What characterizes corrective maintenance?

Corrective maintenance is characterized by actions taken to address equipment failures or malfunctions that have already occurred. This type of maintenance is reactive, meaning that it responds to immediate issues that need resolution to restore functionality or safe operation of the equipment or system in question.

When breakdowns happen, corrective maintenance involves steps such as repairs, replacements, or adjustments to bring the malfunctioning system back to its operating condition. It's a critical aspect of maintenance management as it ensures that problems are identified and rectified swiftly to minimize downtime and avoid larger operational disruptions.

In contrast, preventive maintenance involves actions designed to prevent future failures and maintain equipment in optimal condition, not addressing problems that have already occurred. Therefore, while the other choices depict different maintenance strategies or operational focuses, corrective maintenance is specifically aimed at resolving existing problems.