Final answer:
To prevent damage to the vehicle's paint, a technician should install fender covers before working on an engine.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent damage to the vehicle's paint, a technician should take the safety precaution of installing fender covers before working on an engine. Fender covers are protective covers that are placed on the fenders of the car to prevent scratches, dents, or other damage while the technician is working on the engine.
These covers provide a barrier between the technician's tools or body and the vehicle's paint surface, ensuring that no paint is accidentally damaged during the repair or maintenance process.