Maintenance Overview: Definition, Types, Examples & How It Differs from Repair

Maintenance keeps assets working, prevents failures, and controls costs. This guide is for anyone wanting to understand the basics of maintenance, the difference between maintenance and repair, and how to set up an effective program. The correct spelling is "maintenance"; common misspellings like maintenance are addressed in the FAQs.

What “maintenance” means

To define maintenance simply: it’s the routine work done on equipment to keep it running properly and extend its life. Maintenance is proactive, focused on preventing problems, not just fixing them. For example, regularly changing an HVAC filter keeps air flowing and breakdowns at bay.

Common types of maintenance

Selecting the right type ensures reliability and cost control:

Preventive maintenance

Regular, scheduled tasks to reduce breakdowns and maximize uptime. Learn more about preventive maintenance.

Corrective / Reactive maintenance (repairs)

Performed after the equipment fails. Repair and maintenance are often costly if relied on too much.

Predictive maintenance (PdM)

Uses data and sensors to flag issues before failure happens, so you fix things only when needed.

Condition-based maintenance (CBM)

Tasks depend on the actual condition of equipment, not a preset schedule.

Planned overhaul/refurbishment

Full restoration is performed occasionally, often during shutdowns, for older or critical assets.

Run to failure (RTF)

Letting non-critical, cheap assets run until they break, then replacing or repairing them.

Maintenance vs Repair What’s the difference?

For critical assets, use a mix but prioritize maintenance to avoid costly repairs.

Why maintenance matters

A good maintenance program keeps equipment running, cuts costs, improves safety, and helps with budgeting. For instance, regular checks on a pump can stop repeated failures and expensive downtime.

Benefits:

• More uptime
• Lower total costs
• Safer, compliant operations
• Predictable spending
• Better data for decisions

Quick maintenance checklist (daily → annual)

Use this sample maintenance checklist to stay organized:

Daily:

• Check equipment for leaks, noises, and wear
• Top off fluids
• Clean work areas

Weekly:

• Lubricate parts
• Calibrate gauges
• Replace simple filters

Monthly:

• Inspect components
• Test backups
• Tighten hardware

Quarterly:

• Analyze vibrations
• Inspect electricals
• Review logs

Annually:

• Overhaul main equipment
• Run compliance checks
• Review entire program

How to start (or improve) a maintenance program:

1. List all assets.
2. Rank by how critical they are.
3. Create basic preventive tasks for important equipment.
4. Choose a tracking method (spreadsheet or CMMS).
5. Train your team and standardize task codes.
6. Start monitoring conditions on 1–2 key assets.
7. Track key stats and adjust as needed.
8. Manage spare parts and vendor relationships.

KPIs & metrics every maintenance leader should track

• Uptime / Availability: % time equipment works
• MTBF: Average time between failures
• MTTR: Time to fix after failure
• Planned vs. Reactive Work: % scheduled vs emergency repairs
• Work Order Completion Rate: % of tasks done
• Maintenance Cost per Asset: Cost per item/hour
• Spare Part Stockouts: Frequency of running out

Common misspellings & search tips

People search for maintenance using misspellings like: maintanance, maintance, maintainence, maintenace, mainteance, maintinance, matience. Always use the correct form in main content. Use alternatives in FAQs or image alts if needed.