Before working under a car that is lifted off the floor, the technician should

Before working under a car that is lifted off the floor, the technician should

• A. Remove the tires
• B. Place jack stands at appropriate points
• C. Clean the area
• D. Start the engine

Answer: (B)

When working under a vehicle, the most important safety step is to secure the car with proper support. Place jack stands under the vehicle at the manufacturer’s designated lift points to bear the load. This creates a stable, rigid support that won’t shift or drop if the jack slips or settles, which is crucial when you’re under the car. Relying on the jack alone is dangerous because it can fail or shift under load, leading to a serious injury. Removing tires, cleaning the area, or starting the engine doesn’t address the need for stable support while you’re underneath.

When working under a vehicle, the most important safety step is to secure the car with proper support. Place jack stands under the vehicle at the manufacturer’s designated lift points to bear the load. This creates a stable, rigid support that won’t shift or drop if the jack slips or settles, which is crucial when you’re under the car. Relying on the jack alone is dangerous because it can fail or shift under load, leading to a serious injury. Removing tires, cleaning the area, or starting the engine doesn’t address the need for stable support while you’re underneath.