A wheel chock is a wedge made of strong, long-lasting material that is used to stop a vehicle from moving unintentionally. They are often affixed to cars that are parked in loading bays and are positioned against the wheels with their thin edges facing forward to prevent the vehicle from moving in the direction of the chock.

What are wheel chocks?


Wheel chocks may also be used to stop forward motion and are often positioned against the back side of the vehicle's wheels to prevent unintentional reverse motion. They serve as an additional hazard control in place of the standard braking system, which may not be enough to stop heavy vehicles fully. The chock features a convex or comparable form on the side facing the wheel to enhance the force required for the vehicle to go over it.

In many sectors where wheeled vehicles are used, wheel chocks are a crucial and required hazard management. They are used whenever a vehicle is exposed to an amount of force great enough to cause the vehicle to move.

Chocks are employed as a "backup" in case a vehicle's braking system malfunctions or is unable to effectively counteract the forces acting on it. When dealing with really huge vehicles like aircraft or mega-trucks, which would support a tremendous amount of weight if moved by enough power, this is a particularly important consideration.

If a vehicle is on an inclined surface, such as one seen on a construction site, the likelihood that a chock may be required to stop its motion is enhanced. The way wheel chocks must be utilized at work in the United States differs based on the government that oversees a certain sector. These agencies include OSHA, the Federal Motor Carriers Administration, the National Fire Protection Association, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Society of Automotive Engineers (FMCA).

Different types of wheel chocks

There are four main differences between different wheel chock types. Let's examine how these variations affect the application and efficiency of a certain wheel chock.
- Types of Wheel Chocks Based on Materials Wheel blocks may be produced from the following materials.

Rubber Wheel Chocks

Because it is so affordable and durable, rubber is the most used material for wheel chocks. Rubber, however, isn't very resistant to harm from weather conditions like wind and water. Rubber wheel chocks are mostly used inside, such as in garages or storage facilities.

Wheel Chocks Made of Polyurethane

The second most popular substance used to make wheel chocks is polyurethane plastic. They are lighter than rubber or metal chocks and more resistant to cuts, physical damage, water damage, and wind damage. However, compared to aluminum or steel alloy wheel chocks, plastic wheel chocks are not as strong.

Aluminum Surface Wheel Chocks

Heavy-duty aluminum chocks may be used with vehicles and trucks that have a high gross vehicle operating weight. Some aluminum wheel chocks are made expressly for long-term storage and may be used as a component of a mounting system for a vehicle or motorbike.
The strongest material and one that may be utilized with the biggest vehicles are steel alloy wheel chocks (iv). Steel alloy chocks may, however, be rather expensive. Additionally, steel may rust easily, therefore it's crucial to use steel alloy chocks that have been coated or plated to withstand corrosion.

Texture of the Surface Wheel chocks come in the following surface textures, according to wise types.

Aluminum teeth on the bottom of a tire chock are excellent for providing grip on muddy or gravelly ground. Wheel Chock. Diamond plating is another option to consider This surface texture, which is designed to blend nicely with a tire's tread, improves friction and "grip" the chock has on the wheel.

Serrated tire chocks made of rubber or plastic are commonly referred to as chocks with pyramid style because of the way they resemble little pyramids with "steps" going up the sides. They are thus simple to use from any side. They also grip more easily and keep them in place with less effort than contoured chocks.

Low-Relief A low-relief texture, usually seen on plastic or rubber, offers a little bit more grip when used with contoured chocks. However, it doesn't provide as much traction as other surface textures.
You can also find wheel chocks that come along with an even surface circle. Only used for storing vehicles, an even surface on a wheel chock is called a "cradle". It will not be used while lifting or pulling anything.

Wheel Chock Sizes


There are typically four size parameters to consider. You need to take a look at the different sizes and make sure that you purchase most appropriate wheel chocks that match with your needs.
- A Chock's Inclination's (or Curve's) Steepness: A steeper chock may be jammed in more securely and use gravity to its advantage but can also be trickier to place—especially if the ground is at a steep incline.
- Working Load Limit: Respect the working load limit of each wheel block.
- Height and Diameter: The curve's height and diameter (if applicable). Simple: shorter chocks work with shorter tires and higher chocks are working with taller tires.

Final words

When used appropriately, wheel chocks are useful safety equipment. Wheel-choking operations, nevertheless, are not always as simple as they may appear. Every user may not be aware of all the important factors that go into appropriate chocking. It is the end user's obligation to make the ultimate decision about the correct chocking of a vehicle under the given conditions in order to provide the highest level of safety for both personnel and equipment. It is impossible to simply test a set of wheel chocks with a certain vehicle on a particular slope and believe that they will always hold the same truck.