To prevent damage to the vehicle's paint, what safety precaution should a technician take before working on an engine?

Using fender covers is essential for preventing damage to the vehicle's paint while working on the engine. This protective barrier safeguards the vehicle’s exterior surfaces from scratches, scuffs, and other potential marks that can be caused by tools, parts, or even accidental contact during maintenance. Fender covers are designed to fit over the fenders and any nearby painted surfaces, making them an effective precaution in busy and often tight engine bays.

Other options, while they may be practical in specific scenarios, do not address the concern of paint protection in the same direct manner. For instance, installing a hood prop supports the hood and keeps it open safely, but it does nothing to protect the surrounding paintwork. Removing the air cleaner can be part of engine maintenance but poses a risk of damaging the surface around it. Similarly, while removing the hood could theoretically allow for more space to work, it would expose the vehicle to a much higher risk of damage to paint and is generally not a common or recommended practice in routine maintenance. Therefore, the use of fender covers remains the most effective method to maintain the integrity of the vehicle’s exterior while working under the hood.