WHAT IS WHEEL CHOCKS?
Wheel chocks are blocks of wood or rubber that are placed in front or behind a wheel to keep the vehicle from moving. They are commonly used on large trucks and trailers to prevent them from rolling while they are parked. Wheel chocks can also be used as a safety precaution when working on or under a vehicle.
There are a few different types of wheel chocks available. Wooden wheel chocks are the most common and are made from hardwood like oak or maple. They are usually about 10 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Rubber wheel chocks are made from durable rubber and can be used on either wet or icy surfaces. They are also generally 10 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 2 inches thick. Wedge-style wheel chocks are made from rubber or plastic and have a triangular shape. They are designed to fit between the wheel and the ground to provide maximum stability.
How to use Wheel Chocks?
Wheel chocks should always be placed behind the tires of the car that will be on some sort of an incline, whether if it’s on jack stands or on your ramps. If you do not use them, the car could slip off of the ramps or out from under your car lift.
They are so cheap and so essential to have, its really a no brainer to always use them.
– Prevents the car from rolling
– Keeps car on ramps while car is raised
– Best used while engine is out of the vehicle
– Keeps the vehicle in place while on jack stands
– Prevents accidents from occurring
– Can be used in place of jack stands when it comes to raising the car from the ground
Tire size is important when using wheel chocks. You cannot use a smaller tire, such as a motorcycle wheel for a big truck. The largest acceptable size is typically around 20 inches with an outside diameter of up to 10″ wide. You can also use a rubber wheel chock for cars which are much easier to remove when needed.
They are cheap, easy to install and pretty essential when working with your car. Knowing how to use wheel chocks is important in order to prevent accidents from occurring.
Rubber wheel chock:
These are typically used for smaller vehicles such as motorcycles. They can be attached to the tires using a rubber strap or they can be placed under the tire at an angle. It is fairly easy to install and remove from your vehicle, making them a great choice if you need a wheel chock that is easily removable.
This type of wheel chock is typically made out of aluminum or steel. It has an open slit at the bottom that fits underneath the tire and allows it to be raised off the ground while you are working on your vehicle. The material these wheel chocks are made from makes them sturdy yet lightweight, making it easier to handle them with one hand.
These types of wheel chocks are typically made out of heavy duty plastic and is an excellent choice for those who work on smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs or even dirt bikes. They tend to be more lightweight than the aluminum type and they are not easily damaged by heavy equipment such as a car lift.
In other words, wheel chocks are super affordable and highly essential on your workbench. Its an object that would benefit every single mechanic, DIYer or car enthusiast out there. They are very easy to install and pretty sturdy as well, which is why you don’t see shops that work on cars not using wheel chocks ever!
Wheel chocks might be the cheapest auto equipment you can buy, yet they are the most important when it comes to preventing your car from rolling away or potentially falling off of ramps.
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