What is the difference between corrective and preventive maintenance?

The distinction between corrective maintenance and preventive maintenance lies primarily in the timing and purpose of the actions taken regarding equipment maintenance.

Corrective maintenance is designed to address failures after they occur, which aligns with the selected answer. This approach involves repairing or replacing equipment components that have malfunctioned or broken down. The goal of corrective maintenance is to restore equipment to operational status as quickly as possible following a failure, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to operations.

On the other hand, preventive maintenance is a proactive strategy aimed at preventing equipment failures before they happen. It includes routine inspections, scheduled servicing, and actions taken to ensure that equipment operates smoothly and efficiently over its intended lifespan. The focus of preventive maintenance is to mitigate the risk of unexpected equipment failures, thereby extending the longevity of the machinery and improving its reliability.

This understanding of the distinct roles of corrective and preventive maintenance highlights why the timing and intent behind each maintenance type is critical in managing equipment and ensuring operational efficiency.