Corrective Maintenance

Repairs that are made to a vehicle after a problem or failure has been identified during an inspection.

Components of Corrective Maintenance 

  • Breakdown Identification: This involves identifying vehicle malfunctions through driver reports, warning lights, or on-board diagnostics.
  • Diagnostics & Inspection: Once a breakdown is identified, mechanics diagnose the root cause of the issue through visual inspection, computer analysis, or test drives.
  • Repair & Parts Replacement: Based on the diagnosis, technicians perform repairs or replace faulty parts to restore vehicle functionality.
  • Reporting & Documentation: Detailed reports are generated documenting the issue, repairs done, and parts replaced for future reference and warranty claims.

Examples 

  • A delivery truck experiences a flat tire during its route. Corrective maintenance would involve replacing the tire to get the truck back on the road.
  • A bus exhibits overheating issues. Mechanics would diagnose the problem (faulty thermostat) and replace the component to restore proper cooling.
  • During routine maintenance, technicians identify a minor oil leak in a company car. Corrective maintenance might involve replacing a gasket to prevent further issues.

Benefits of Corrective Maintenance 

  • Restored Vehicle Functionality: Corrective maintenance ensures vehicles are repaired and brought back to operational condition, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
  • Improved Safety: By addressing malfunctions promptly, corrective maintenance reduces the risk of accidents due to faulty equipment.
  • Extended Vehicle Lifespan: Timely repairs prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, leading to longer vehicle life and lower replacement costs.
  • Reduced Long-Term Costs: While reactive, corrective maintenance can be more cost-effective than neglecting issues that could lead to more expensive repairs or replacements later.

Benefits vehicles by restoring functionality, improving safety, extending lifespan, and reducing long-term costs.