Wheel Chocks: When & Why You Need Them

Wheel chocks are sturdy wedges placed against a vehicle’s wheels to prevent the vehicle from accidentally rolling or moving while parked or being serviced. They act as a simple physical barrier between the tire and the ground. They’re commonly made from rubber, polyurethane, plastic, aluminum, or steel, with different sizes and materials designed for everything from passenger vehicles to trailers and heavy equipment.

Wheel chocks provide an extra layer of protection against unintended vehicle movement. Even when a parking brake is engaged, a vehicle can potentially move due to a slope, mechanical failure, loading or unloading, or work being performed on it. They are especially useful for:

• Maintenance and repair: Keeping a vehicle stationary while someone is working underneath or around it.
• Trailers: Preventing a disconnected or parked trailer from rolling.
• Loading and unloading: Helping stabilize trucks and trailers at loading docks.
• RV and camper parking: Preventing movement when parked, particularly on uneven campsites.
• Heavy equipment: Securing construction, agricultural, utility, and industrial equipment when parked.
• Towing and transport: Providing additional security when vehicles or equipment need to remain stationary. 
  

When Should Wheel Chocks Be Used?

Wheel chocks are particularly important whenever a vehicle is parked on an incline or there would be a serious risk if it moved unexpectedly. They are normally positioned snugly against the tire in the direction the vehicle could potentially roll. Depending on the vehicle, terrain, and application, chocks may be placed on both sides of a wheel for additional security.

Why Not Just Use A Parking Brake?

Think of wheel chocks as a physical backup to the vehicle's braking system. A parking brake relies on the vehicle's mechanical components. A wheel chock works independently by physically preventing the tire from rolling. That's why chocks are particularly valuable when someone will be working around the vehicle or when a heavy vehicle will remain stationary for an extended period.