Common Wheel Chock Mistakes

Wheel chocks may be simple, but using them correctly can make an important difference when securing vehicles, trailers, and heavy equipment. Choosing the wrong size, placing a chock incorrectly, or overlooking surface conditions can reduce its effectiveness. Before you put your vehicle in park and walk away, learn about some of the most common wheel chock mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Using a chock that’s too small

A chock should be appropriately sized for the tire, vehicle, surface, and conditions. An undersized chock may not adequately resist a large truck, trailer, or piece of equipment. See our article on choosing the correct wheel chock size for more information.

2. Not placing the chock snugly against the tire

Leaving a gap when placing the chock gives the vehicle room to roll and gain momentum before contacting the chock creating a potentially hazardous situation. Chocks should sit firmly against the tire to ensure optimal security.

3. Chocking the wrong side of the wheel

Placement should account for the direction the vehicle could potentially move, particularly on grades. Example: A chock should be behind the wheel on an incline and in front of the wheel on a decline. A chock positioned where it cannot resist the likely direction of travel offers little protection.

4. Ignoring the ground surface

Mud, gravel, snow, ice, loose dirt, wet pavement, or uneven surfaces can reduce a chock's ability to grip. The chock should rest squarely on a firm surface whenever possible to provide the most reliable protection.

5. Using damaged or worn-out chocks

Cracked, crushed, deformed, excessively worn, or otherwise damaged chocks should be removed from use as their structural integrity has likely been compromised and could result in unsafe conditions.

6. Using makeshift objects instead of actual wheel chocks

A rock, scrap of lumber, brick, or concrete block isn't a good substitute for a properly designed chock. Purpose-built chocks are designed and sized specifically to restrain wheels in a safe and reliable fashion.

7. Using wheel chocks in lieu of the parking brake

Chocks are generally an additional safeguard and should not be used as a substitute for functioning brakes and proper vehicle-securement procedures. A parking break should always been used in conjunction with wheel chocks.

8. Forgetting to chock during loading or unloading

Vehicle or trailer movement at loading docks can be especially hazardous when forklifts or other powered industrial trucks are entering the trailer. OSHA recognizes wheel chocks or appropriate mechanical restraint systems as effective methods for preventing trailer movement in applicable loading-dock situations where rolling or movement are a possibility.

9. Putting hands or feet in a pinch point

A tire can shift while a chock is being positioned or removed. Workers should keep hands and feet clear of potential pinch points and avoid standing in the vehicle's possible path of travel if it were to roll.

The right chock, the right placement, and the right surface can make all the difference. Avoid these common mistakes, check your equipment before every use, and take those few extra seconds to make sure your wheels are properly secured. When it comes to preventing unwanted movement, a little preparation goes a long way.