Why Do You Need Wheel Chocks for Vehicle Safety?

When it comes to vehicle safety, wheel chocks are not optional, especially on slopes, during loading, or maintenance. These small wedge-shaped devices, also known as tire chocks, wheel blocks or wedge stops, serve a big role in preventing your vehicle from rolling unexpectedly, safeguarding both people and property. The installation is non-permanent and portable, making them ideal for mobile use.

This post will show you the differences between wheel chocks and wheel stoppers, how to use wheel chocks correctly, where they’re most needed, and FAQs you might be wondering.

Wheel Chocks vs. Wheel Stoppers

A wheel chock is a wedge block placed against a vehicle’s tires to prevent accidental movement. Their wedge shape allows them to “lock” the wheel in place, making them ideal for high-risk environments such as sloped surfaces, garage storage or loading zones. Built from durable materials like heavy-duty rubber, wheel chocks are designed to withstand substantial loads. They’re especially suitable for those looking for wheel chocks for RVs, trailers, delivery trucks, or off-road equipment.

In contrast, a wheel stopper is a long rubber or plastic bar commonly used for light-duty vehicles in parking lots. They are designed to signal parking boundaries and stop low-speed overrun. Unlike wheel chocks, wheel stoppers lack the structural design and load-bearing capacity required for safety-critical applications.

How Do You Use Wheel Chocks Safely?

Correct usage is key for safety. The size, placement, and number of chocks all affect their effectiveness. Here’s how:

• Choose the right size: The chock height should be at least 1/4 of the tire diameter (e.g., for an 80 cm tire, use a 20 cm chock).
• Placement:
  • On slopes: Place two chocks on the downhill side of each tire.
  • During loading: Place one chock in front and behind the tire.
• How many to use:
  • Semi-trailers: 4 (one pair per axle).
  • Box trucks: 2 (on the drive wheels).
  • Wet/slippery surfaces: Use 4 to prevent side slips.

Tip: Always ensure the chocks fully touch the tire, no gaps allowed!

Where Should You Use Wheel Chocks?

Wheel chocks are essential in high-risk situations:

1. Sloped Parking Areas
Whenever a vehicle is parked on an incline, mild or steep, gravity poses a serious risk of rolling. Even if the parking brake is engaged, wheel chocks are indispensable to secure vehicles such as trucks, trailers, RVs, or heavy machinery.

2. Loading and Unloading Zones
In warehouses or logistics centers, vehicles often need to stay completely still during loading and unloading operations. In such process, sudden weight changes can cause minor vehicle movement, posing risks to both personnel and goods. The drivers and companies must always ensure the chocks are securely in place.

3. Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
When performing maintenance tasks such as jacking up a vehicle or wheel removal, the slightest tire movement can be life-threatening. Wheel chocks act as a secure safeguard, preventing vehicles from shifting while workers are underneath or beside them. In these settings, using at least two chocks is strongly recommended.

FAQs

1. Are homemade wheel chocks safe to use (wood or bricks)?
Not recommended, as homemade chocks may compromise safety:

• Wood may split under pressure.
• Bricks have only 1/3 the friction of proper chocks!

2. Are wheel chocks necessary for caravans?
Absolutely. Especially on uneven ground or during extended stops, wheel chocks for caravans or RVs provide added stability and peace of mind for your traffic safety.

3. Can I reuse damaged chocks?

Inspect chocks periodically, and replace immediately if any of the following occur:

• Cracks deeper than 3mm
• Deformations exceeding 5°

4. Where can I buy industrial-grade wheel chocks?
You can get high-quality rubber wheel chocks directly from BestWay—scroll down to learn more or contact us now.

About Bestway

BestWay provides a range of high-quality rubber wheel chocks, designed with both performance and convenience in mind:

• Durable rubber construction for maximum grip.
• Built-in carry handles for easy transport.
• Removable options include mounting holes for ropes or chains.
• Perfect for vans, small trailers, and heavy vehicles alike.

Whether you’re looking for wheel chocks for garage storage, heavy-duty truck applications, or long-term RV parking, BestWay has a solution tailored for your needs. For inquiries about prices or product types, please feel free to contact us!