Repair vs. Servicing: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 27, 2023
Repair involves fixing or restoring something that is broken or damaged, while servicing entails regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns and ensure optimal performance.
Key Differences
Repair is the process of fixing something that is broken or damaged. It involves restoring a broken, damaged, or failed device to a good condition. Servicing, however, refers to the regular maintenance of equipment or systems to keep them running efficiently and prevent future problems. It is more about preventative care rather than fixing an existing issue.
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Dec 27, 2023
The act of repairing usually occurs after something has malfunctioned or broken down. It is a reactive process responding to a specific problem, like repairing a burst pipe. Servicing, on the other hand, is a proactive approach. It involves routine checks and minor adjustments to ensure that machinery or equipment continues to function properly, like servicing a car to keep it in good condition.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repair often requires specialized skills to diagnose and fix the specific issue at hand. This might include replacing parts or mending broken components, such as repairing a cracked smartphone screen. In contrast, servicing tends to be more about general upkeep and may not require as specialized skills, focusing instead on standard procedures like oil changes or system updates.
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Dec 27, 2023
While repairing is typically a one-off event triggered by a fault or damage, servicing is a regular, ongoing activity. Regular servicing can actually reduce the likelihood of repairs being necessary, as it helps in maintaining the condition of the equipment.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repairs can sometimes be more costly and time-consuming, depending on the extent of the damage. In contrast, regular servicing is usually less expensive in the long run as it helps in avoiding major breakdowns and prolonging the life of the equipment or machinery.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To fix or restore something broken or damaged
To maintain and prevent future problems
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Skills Required
Often requires specialized skills for specific issues
Involves general maintenance skills
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Cost Implication
Can be costly depending on damage
Generally cost-effective in the long run
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Dec 27, 2023
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Repair and Servicing Definitions
Servicing
Keeping equipment in optimal condition
Regular servicing keeps the air conditioner running efficiently.
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Servicing
Checking and updating systems
The technician is servicing the company’s computers.
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Servicing
Work that is done for others as an occupation or business
Has done service for us as a consultant.
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Repair
Correcting a situation
They are working to repair their relationship.
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Servicing
The performance of work or duties for a superior or as a servant
Found the butler's service to be excellent.
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Repair
Replenishing health or stamina
A good night's sleep repaired his energy.
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Servicing
An act or a variety of work done for others, especially for pay
Offers a superior service to that of his competitors.
Provides full catering services.
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Repair
To restore to sound condition after damage or injury; fix
Repaired the broken watch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Servicing
An act of assistance or benefit; a favor
My friend did me a service in fixing the door.
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Servicing
The serving of food or the manner in which it is served
The service was good, but the food was lousy.
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Servicing
Employment in duties or work for another, as for a government
Has been in the company's service for 15 years.
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Servicing
A government branch or department and its employees
The diplomatic service.
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Servicing
A department or branch of a hospital staff that provides specified patient care
The anesthesiology service.
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Servicing
The armed forces of a nation
Joined the service right after college.
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Repair
Often repairs An instance or a result of repairing
The accident resulted in a costly repair to the car. My bike is in the shop for repairs.
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Servicing
The installation, maintenance, or repairs provided or guaranteed by a dealer or manufacturer
A dealer with full parts and service.
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Servicing
The provision to the public of something, especially a utility
A town without sewer service.
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Servicing
The system or equipment used to provide something to the public
The electrical service was damaged in the storm.
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Repair
To restore to good working order, fix, or improve damaged condition; to mend; to remedy.
To repair a house, a road, a shoe, a ship
To repair a shattered fortune
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Oct 19, 2023
Repair
To make amends for, as for an injury, by an equivalent; to indemnify for.
To repair a loss or damage
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Servicing
A religious rite or formal ceremony
Held services in the evening.
A memorial service.
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Repair
To transfer oneself to another place.
To repair to sanctuary for safety
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Servicing
Copulation with a female animal. Used of male animals, especially studs.
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Repair
To pair again.
Please try to repair the two earbuds to each other. Place both earbuds back into the charging case, wait for four seconds, then open it and see if they have been repaired with one another.
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Oct 19, 2023
Servicing
(Law) The serving of a legal process, such as a summons or court order.
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Repair
The act of repairing something.
I took the car to the workshop for repair.
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Repair
The result of repairing something.
If you look closely you can see the repair in the paintwork.
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Repair
The condition of something, in respect of need for repair.
The car was overall in poor repair before the accident. But after the workshop had it for three weeks it was returned in excellent repair. But the other vehicle was beyond repair.
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Repair
The act of repairing or resorting to a place.
Our annual repair to the mountains
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Servicing
To provide services to
That cable company services most households in the area.
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Servicing
To copulate with (a female animal). Used of a male animal, especially studs.
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Repair
To go; to betake one's self; to resort; ass, to repair to sanctuary for safety.
Go, mount the winds, and to the shades repair.
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Repair
To restore to a sound or good state after decay, injury, dilapidation, or partial destruction; to renew; to restore; to mend; as, to repair a house, a road, a shoe, or a ship; to repair a shattered fortune.
Secret refreshings that repair his strength.
Do thou, as thou art wont, repairMy heart with gladness.
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Repair
To make amends for, as for an injury, by an equivalent; to indemnify for; as, to repair a loss or damage.
I 'll repair the misery thou dost bear.
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Servicing
Intended for use in supplying or serving
A service elevator.
The service entrance.
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Repair
The act of repairing or resorting to a place.
The king sent a proclamation for their repair to their houses.
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Servicing
Offering repairs or maintenance
A service guarantee.
A road service area.
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Repair
Place to which one repairs; a haunt; a resort.
There the fierce winds his tender force assailAnd beat him downward to his first repair.
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Servicing
Offering services to the public in response to need or demand
A service industry.
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Repair
Restoration to a sound or good state after decay, waste, injury, or partial restruction; supply of loss; reparation; as, materials are collected for the repair of a church or of a city.
Sunk down and sought repairOf sleep, which instantly fell on me.
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Repair
Condition with respect to soundness, perfectness, etc.; as, a house in good, or bad, repair; the book is out of repair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Servicing
The act of performing maintenance on something.
How many servicings has your car had this year?
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Oct 19, 2023
Servicing
The act of mating by male animals;
The bull was worth good money in servicing fees
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Repair
A formal way of referring to the condition of something;
The building was in good repair
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Servicing
Performing routine maintenance
The car is due for servicing next month.
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Servicing
Inspecting and adjusting machinery
Servicing the factory machines is a monthly task.
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Repair
Restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken;
She repaired her TV set
Repair my shoes please
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Servicing
Conducting health checks on devices
He’s skilled at servicing electronic gadgets.
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Dec 27, 2023
Repair
Make amends for; pay compensation for;
One can never fully repair the suffering and losses of the Jews in the Third Reich
She was compensated for the loss of her arm in the accident
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Repair
Move, travel, or proceed toward some place;
He repaired to his cabin in the woods
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Repair
Set straight or right;
Remedy these deficiencies
Rectify the inequities in salaries
Repair an oversight
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Repair
Give new life or energy to;
A hot soup will revive me
This will renovate my spirits
This treatment repaired my health
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can anyone perform repairs?
While basic repairs might be DIY, complex issues often require professional skills.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is servicing only for mechanical items?
No, it can apply to electronic devices, software systems, and more.
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Is servicing necessary if something isn’t broken?
Yes, servicing is about preventative maintenance, not just fixing broken items.
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Dec 27, 2023
Do repairs always involve replacement parts?
Not always, sometimes repairs can be done by mending or adjusting existing parts.
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Can regular servicing prevent the need for repairs?
Often, yes, as it helps maintain equipment and can prevent breakdowns.
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Dec 27, 2023
Are repairs more expensive than servicing?
Often, yes, especially if the damage is extensive or complex.
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Can repairs improve the value of an item?
Yes, repairing can often increase an item's functionality and value.
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How often should servicing be done?
It depends on the item; some require frequent servicing, others less so.
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Can a lack of servicing lead to breakdowns?
Yes, neglecting regular servicing can lead to equipment failures.
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Do warranties require regular servicing?
Many warranties stipulate regular servicing to remain valid.
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Does servicing involve cleaning?
Cleaning is often a key component of servicing.
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Can digital products require servicing?
Yes, like software updates or security checks.
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Are there environmental benefits to regular servicing?
Yes, well-maintained equipment can be more energy-efficient and last longer.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is troubleshooting part of repairing?
Yes, identifying the problem is often the first step in repair.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is preventive maintenance the same as servicing?
Yes, it's another term for the regular care and maintenance of equipment.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can I service an item myself?
For simple tasks, yes, but some servicing may require professional expertise.
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Dec 27, 2023
Do all repairs require downtime?
Many do, but some can be done while the equipment is still operational.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is servicing a legal requirement for some items?
Yes, like regular car servicing is often required by law for safety.
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Dec 27, 2023
Are there risks in delaying repairs?
Yes, it can lead to further damage or even safety hazards.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can servicing be customized?
Yes, servicing can be tailored to the specific needs of the equipment.
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Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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