Vehicle Lifting Safety
What must you identify before positioning lift arms under a vehicle?
The manufacturer's approved lifting points.
What piece of equipment is used to raise one end or corner of a vehicle from the floor?
Floor jack
What does MPI stand for in an automotive shop?
Multipoint Inspection
What vehicle component makes contact with the road?
Tires.
What document is used to record the results of a multipoint inspection?
Multipoint Inspection checklist or inspection report.
What should you do if you are unsure whether a location is an approved lifting point?
Stop and verify it using manufacturer service information or ask the instructor.
What equipment must properly support a vehicle raised by a floor jack before anyone works underneath it?
Appropriately rated jack stands placed at approved support points.
What is the purpose of a multipoint inspection?
To systematically check a vehicle's condition and identify maintenance needs, damage, wear, or safety concerns.
What tool can be used to measure tire tread depth?
Tire tread depth gauge.
What should you do if you discover a safety concern during an inspection?
Document it and notify the instructor or supervising technician.
Why should a technician raise a vehicle only a few inches and check its stability before lifting it higher?
To confirm the lift pads are correctly positioned, securely contacting the vehicle, and supporting it safely.
What are two components of a two-post lift that contact and support the vehicle?
Lift arms and lift pads/adapters.
Name three areas commonly checked during a multipoint inspection.
Any three appropriate areas, such as tires, brakes, fluid levels, lights, wipers, suspension, steering, leaks, or belts.
What should a technician look for when visually inspecting a tire?
Tread wear, visible damage, cuts, bulges, punctures, and other abnormal conditions.
Why should inspection findings be based on observations and measurements instead of guesses?
Accurate findings support correct repair decisions and honest communication with customers.
Why must a two-post lift's mechanical safety locks be used according to the manufacturer's instructions?
They provide mechanical support and help prevent an unintended lowering of the vehicle.
What is the difference between a floor jack and a jack stand?
A floor jack raises or lowers a vehicle, while a jack stand provides support after the vehicle has been lifted.
Why should a technician follow an inspection checklist instead of relying on memory?
It helps ensure the inspection is consistent, thorough, and properly documented.
Why is it important to inspect the underside of a vehicle for fluid leaks?
Leaks can indicate problems requiring maintenance or repair and may affect vehicle safety or reliability.
During an inspection, you find a worn component that was not part of the original service request. Can you replace it without approval?
No. The finding must be documented and communicated, and authorization must be obtained before additional repair work.
While raising a vehicle, you notice one lift pad beginning to shift. What should you do?
Stop the lift immediately, keep everyone clear, notify the instructor, and correct the issue using the lift manufacturer's procedure before continuing.
A lift is rated for 9,000 pounds. A vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds but currently weighs less. Is the GVWR alone enough to determine whether the lift can safely raise it?
No. The technician must verify the vehicle's actual weight and weight distribution, the lift's rated capacity, and the manufacturer's lifting requirements before proceeding.
During an inspection, you notice a wet area around a component but cannot identify the source. What should you document?
Record the observed condition and location accurately, note that the source has not been confirmed, and recommend further inspection rather than claiming a definite diagnosis.
A vehicle has uneven tire wear and a visibly damaged suspension component. Why should the technician document both findings?
The findings may be related, and accurate documentation helps determine what additional inspection or diagnosis is needed before recommending repairs.
A technician marks every item on an MPI checklist as satisfactory without actually checking them. Explain two problems with this practice.
It creates inaccurate documentation and can cause important maintenance or safety problems to be missed. It also violates professional shop expectations.