Question

Before you inspect the engine compartment and front axle components:

A. verify the parking brakes have been set.
B. put the vehicle's keys in the ignition, depress the clutch, and start the engine.
C. remove the chocks from the wheels.
D. close the hood.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option A: verify the parking brakes have been set. The correct action before inspecting a vehicle's engine or front axle components is to verify that the parking brakes have been set, which ensures safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before you inspect the engine compartment and front axle components of a vehicle, it is vital to ensure safety. Setting the parking brakes will prevent the vehicle from rolling, which could lead to accidents and injuries. Starting the engine or removing wheel chocks would be unsafe without taking this first step. This procedure aligns with systematic troubleshooting methods similar to the scientific method.

For instance, if a car won't start, forming a hypothesis and testing it systematically allows you to find the solution without unnecessary risks. Visible signs like smoking brakes, as depicted in Figure 14.5, indicate mechanical issues that could be diagnosed using a systematic approach, ensuring both the investigator's and vehicle's safety.