What are the stair-step shaped pieces of lumber called that are used to stabilize a car from rocking from side to side on its springs?

What are the stair-step shaped pieces of lumber called that are used to stabilize a car from rocking from side to side on its springs?

• A. Step blocks
• B. Step chocks
• C. Chock boards
• D. Riser blocks

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle sits on its springs, it can rock side to side, so you want something that wedges firmly against the wheel and the ground to stop that movement. Step chocks are designed with a stair-step shape that provides multiple contact points and a natural wedging action, which locks the wheel in place and prevents lateral rocking. That stepped profile distributes the load more effectively and reduces the risk of slipping, making it safer and more stable than a plain block or a flat board. Other options don’t fit this stabilization role as well. A generic block or board isn’t shaped to bite into the wheel area and ground, so it may shift or fail to resist movement. Riser blocks are intended to raise the vehicle, not to prevent rocking, and terms like step blocks imply a different design that lacks the specialized wedging action of step chocks.

When a vehicle sits on its springs, it can rock side to side, so you want something that wedges firmly against the wheel and the ground to stop that movement. Step chocks are designed with a stair-step shape that provides multiple contact points and a natural wedging action, which locks the wheel in place and prevents lateral rocking. That stepped profile distributes the load more effectively and reduces the risk of slipping, making it safer and more stable than a plain block or a flat board.

Other options don’t fit this stabilization role as well. A generic block or board isn’t shaped to bite into the wheel area and ground, so it may shift or fail to resist movement. Riser blocks are intended to raise the vehicle, not to prevent rocking, and terms like step blocks imply a different design that lacks the specialized wedging action of step chocks.