How do wheelchocks work?

Wheel Chocks are seemingly simple wedges placed closely against a vehicle’s wheels to prevent accidental or unintentional movement. Its main job is to prevent the car from rolling.

Some people think that wheel chocks aren’t essential equipment Oftentimes, you may only realize its importance when the need arises, like when you’re working and suddenly your car starts rolling away! Of course, you don’t want this to happen.

Why do you need a pair of wheelchocks?

When a car is parked on an incline, there’s a tendency to roll, even if the engine is off and the brakes are engaged. That’s when wheelchairs may come to the rescue. Wheel chocks are a relatively cheap investment for your safety and the safety of others. Considering unintentional movement is a scary and dangerous situation, investing in quality wheel chocks is an excellent precautionary measure to prevent the risk of causing injury and damage to properties.

Car wedges come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from different types of materials. The nice thing about chocks is that they are low-tech and so easy to use. You only need to know what’s best for your car and what will suit your requirements.

Here’s a guide to selecting the right wheelchocks that can help you get your best pair.

1. Size:

Wheel chocks need to match the size of the tires you’re using them on because the tires are designed in proportion to the car’s size and weight. If you get a wheelchock that is too small, it might not be effective at doing its job.

2. Weight:

A lightweight chock might be fine for use with a compact car, but it may not work well with a full-size SUV on a steeper hill. The weight of the chock helps to prevent the vehicle from pushing it out of the way.

3. Vehicle Weight:

Be sure to get wheel chocks that can stand up to the weight of your vehicle. Most chock manufacturers specify what weight their chocks can accommodate, so be sure to check how much your vehicle can handle before purchasing.

4. Vehicle Tyre:

The type of vehicle and tire you plan on chocking also make a difference in the chock you choose. Heavy, off-road tires commonly used on large equipment like earthmovers and grading equipment require a different chock than your family sedan. It’s best to check the package to find out what kind of vehicle the chocks you’re purchasing were designed to accommodate.

5. Material:

Chocks are available in urethane, rubber, aluminum, and other materials. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum chocks are often designed with teeth on the bottom, which bite into the surface below and provide stability. Synthetic or rubber wheel chocks provide stability through the friction created between the non-slip material and the ground.

6. Design:

Wheel chocks may come in various forms or designs. Some chocks are designed with a curve that hugs the shape of the tire. Others are simple pyramids or may have a lip at the bottom to wedge firmly between the tight spaces where the rubber of the tire leaves the road, but every wheel chock has some kind of tread on its face to produce friction between the tire and the chock.

7. Packaging:

Check the number of wheelchocks sold in the package. Most should come in sets of two (you generally want to chock two tires). However, some are sold in singles. Also, some chocks are designed to fit inside one another (known as nesting) for easy storage. Others cannot be nested.

So now that you’ve got a pretty good idea of what to look for when selecting your wheel chocks, getting a set is just a piece of cake! Most wheel chocks start at less than $20, so how can you not get a pair?

For a piece of simple equipment that can save your life, it’s a must-have. Just remember to always use wheel chocks on a hard, solid, and level surface, and always make sure to use the parking brake