What is the definition of a preventative maintenance plan? A preventative maintenance plan is a systematic approach to maintaining equipment and systems in order to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns or failures. It involves regular inspections, testing, and maintenance to ensure that machinery, tools, equipment, and other items are running efficiently and safely. The goal of preventative maintenance is to detect any issues before they become a major problem and to keep everything in good working condition. Preventative maintenance plans typically include schedules for performing inspections, lubrication, cleaning, and other maintenance activities, as well as procedures for repair and replacement of faulty parts. Preventative maintenance plans also often include detailed records of what maintenance has been done and when to help ensure that all scheduled maintenance is performed in the future. Regular preventative maintenance helps to reduce costs by avoiding expensive repairs, reduces downtime, and extends equipment life.