Which precaution should be taken when parking a vehicle with air brakes?

When parking a vehicle equipped with air brakes, it is essential to chock the wheels as a safety precaution. This action prevents the vehicle from rolling, providing an additional layer of security, especially if the parking surface is not completely level. Chocking the wheels is particularly important because air brakes rely on compressed air to hold the brakes in place. If there is a malfunction or if there has been a significant loss of air pressure, the brakes may release, potentially leading to a rollaway situation.

This precaution is crucial in various parking scenarios, including when parking on inclines or when there may be concerns about a gradual loss of air pressure over time. Keeping the wheels chocked protects against unintended movement of the vehicle while it is parked, ensuring that it remains stationary until the driver is ready to operate it again.

Other choices may compromise safety or not provide adequate measures against vehicle movement when parked. For instance, parking only on flat surfaces does not guarantee that the vehicle will remain in place without additional support. Never using the parking brake can lead to a loss of control, and keeping the engine running is not a recommended safety practice as it may lead to unintended acceleration or other hazards.