Wheel Chocks Sliding? Rubber or Plastic, Size and Where They Go

Chocks that skid on gravel, look tiny against the tyre or sit on the wrong wheel give little protection when a vehicle is jacked or parked on a slope. Pick the right material and size, then place them on a wheel that stays on the ground.

PartsForMachines lists 16 wheel chocks from Sealey and Draper, from 2-tonne car pairs to HGV and motorcycle chocks.

Plastic or Rubber Wheel Chocks: Which Ones Won’t Slide?

If your chocks keep sliding, switch to heavy moulded rubber or to a plastic chock with an anti-slip feature. Draper’s moulded rubber chocks, such as the 21131 rubber wheel chocks (3 tonne pair), are designed to improve traction between tyre and surface. The 21131’s rubber also resists workshop oils and fuels.

Plastic chocks vary a lot. The CV127 adds an anti-slip steel bar and the 12271 is anti-slip HDPE, while the WC09 composite chock is very light at 0.22kg each and easy to carry. Whatever the material, car makers advise jacking on a level surface, so move off loose gravel where possible.

What Size Wheel Chock Do I Need for My Tyre and Vehicle Weight?

Match the chock to both the vehicle’s weight and the tyre’s size, and check whether the rating is per chock or per pair. The 21135 is rated 3 tonnes for the pair, while the 21134 rubber wheel chock (10 tonne) is a single chock, 150mm tall with a 65° face.

Bigger wheels need bigger chocks. The WC09 stands 100mm tall and suits cars under 2 tonnes. The 12271 is made for HGV wheels over 920mm in diameter, and the CWC01 for commercial, agricultural and aircraft tyres of 1500–1800mm. Where a maker gives a wheel diameter, measure your tyre and check it falls within that range or limit.

How Many Chocks, and Which Wheels, When Jacking or Parked on a Slope?

Chock a wheel that stays on the ground, diagonally opposite the one you are lifting, with one chock in front of it and one behind. Car makers’ tyre-changing instructions say just that, and also tell you to set the parking brake firmly and select P on an automatic. Use chocks with the parking brake, never instead of it.

A pair such as the 21135 heavy-duty rubber wheel chocks covers one wheel, and the rope joining them helps you pull them out afterwards. On a slope, stay within the chock’s maximum gradient: 12° for the 21134 and 10° for the CWC01.

Do Lorries and Trailers Have to Carry Wheel Chocks?

It depends on the country, so check the rules where you operate. German rules, for example, require motor vehicles over 4 tonnes permitted gross weight to carry at least one chock, and vehicles with three or more axles, and semi-trailers, to carry two.

Wherever you work, apply the trailer’s parking brake and, where chocks are carried, chock its wheels before you uncouple. For heavy goods vehicles, the 12271 wheel chock for wheels over 920mm is non-sparking, highly visible HDPE. It conforms to DIN 76051-D53Z, and Draper states it complies with ADR regulations.

What Should I Check Before I Buy Wheel Chocks?

• the vehicle’s weight against the chock rating, and whether that rating is per chock or per pair
• the chock height and any wheel diameter range against your tyre
• the ground you work on: rubber or anti-slip chocks for smooth, oily or loose surfaces
• the maker’s maximum gradient, if you park on slopes
• how you will carry and retrieve them: pair, rope, eye bolt, handle or bracket

Browse the wheel chock range, or contact the PartsForMachines team by WhatsApp, telephone or email with the vehicle type, its weight and the tyre size, and we will help you choose.

Product options, delivery options and returns terms are shown on each product page. A 30-day return policy applies to eligible items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap plastic wheel chocks safe for a car?

They can be, on a level surface and within their rating. The WC09 composite pair suits vehicles under 2 tonnes and the 20212 plastic pair is rated 2 tonnes. If they slide or crack, move up to heavier rubber chocks.

Can I leave wheel chocks outside?

Some are made for it. The 21132 moulded rubber chocks are weather-resistant, and the 12271 HDPE chock is weatherproof, so it stays fit for use when left outdoors.

Can I use the same chocks on a caravan or trailer?

Yes, within the rating. The 21131 and 21132 rubber pairs suit cars, light commercial vehicles, caravans and trailers, at 3 and 6 tonnes a pair. Place one chock in front of the wheel and one behind it.

Are wheel chocks sold singly or in pairs?

Both. The 21131 comes as a pair and the 21134 as a single chock. Some singles, such as the CWC01, must be used in pairs, so order at least two.

How do I get chocks out from under a wheel?

Choose chocks with something to pull on. The 21134 has an eye bolt ring for a rope or chain, the CWC01 has a carry handle that also takes one, and the 21135 pair comes joined by a rope.

Where should I keep chocks on a trailer or lorry?

Somewhere you can reach them quickly every time you park. The CV127 commercial chock comes with a steel bracket designed for mounting on a wall or a trailer, so it stays secure but to hand.

What are non-sparking wheel chocks for?

Places where ignition risk must be managed, such as fuel depots and loading bays. The 12271 non-sparking HDPE chock is made for HGV wheels over 920mm in diameter.

Which motorcycle wheel chock fits my tyre?

Match the chock to your tyre width: the WC06 takes tyres up to 95mm wide, the WC07 motorcycle wheel chock up to 140mm and the WC08 up to 165mm. All three bolt to a floor or trailer.

Does a motorcycle wheel chock replace tie-down straps?

Not for transport. Sealey’s heavy-duty front wheel chock must be used with tie-down straps as well, and its standard front chock has a gap for a lashing strap. Strap the bike down before you move it.