Certified Facility Manager (CFM) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Facility Management Study Guide

Preventive maintenance is best defined as regular maintenance designed to prevent future problems. This approach involves systematic inspections, adjustments, cleaning, and replacements that are performed on equipment and systems to prevent failures before they occur. The goal is to extend the life of equipment, enhance its reliability, and ensure that it operates efficiently, thereby avoiding unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

By scheduling these activities proactively, facility managers can address potential issues before they escalate into major problems that could disrupt operations. This approach not only helps in maintaining optimal performance but also plays a crucial role in cost savings over time, as it reduces the frequency and severity of unplanned maintenance incidents.

In contrast, other choices refer to either reactive measures or specific urgent actions taken when equipment fails, which do not align with the proactive philosophy of preventive maintenance.