In preventive maintenance, discovering defects early can help to:

Discovering defects early in preventive maintenance is crucial as it allows for timely interventions to be made before the issues lead to more significant failures or operational disruptions. By identifying and addressing potential problems at an early stage, it becomes possible to repair or replace components more efficiently, thereby minimizing the financial impact associated with unexpected breakdowns. This proactive approach helps in extending the lifespan of equipment, reducing downtime, and ultimately lowering overall replacement costs.

Other choices may suggest outcomes that don’t align with the principles of effective maintenance practices. For instance, the idea that early defect discovery eliminates the need for regular checks is misleading, as routine inspections are still necessary to maintain equipment integrity. Similarly, increasing equipment failure contradicts the goal of preventive maintenance. Enhancing troubleshooting skills is valuable, but it's not the primary benefit of discovering defects early. Instead, the main focus is on cost reduction and operational stability.