What maintenance procedure helps prevent hydraulic fluid leaks?

Regular inspection and replacement of seals and O-rings is a crucial maintenance procedure for preventing hydraulic fluid leaks. Seals and O-rings play a vital role in maintaining a tight seal around hydraulic fittings and components, ensuring that the fluid remains contained within the system. Over time, these components can wear down due to pressure, temperature fluctuations, and general operating conditions, leading to potential leaks. By routinely checking and replacing these parts, you can maintain the integrity of the hydraulic system and avoid fluid loss, which is essential for optimal system performance and safety.

Other options do not address leak prevention effectively. Increasing the pressure in hydraulic lines could exacerbate leaks if seals are worn, while reducing the size of hydraulic components may not correlate to leak prevention and could negatively affect system performance. Using lower viscosity fluid might not be appropriate for all applications and could also lead to increased leak potential due to thinner fluids escaping more easily through compromised seals. Therefore, focusing on the condition of seals and O-rings is the best approach for leak prevention in hydraulic systems.