When a test and repair station lacks the necessary equipment for repairs, what must be done before inspecting a vehicle?

Notifying the customer is essential when a test and repair station lacks the necessary equipment for repairs prior to inspecting a vehicle. This action ensures that the customer is fully aware of the limitations the facility faces and can make informed decisions about how to proceed, possibly seeking another facility for repairs. Clear communication helps maintain transparency, establishes trust with the customer, and ensures that they understand any potential delays or alternate solutions to the vehicle's issues.

In contrast, stopping all operations isn’t a practical response as it could disrupt other customers as well. Documenting all findings, while important in various contexts, doesn't address the immediate need to inform the customer about the lack of repair capabilities. Similarly, simply having adequate tools available would resolve the issue only if it were possible to acquire equipment on the spot; however, this does not address the current situation of lacking sufficient resources to handle inspections or repairs effectively.