Preventative maintenance, also known as preventive maintenance, is a proactive approach to maintaining equipment, machinery, or systems to prevent breakdowns and prolong their lifespan. It involves regular inspections, servicing, and the replacement of parts or components to avoid unplanned downtime and costly repairs.
For example, in manufacturing, machines are often subject to preventative maintenance schedules that include tasks like oil changes, cleaning, and equipment calibration. This reduces the risk of equipment failure, ensuring smooth operations.
