Installing Wheel Stops – What You Need To Know

Do you manage a large car park, a parking garage, or operate a warehouse space? With so many moving vehicles, safety is paramount and wheel stops are a handy safety measure. 

Wheel stoppers are one of the most efficient tools to manage high-traffic areas, reducing the risk of property damage and avoiding collisions. They're not just suitable for parking vehicles; they also help protect your storefront from vehicle intrusions. You can use wheel stops in combination with speed bumps to slow traffic through car parks, making it safer for pedestrians and vehicles trying to park or leave a parking space. 

Wheel Stoppers 

Concrete Wheel Stops used to be the standard, but they present trip hazards and can also damage vehicles. Rubber Wheel Stops are the modern, safer choice. Rubber wheel stops are made of durable, but flexible material that can handle being run over without snapping under the weight. They are heat resistant, oil resistant, and won't fade under the sun. 

You can install your order of wheel stops yourself or request installation assistance from the company you purchase them from as most sellers provide an installation service. If you plan to make an order, you need to plan first because there are spacing issues to consider. 

The first step in the wheel stop journey is to identify where you plan to install them and determine their placement to get an accurate count of how many you need to order. If you're operating in a residential area, you might not need as many as in a commercial or industrial setting. Likewise, you may feel more confident installing a small number of wheel stops in a residential area than someone installing hundreds in a commercial zone. Additionally, you need to ensure the wheel stop you choose can withstand the type of environment you plan to install it. Can your chosen wheel stop handle a hit from a big truck on an industrial site? 

It's worth looking at the volume of traffic you typically encounter because you can get thicker stops for heavier traffic areas. The durable rubber wheel stops Safe Hub provides are suitable for installation in residential areas like driveways and garages; public buildings like airports, hospitals, and schools; temporary events and industrial sites. 

You can use reflective tape or line marking paint to highlight specific parking bays, whether for disabled drivers, parents and babies, VIP spots, or assigned parking at an apartment complex.

The Installation Process 

If you have the correct tools and equipment, wheel stops are simple to install. It doesn't require specialist equipment, so as long as you have chalk, a hammer, a hammer drill, a socket, and a hand broom, you can do it. However, there are spacing requirements and regulatory considerations to factor in. If you're not sure about the regulatory side of things, you should enlist a professional installation service to handle it for you. 

Use chalk or line-marking paint to identify each installation location, this is something you should do before you complete the order to ensure you have the correct number of wheel stops. The surface should be flat; you should avoid installing wheel stops in dimly lit areas unless you plan to use reflective tape or reflective bollards. Though wheel stops come equipped with reflective yellow stripes for improved visibility, you need to place warning signs to alert drivers and pedestrians to the presence of wheel stops and consult local regulations for the correct size and spacing. Additionally, avoid installing wheel stops on or near corners where they could be trip hazards for pedestrians. 

If you do proceed with DIY installation, start by locating the chalked areas and position the wheel stop. Drill guide holes first but don't affix the wheel stop until you lift it and sweep the area. Once the area is clean you can secure the wheel stopper with the fixtures the manufacturer provided. Alternatively, you can use adhesive pads to install rubber wheel stops if this is a more suitable option. 

Safety Shop Near Me

Wheel stoppers are a safety must if you provide parking spaces for visitors, employees, or customers. Don't underestimate their value in a warehouse setting either, though. They can be used to designate specific loading and unloading bays, parking zones, and more to enhance everyone's safety.

When you know which wheel stop was designed for you and know the precise number you need to complete the safety task, reach out to SafeHub to place an order. In addition to our durable rubber wheel stops you can shop for a range of high-quality safety and protection solutions. Safehub stocks a range of products, including surface mount bollards, inground bollards, plastic bollards, stainless steel bollards, removable bollards, retractable bollards, and more.