Which of the following ensures preventative maintenance is completed?

• A. Alternating equipment to ensure even wear
• B. Ensuring easily accessible maintenance manuals
• C. Operating equipment until it fails
• D. Planning and record-keeping

Answer: (D)

Preventative maintenance is most reliably ensured when there is a scheduled plan for maintenance activities and records that document what was done. Planning creates a calendar of inspections, lubrication, filter changes, and part replacements before problems arise, so tasks aren’t forgotten. Record-keeping provides proof that work was completed, shows when it was done, what was checked, and any follow-up actions needed. This combination keeps maintenance on track, supports compliance, and makes it possible to spot overdue tasks or trends. Merely having manuals available helps, but doesn’t guarantee action. Alternating equipment to spread wear doesn’t ensure maintenance tasks are performed, and waiting for equipment to fail leads to downtime and damage—the opposite of preventive maintenance.