What type of maintenance is an oil change?

An oil change is classified as preventive maintenance because it is a scheduled task carried out to prevent potential issues and extend the life of the equipment. Regular oil changes are essential for ensuring that the engine remains lubricated, clean, and functioning optimally. This proactive approach helps to avoid more significant problems that could arise from oil degradation or insufficient lubrication, which might lead to engine wear or failure.

Preventive maintenance is focused on routine measures designed to prevent faults before they occur rather than waiting for something to break down, which would be the case with reactive maintenance. By following a regular oil change schedule, operators can keep machinery in good working order and maintain efficiency, which is the overarching goal of preventive maintenance.