When using a jack, the technician should always verify that the jack is

• A. rated for the vehicle weight to be raised
• B. used on level ground
• C. lubricated
• D. provided with a safety chain

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a jack must be capable of supporting the weight of the vehicle being raised. The rating on a jack is its maximum safe load. If you lift a vehicle with a jack whose capacity is less than the vehicle’s weight, the jack can fail and the vehicle could drop, causing serious injury. That’s why you always verify the jack is rated for the vehicle’s weight—use the vehicle’s GVWR (or approximate curb weight plus passengers and cargo) to choose a jack with capacity that meets or exceeds that number. This check directly prevents overload and enhances safety.

Other safety steps matter, but they don’t substitute for having the right capacity. Using level ground helps stability, but it won’t compensate for an overload. Lubrication isn’t part of determining whether the jack can lift the load, and a safety chain is not a standard requirement for basic jack use.