Which of the following describes the relationship between maintenance and reliability?

The relationship between maintenance and reliability is fundamentally linked to how well maintenance practices are performed. Reliability refers to the ability of equipment to perform its intended function without failure over a specific period. When maintenance is executed properly and consistently, it ensures that equipment operates within its designed parameters, thereby enhancing its reliability.

Good maintenance practices, which include routine inspections, timely repairs, and preventative strategies, help to identify potential issues before they lead to equipment failure. By addressing these issues through well-executed maintenance, the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns decreases significantly, thus improving the reliability of the system.

In contrast to the other statements, which imply relationships that do not hold true in the context of maintenance and reliability, the connection formed by effective maintenance directly supports and strengthens the reliability of machinery and systems.