Which statement best describes preventive maintenance?

• A. Proactive inspections and servicing to prevent equipment failure
• B. Monitoring only production metrics
• C. Repairing only after failure
• D. Replacing parts regardless of wear

Answer: (A)

Preventive maintenance is a proactive approach that uses regular inspections and scheduled servicing to prevent equipment failure. By addressing wear, lubrication, alignment, and necessary adjustments before a fault occurs, it reduces unplanned downtime, extends asset life, and keeps performance stable. Monitoring production metrics alone tracks performance rather than taking actions to prevent problems. Repairing after a failure is reactive maintenance, and replacing parts without wear wastes time and resources. So, proactive inspections and servicing to prevent failures best describe preventive maintenance.