Vehicle maintenance is classified into several types, depending on when and why the maintenance is performed.
Let’s go through them in detail 👇
Main Types of Vehicle Maintenance
There are five major types of vehicle maintenance commonly recognized in the automotive industry:
| Type | Description | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preventive Maintenance | Regularly scheduled maintenance to prevent breakdowns before they occur. | Proactive |
| 2. Corrective Maintenance | Repairing or replacing parts after a failure occurs. | Reactive |
| 3. Predictive Maintenance | Uses data, sensors, and diagnostics to predict when a component will fail. | Data-driven |
| 4. Condition-Based Maintenance | Performed based on the actual condition of a part or system (not just time/mileage). | Smart/Adaptive |
| 5. Breakdown or Emergency Maintenance | Unplanned repairs when the vehicle suddenly stops working. | Emergency/Unplanned |
1. Preventive Maintenance
Definition:
Routine, scheduled maintenance done before a problem happens, based on time or mileage.
Examples:
- Engine oil and filter change
- Checking tire pressure
- Replacing air/fuel filters
- Brake inspection
- Battery terminal cleaning
Goal:
To prevent failures, increase reliability, and extend component life.
Interval:
Every 5,000–10,000 km or as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
2. Corrective Maintenance
Definition:
Maintenance done after a problem or breakdown occurs.
It’s the process of finding the root cause and fixing it.
Examples:
- Replacing a faulty alternator
- Repairing a failed starter motor
- Fixing an oil leak or blown gasket
- Changing a damaged clutch
Goal:
To restore the vehicle to operational condition after failure.
Nature:
Reactive and often more expensive than preventive maintenance.
3. Predictive Maintenance
Definition:
Uses diagnostic data, sensors, and analytics to predict failures before they happen.
Examples:
- Using OBD-II or ECU data to detect engine misfire
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) detecting low tire pressure
- Oil life monitoring system
- Vibration or noise sensors for wear detection
Goal:
To forecast failures, reduce downtime, and replace parts only when necessary.
Tools Used:
- On-board diagnostics (OBD-II)
- Vibration analysis
- Thermal imaging
- Engine control sensors
4. Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)
Definition:
Maintenance is performed only when specific parameters (such as oil quality, temperature, or vibration) indicate that performance is degrading.
Examples:
- Replacing brake pads when wear sensors indicate a limit reached
- Changing oil when the oil quality sensor detects contamination
- Servicing air filters based on actual airflow restriction
Goal:
To optimize maintenance schedules — not too early, not too late.
Advantage:
- Saves cost and time
- Uses real-time data for accurate decision-making
5. Breakdown / Emergency Maintenance
Definition:
Unplanned repairs when a vehicle unexpectedly fails during operation.
Usually a result of neglected preventive maintenance.
Examples:
- Engine seizure due to oil starvation
- Overheated radiator failure
- Sudden brake failure
- Electrical short circuit
Goal:
To restore functionality as quickly as possible.
Disadvantages:
- Very costly
- Time-consuming
- Can cause safety hazards
Summary Table
| Type of Maintenance | When Performed | Example | Approach | Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive | Regular intervals | Oil change, filter replacement | Proactive | Low |
| Corrective | After failure | Replacing broken belt | Reactive | Moderate–High |
| Predictive | Before failure (based on data) | OBD sensor alerts | Data-based | Medium |
| Condition-Based | Based on part condition | Replacing worn brake pads | Real-time | Low–Medium |
| Breakdown/Emergency | After sudden failure | Engine overheating | Reactive | Very High |
Bonus: Specialized Maintenance Categories
In modern automotive systems, you may also encounter:
- Scheduled Maintenance: Follows the manufacturer’s service manual.
- Unscheduled Maintenance: Unplanned repairs due to sudden defects.
- Overhaul Maintenance: Major repair or rebuilding of critical systems (engine, transmission).
- Lubrication Maintenance: Regular greasing or oiling of moving parts.
In Simple Terms
🔧 Preventive Maintenance – Do it before something breaks.
⚙️ Corrective Maintenance – Fix it after it breaks.
📈 Predictive Maintenance – Use data to stop it from breaking.
🧭 Condition-Based Maintenance – Replace parts only when truly worn.
🚨 Breakdown Maintenance – Fix it after an unexpected failure.
Other courses:
