Why would a spring park brake be "caged"?

Caging a spring park brake is primarily done for towing purposes. When a vehicle is being towed, particularly if it is disabled or needs to be moved without being operated, it is essential to prevent the spring brake from engaging unintentionally. Caging the brake effectively allows the vehicle to be moved freely without the brakes applying automatically, which could cause damage to the vehicle or impede the towing process.

This action involves compressing the spring brake’s release mechanism, allowing the brake to remain disengaged while towing. Proper handling of the brake during towing is crucial for safety, ensuring that the towed vehicle does not experience unexpected braking, which could lead to accidents or other complications.

The context here includes understanding that while maintenance checks and parking on inclines may utilize similar mechanisms, the specific action of caging is most relevant to towing scenarios, where mobility and safety are both critical considerations.