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An intermittent failure often occurs because a system or component operates under variable conditions, which can sometimes lead to failure and at other times allow for proper functioning. Heat-induced failure is particularly relevant here, as temperature fluctuations can cause expansions and contractions in materials, leading to stress and fatigue. In cases where heat builds up temporarily but does not exceed thresholds for too long, the system may recover and work correctly for a period before the heat returns.

This variability in temperature can cause electrical connections or mechanical systems to function intermittently, manifesting as failures that are not consistent over time. The failure may occur under certain conditions—such as increased load or ambient temperature—while appearing normal under different circumstances, which characterizes the nature of intermittent failures.

The other options don't provide the same connection to the intermittent nature of failure. Poor maintenance records can lead to overall reliability issues but do not inherently cause failures to vary in occurrence. Over lubrication generally leads to degradation of performance over time rather than intermittent issues. Driver errors can cause sporadic operational problems but do not affect the inherent reliability of the equipment itself in the same way heat can.