediate problems that require immediate attention. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of preventive maintenance is its focus on scheduled, routine checks to maintain operational integrity and avoid future problems.