What does preventive maintenance aim to achieve?

Preventive maintenance is specifically designed to reduce the risk of equipment failures by conducting regular inspections, servicing, and repairs before issues arise. This proactive approach aims to identify and rectify potential problems early, thereby maintaining equipment in optimal condition and extending its lifespan. By implementing a schedule for routine maintenance tasks, organizations can ensure that machinery and equipment operate smoothly, reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns that could lead to costly downtime and repairs.

In contrast to addressing failures after they happen, which is a reactive approach, preventive maintenance focuses on anticipation and prevention. While compliance with regulations is important, it is not the primary goal of preventive maintenance. Similarly, upgrading the equipment's capabilities may be a separate endeavor focused on enhancing performance rather than preventing failures. Hence, the essence of preventive maintenance lies in its ability to lessen the likelihood of equipment failures, which is why this answer is the most accurate representation of its purpose.