Last Updated on 2 years by Ollie Barker
If you have a car and have driven in winter conditions, you are at risk for snow and ice build-up on your tires. One method of preventing the build-up is to make DIY wheel chocks or homemade wheel chocks. This guide covers all the steps necessary to prepare, store, carry, and use them for optimal results.
In this guide, you will find information on how to make DIY wheel chocks from items that can be found around your house.
What Is A Wheel Chock?
A wheel chock is a device used to prevent a vehicle from moving during certain types of operations, such as loading and unloading, working under the car, washing the car, driving on ice and snow or in high wind conditions.
The device will keep the vehicle from rolling while working on it. It should be placed in front of a tire so that it cannot roll forward or backward.
Benefits Of Having A Wheel Chock
There are a few benefits of having wheel chocks for your vehicle. First, when you need to wash your car, you will have the option to do so without worrying that the car will move while you are using the hose or cleaning supplies.
The same holds true if you need to apply de-icers or other treatments such as washer fluid or anti-freeze when temperatures drop below freezing.
Find out: How to clean your wheel wells & protect them better!
You can even use them when leveling trailer loads because they prevent the trailer from moving while you perform tasks under it.
Tools & Materials Needed
- One wheel chock (see step 1)
- Two garden hose clamps (one for each side of the car)
- Pliers or scissors
How To Make Your Own DIY Wheel Chocks: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Attach A Garden Hose Clamp On Each Side Of The Car
It is necessary to attach one garden hose clamp on each side of the car. This will prevent the car from rolling forward or backward when using the chocks.
Cut off both ends of the hose clamps.
Remove any plastic or rubber pieces inside the clamp handles.
Insert your fingers into the handles and pull out any remaining pieces that might be in there.
On both sides, attach a garden hose clamp to each fender with the flat part of the clamp tight against the fender without being too tight. Do not try to remove them once they are in place because they will break if you do so.
Step 2: Attach The Other Garden Hose Clamp To Each End Of The Chock
Now that you have attached the garden hose clamp to the sides of the car, it is time to attach them to each end of the chocks. This will ensure that they are secure and will not slide off.
Take your two chocks and place them under the front tires that you wish to use them for.
Once they are securely in place, take your other garden hose clamps and attach them to the chocks. Tighten them to make sure they are secure and that they will hold well.
Step 3: Attach The End Clamp To The Tire Or Fender
While you have the chocks in place under the tires, it is time to attach the end clamps to each end of the chock.
Take one piece and attach it to the tire to make sure it fits.
If the end is too small, do not use it on your tire and just discard it. You will need a larger piece for this step.
Read more: How to organize sockets for a tidier garage!
Take the other end clamp and attach it to the chock that is already attached to your car. While holding this in place, make sure that you can fit them together easily without causing damage to either side.
What Wheel Chocks Don’t Do
You can use wheel chocks to prevent your car from moving. However, they are not a substitute for other methods of preventing cars from moving unexpectedly.
They make a great addition to your toolbox for added safety measures when working on your vehicle, but they should be used with other precautions in place also.
We should avoid working on steep surfaces to ensure our safety.
FAQs
#1 What Can I Use Instead of Wheel Chocks?
A wheel chock is more durable and will hold your car in place better than a piece of plywood, but you can still use a piece of plywood and mount it on the fender. Another option is to use bricks.
#2 What Is the Best Angle for a Wheel Chock?
The best angle is when the chock is placed so that the car will not roll forward or backward when you are working under it. If the chock is lying flat, then that means it is at a small angle, and your tire can roll forward or backward easily while you are working on it. I find a 45-degree angle is the best option for normal tires.
Check out: How to clean your car tires: step-by-step!
#3 Do I Need 2 or 4 Wheel Chocks?
You can use 2 wheel chocks for your vehicle, but I would recommend using four if you can. This will reduce the chances of the car moving while you are working under it or cleaning it, and it will make it a safer option for everyone.
#4 Can You Drive Over Wheel Chocks?
No! If you drive over a wheel chock, it will put a lot of pressure on the wheel or tire, and it could even cause the chock to come off. You should never drive over your wheel chocks.
Final Words
I hope this guide makes it easier for you to have a better experience when working on your car or cleaning it. If you plan on using wheel chocks to help prevent your car from moving, I wish you a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hi, My name is Ollie Barker.
With 25 years working in repair and detailing shops. I’d love to share my tips & tricks to all car lovers. Also, give my recommendations on which products are the best to have on the market.
Thanks for visiting CarDetailingArt! Hope you enjoy your time on my little blog!
