Don’t wait until after a problem arises or else you’re performing reactive maintenance. You don’t want to perform maintenance too soon or at the wrong time either, or else you risk decreasing the lifespan of surfaces.
In the past, preventative maintenance was less common because there wasn’t enough information regarding how cost-effective these treatments can be. As a result, there was a lack of federal aid for maintenance. Instead, highway agencies strived to reduce road closures as much as possible.
Without preventative maintenance any form of repairs is ‘reactive’ instead of ‘proactive,’ and is more extensive and costly. When emergency repairs arise it can consume a large portion, if not all of a limited maintenance budget. On the other hand, routine preventative maintenance is planned and more affordable, all the while reducing the possibility of an emergency arising.
