Business Archives - Hokie Joint https://hokiejoint.co.uk/category/business/ A Blog For Diligent Guys Like You! Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:33:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://i0.wp.com/hokiejoint.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-author21-1.png?fit=32%2C32&quality=100&strip=all&ssl=1 Business Archives - Hokie Joint https://hokiejoint.co.uk/category/business/ 32 32 214647553 What Are the Most Dangerous Spiders in Australia? What to Do If You Found One in Your House? https://hokiejoint.co.uk/what-is-the-most-dangerous-spider-in-australia-how-to-handle/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:33:18 +0000 https://hokiejoint.co.uk/?p=7721 What are the most dangerous spiders in Australia? What to do if you found one in your house? Click here to learn more

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Australia is renowned for its diverse and often startling wildlife, and spiders are no exception. From the intimidating Sydney Funnel Web to the more common yet still unsettling house spiders, encountering these eight-legged creatures can be a cause for concern.

Whether you’ve spotted a spider in your home or are simply curious about what to do if you find one, understanding the different types of spiders and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial.

This guide will help you identify some of the most dangerous spiders in Australia, provide practical advice on handling spider encounters, and offer guidance on when it’s time to call pest control.

What Are the Most Dangerous Spiders in Australia?

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, and when it comes to spiders, there are a few that stand out as the most dangerous. While spider bites are relatively rare, it’s important to be aware of which species to look out for and what to do if you come across one. Below are some of the most dangerous spiders found in Australia.

1. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider (Atrax robustus)

The Sydney funnel-web spider is often considered the most dangerous spider in Australia and possibly the world. These spiders are found in New South Wales, particularly around Sydney. The funnel-web spider’s bite is highly toxic, containing a powerful venom that can be fatal if untreated.

Appearance and Habitat:
Funnel webs are dark, shiny spiders with a robust body. They build burrows lined with silk, usually in moist, shaded areas such as under rocks or logs.

Danger Level:
The bite of a male funnel-web is more toxic than the female’s, and symptoms can develop quickly, including severe pain, difficulty breathing, and muscle spasms. However, since the introduction of antivenom in the 1980s, no deaths have been recorded from a funnel-web bite.

2. Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

top view closeup of red back spider
Red back spider

The redback spider is another well-known dangerous spider in Australia. These spiders are found throughout the country and are often spotted in sheltered areas such as sheds, garages, and outdoor toilets.

Appearance and Habitat:
Redbacks are small, black spiders with a distinctive red or orange stripe on their back. They usually create messy, tangled webs in dry, sheltered places.

Danger Level:
While redback bites can be extremely painful and cause symptoms like nausea, sweating, and muscle aches, they are rarely fatal, especially with access to antivenom. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if bitten, particularly for children or the elderly.

3. Mouse Spider (Missulena)

Mouse spiders are often mistaken for funnel webs due to their similar appearance. These spiders can be found across Australia, and although their venom is toxic, bites from mouse spiders are not common.

Appearance and Habitat:
Mouse spiders are medium to large spiders with a bulky appearance. They are usually found in burrows, often near water or in drier areas.

Danger Level:
Their venom is similar to that of the funnel-web, but mouse spider bites are less aggressive and rarely result in serious harm. Nonetheless, it’s wise to seek medical attention if bitten.

4. White-Tailed Spider (Lampona)

White-tailed spiders are often blamed for causing severe skin reactions, although research suggests this is not common. They are widespread across Australia and are commonly found inside homes, hiding in bedding or clothing.

Appearance and Habitat:
These spiders are usually grey or black, with a distinctive white tip on their abdomen.

Danger Level:
While their bite can be painful and cause some swelling or irritation, it is not considered life-threatening. In most cases, symptoms resolve without serious complications.

5. Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)

Wolf spiders are common across Australia, and while they are not typically considered dangerous, their bite can still cause pain and discomfort.

Appearance and Habitat:
These spiders are brown and hairy, often found outdoors in gardens or grassy areas.

Danger Level:
Wolf spiders don’t pose a significant health risk, but their bite can cause redness, swelling, and mild pain. Medical treatment is usually not required unless an allergic reaction occurs.

Great raft spider or fen raft spider (Dolomedes plantarius) is a European species of spider in the Pisauridae family.
Wolf spider

What to Do If You Found These Eight Legs in Your House?

Finding a spider in your house can be unsettling, especially if it’s one of the more dangerous species. Here’s what you should do if you encounter these eight-legged creatures:

1. Stay Calm

First and foremost, try to stay calm. Most spiders, even the dangerous ones, will not attack unless provoked. Panicking may lead to hasty actions that could increase the risk of a bite.

2. Identify the Spider

If you can safely do so, try to identify the spider. Knowing whether it’s a dangerous species like the Sydney Funnel Web or a less harmful one can help you decide the best course of action. However, don’t attempt to handle the spider yourself if you’re unsure.

3. Do Not Attempt to Handle It

Avoid trying to catch or handle the spider with your bare hands. Use tools like a broom or a long stick to gently move it if necessary. If you’re unsure about handling it, it’s better to err on the side of caution and leave it alone.

4. Create a Barrier

If the spider is in a room, you can use a barrier like a towel, blanket, or fly screens to prevent it from moving into other parts of your home. This is particularly useful if you’re waiting for someone to help or if you plan to remove it yourself.

5. Contain the Spider

If possible, gently trap the spider in a container. Use a glass or jar and a piece of paper to cover the opening. This method is especially useful for less dangerous spiders or if you want to safely release the spider outside.

6. Call for Help

For dangerous spiders, especially those like the Sydney Funnel Web or Redback, it’s best to contact SWAT Pest Control Services. They have the expertise to safely handle and remove dangerous spiders from your home.

7. Keep the Area Secure

If you’ve found a dangerous spider, it’s wise to keep the area secure until help arrives. Make sure children and pets stay away from the area to avoid accidental contact with the spider.

8. Seek Medical Attention if Bitten

If you or anyone in your household is bitten by a spider, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the bite seems minor, it’s crucial to get it checked out, especially if you suspect it might be from a dangerous species. Symptoms like severe pain, muscle spasms, or difficulty breathing should be addressed promptly.

9. Prevent Future Encounters

After dealing with the spider, take steps to prevent future encounters. This includes:

  • Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean and free of spider webs. Spiders are often attracted to cluttered areas.
  • Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations where spiders might enter.
  • Use Spider Repellents: Consider using natural spider repellents like essential oils (peppermint or citrus) or commercial spider repellents.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Learn more about local spider species and educate family members, especially children, about how to avoid spider bites and what to do if they find a spider. Awareness and preparation can help reduce fear and improve safety.

Should You Call For Pest Control If You Find One?

Whether you should call pest control if you find a spider depends on a few factors:

1. Spider Identification

  • Dangerous Species: If the spider is identified as a dangerous species, such as a Sydney Funnel-Web, Redback, or other venomous types, it’s a good idea to call pest control. These spiders require professional handling due to the risks they pose.
  • Non-Dangerous Species: For common or less dangerous spiders, such as garden spiders or house spiders, you might not need to call pest control. These spiders are usually harmless and can often be dealt with using DIY methods.

2. Location and Frequency

  • Single Encounter: If you find a spider only once and it appears to be a non-threatening species, you might handle it yourself or use a DIY method for removal.
  • Recurring Issues: If you frequently encounter spiders or find multiple spiders, especially dangerous ones, calling pest control can help address a potential infestation and prevent future encounters.

3. Comfort and Safety

  • Personal Comfort: If you’re uncomfortable dealing with spiders or unsure about handling them safely, it’s wise to call pest control. They can remove the spider and provide advice on preventing future problems.
  • Safety Concerns: If the spider is in a location that’s hard to reach or in a space where handling it could be risky (e.g., high places or tight spaces), professional help can ensure the spider is removed safely.

4. Preventative Measures

  • Ongoing Prevention: Pest control services can also offer preventative treatments and advice to minimize the likelihood of spiders entering your home in the future. This can include sealing entry points and treating potential nesting areas.

5. Health and Allergies

  • Allergies: If someone in your household has severe allergies or a compromised immune system, it’s better to call pest control to avoid any risk associated with spider bites or the stress of dealing with the spiders yourself.

When to Call Pest Control:

  • Dangerous or venomous spiders are present.
  • You find multiple spiders or suspect an infestation.
  • You are uncomfortable handling spiders or unsure about their identification.
  • The spider is in a hard-to-reach or hazardous location.
  • You want to implement long-term prevention measures.

In summary, while it’s not always necessary to call pest control for every spider sighting, doing so can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re dealing with dangerous species, frequent encounters, or if you prefer professional assistance in managing and preventing spider issues.

Conclusion

Encountering a spider in your home can be unsettling, but knowing the correct steps to take can help maintain calm and safety. While most spiders are harmless and can be managed with simple home remedies, venomous species like the Sydney Funnel-Web or Redback require professional help.

Understanding the types of spiders you might encounter and the appropriate actions to take enables effective management of such situations and prevents future issues.

If in doubt or uncomfortable handling the situation alone, it’s prudent to contact SWAT Pest Control services. Their expertise ensures your safety and peace of mind, keeping your home free from unwelcome spider inhabitants.

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What is Tree Pruning, Tree Trimming and Tree Hedging? Which One Do You Need? https://hokiejoint.co.uk/what-is-tree-pruning-tree-trimming-and-tree-hedging/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 07:36:00 +0000 https://hokiejoint.co.uk/?p=7708 What is Tree Pruning? What is tree trimming? What is tree hedging? How do you know which one you need? Read this to learn more

The post What is Tree Pruning, Tree Trimming and Tree Hedging? Which One Do You Need? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

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Keeping your trees and shrubs healthy and good-looking is key to a stunning, secure yard. But figuring out the right time to prune, trim, or hedge can be tricky. Each one does something special: from boosting tree health, to keeping things safe, sprucing up the look, or even setting up living fences.

This guide’s got you covered on the ins and outs of pruning, trimming, and hedging, helping you pick just what your green buddies need. With the right know-how, you’ll keep your trees in top shape, looking great, and adding that extra charm and worth to your place.

What is Tree Pruning?

Tree pruning is the horticultural practice of selectively removing specific parts of a tree, such as branches, buds, or roots. This process is an essential aspect of tree care and maintenance, aimed at improving the tree’s health, safety, and appearance. Pruning involves various techniques and serves multiple purposes, from promoting healthy growth to preventing potential hazards.

Here’s a more detailed look at what tree pruning entails and why it’s important.

Objectives of Tree Pruning

  1. Health Improvement: One of the primary reasons for pruning a tree is to maintain or improve its health. This involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches that can harbour pests or diseases. By cutting away these problematic areas, the tree can focus its resources on healthy growth.
  2. Safety: Pruning is crucial for safety. Overgrown or weak branches can pose significant risks to people and property. Removing these branches reduces the likelihood of them falling during storms or strong winds. Pruning also ensures that trees do not interfere with power lines, buildings, or pathways.
  3. Aesthetic Enhancement: Pruning helps shape trees and enhance their natural beauty. By controlling the tree’s growth, pruning can create a more desirable form and appearance. This is particularly important in landscaped areas where the visual appeal of trees is a priority.
  4. Structural Integrity: Proper pruning can help establish a strong structure in young trees, guiding their growth to develop a robust framework. This early intervention helps prevent structural problems in the future, reducing the need for corrective measures as the tree matures.
  5. Encouraging Fruit and Flower Production: For fruit trees and flowering trees, pruning can stimulate better production. By removing certain branches, the tree can allocate more energy to producing flowers and fruits, resulting in a more bountiful yield.
Tree cutter pruning of tree

Pruning Techniques

  1. Thinning: This involves selectively removing branches to increase light penetration and air circulation within the tree canopy. Thinning helps reduce the risk of disease and promotes healthy growth.
  2. Raising: Raising, or lifting, is the removal of lower branches to provide clearance for pedestrians, vehicles, or buildings. This technique is often used in urban environments to maintain safety and accessibility.
  3. Reduction: Reduction reduces the size of the tree while maintaining its natural shape. This is often done to keep a tree away from power lines or to reduce its overall height and spread.
  4. Crown Cleaning: This involves the removal of dead, dying, or diseased branches from the tree’s crown. Crown cleaning improves the tree’s health and appearance.
  5. Pollarding: Pollarding is a method of severe pruning where the tree’s branches are cut back to the trunk or a few main limbs. This technique is used to control the size of the tree and promote vigorous new growth.

When to Prune

The timing of pruning can significantly impact the outcome. Generally, late winter or early spring is the best time for most trees, as it allows the tree to heal quickly and promotes strong growth in the spring. However, the ideal time can vary depending on the type of tree and the specific pruning goals. Some trees may benefit from summer pruning to manage growth or remove damaged branches caused by storms.

How to Prune

Pruning should be done carefully to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the tree. Using clean, sharp tools is essential to make precise cuts. For small branches, a clean cut just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch joins the trunk) is recommended to promote proper healing. For larger branches, a three-cut method is often used to prevent the bark from tearing and causing additional damage.

What is Tree Trimming?

Tree trimming, often used interchangeably with tree pruning, refers to the process of cutting and removing specific parts of a tree, such as branches, twigs, or leaves, to improve the tree’s appearance, health, and safety. While the terms are similar, tree trimming typically focuses more on aesthetics and maintaining the desired shape of a tree, whereas pruning often targets health and structural integrity.

Here’s a detailed look at tree trimming and its importance.

Objectives of Tree Trimming

selective focus of smiling gardener in helmet and hearing protectors trimming trees with telescopic
  1. Aesthetic Enhancement: One of the main reasons for tree trimming is to maintain or enhance the tree’s appearance. This involves shaping the tree to achieve a specific look or to complement the surrounding landscape. Regular trimming helps keep trees looking neat and attractive.
  2. Health Maintenance: Like pruning, trimming can help maintain a tree’s health by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This prevents the spread of disease and pests, allowing the tree to grow stronger and healthier.
  3. Safety: Trimming is crucial for safety, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Overgrown branches can interfere with power lines, buildings, and roadways, posing significant hazards. Regular trimming ensures that trees do not obstruct visibility or access and reduces the risk of branches falling and causing damage or injury.
  4. Improving Airflow and Light Penetration: Trimming can help increase airflow and light penetration throughout the tree’s canopy. This is particularly important for densely growing trees where interior branches may not receive adequate light and air. Improved airflow reduces the risk of fungal infections and other diseases, while better light penetration promotes overall tree health and growth.

Trimming Techniques

  1. Thinning: This technique involves selectively removing branches to reduce the density of the tree. Thinning helps improve light penetration and air circulation, contributing to the tree’s health and reducing the risk of disease.
  2. Topping: Topping is the cutting back of the top sections of the tree to reduce its height. This is generally discouraged by professionals as it can stress the tree and lead to weak new growth, but it is sometimes used for safety reasons.
  3. Shaping: Shaping is done to create a specific form or structure, often for ornamental purposes. This can involve trimming the tree into various shapes to match the desired aesthetic of a garden or landscape.
  4. Crown Reduction: This technique reduces the size of the tree’s canopy without compromising its shape. Crown reduction is often used to manage the size of a tree and prevent it from interfering with structures or power lines.

When to Trim

The best time to trim trees depends on the species and the specific goals of the trimming. Generally, late winter or early spring is ideal for most trees, as it promotes healthy growth and allows the tree to heal quickly. However, certain species and circumstances may require trimming at different times of the year.

How to Trim

Proper tree trimming requires the use of clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts. It’s important to make cuts just outside the branch collar to promote proper healing and avoid damaging the tree. For larger branches, using a three-cut method helps prevent tearing of the bark and minimizes damage.

What is Tree Hedging?

Tree hedging refers to the practice of shaping and maintaining trees or shrubs in a dense, continuous line to create a hedge. Hedges are often used for decorative purposes, privacy, and as windbreaks or property boundaries. Tree hedging involves regular trimming and training of the plants to ensure they maintain the desired shape, height, and density.

Here’s a detailed look at tree hedging, its purposes, and how it is done.

Objectives of Tree Hedging

  1. Privacy: One of the main reasons for creating a hedge is to provide privacy. A well-maintained hedge can serve as a natural barrier that blocks the view from outside, giving homeowners a sense of seclusion and security.
  2. Windbreaks and Shelter: Hedges can act as windbreaks, protecting gardens, homes, and livestock from strong winds. They also provide shelter for wildlife, offering a habitat for birds and small animals.
  3. Aesthetic Appeal: Hedges can enhance the visual appeal of a landscape. They can be shaped into various forms and patterns, adding structure and beauty to gardens and outdoor spaces.
  4. Property Boundaries: Hedges are commonly used to mark property lines. They provide a natural, living boundary that can be more attractive and eco-friendly than fences or walls.
  5. Noise Reduction: Dense hedges can help reduce noise pollution by acting as sound barriers. This is particularly useful in urban areas where traffic and other noises can be intrusive.

Types of Plants Used for Hedging

Various trees and shrubs can be used to create hedges, depending on the desired height, density, and growth rate. Some common types include:

  • Evergreen Trees and Shrubs: Such as boxwood, yew, and holly, which retain their foliage year-round, providing continuous privacy and shelter.
  • Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Like beech and hornbeam, which lose their leaves in winter but can still provide an effective barrier during the growing season.
  • Flowering Shrubs: Such as privet and forsythia, which add seasonal colour and interest to the hedge.

Hedging Techniques

  1. Planting: The first step in creating a hedge is selecting and planting the appropriate trees or shrubs. Plants should be spaced evenly to allow for uniform growth. The spacing depends on the species and the desired density of the hedge.
  2. Training: Training involves guiding the growth of the plants to achieve the desired shape and height. This may include tying branches to supports or using stakes to encourage vertical growth.
  3. Trimming and Pruning: Regular trimming and pruning are essential to maintain the shape and density of the hedge. This involves cutting back new growth to encourage branching and keep the hedge compact. Trimming should be done at least once or twice a year, depending on the growth rate of the plants.
  4. Shaping: Hedges can be shaped in various ways, from simple, straight lines to more elaborate designs. Formal hedges often have precise, geometric shapes, while informal hedges may have a more natural, flowing appearance.
  5. Maintenance: In addition to trimming, hedges require ongoing maintenance, including watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Regular inspection helps identify and address any issues, such as disease or pest infestations, early on.

Best Practices for Hedging

  • Timing: The best time to trim hedges is during the growing season, typically in late spring or early summer. Some hedges may also benefit from a light trim in late winter to encourage new growth in the spring.
  • Tools: Using the right tools, such as hedge shears, pruners, and electric trimmers, can make the job easier and more efficient. Sharp, clean tools help make precise cuts and reduce the risk of disease.
  • Technique: When trimming, start from the bottom and work your way up, making sure the base is wider than the top to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the hedge. This prevents the lower branches from becoming shaded and losing foliage.

How Do I Know If I Need Tree Pruning, Trimming or Hedging Service?

Determining whether you need tree pruning, trimming, or hedging services depends on the specific needs and conditions of your trees and landscape. Here’s a guide to help you identify which service is required based on various factors:

Tree Pruning

1. Health Issues:

  • Dead or Diseased Branches: If you notice dead, diseased, or damaged branches, your tree likely needs pruning. Removing these branches can prevent the spread of disease and pests.
  • Fungal Growth: The presence of fungi, such as mushrooms growing on the tree or at its base, often indicates decay, which necessitates pruning.

2. Structural Concerns:

  • Weak Branch Structure: If the tree has branches growing at narrow angles or crossing each other, pruning can help improve its structural integrity.
  • Overcrowded Canopy: Pruning can thin out dense canopies, allowing more light and air to penetrate, promoting better overall health.

3. Safety Hazards:

  • Hanging or Broken Branches: Branches that are broken, hanging, or appear ready to fall can pose safety risks and should be pruned.
  • Proximity to Structures: If branches are too close to your house, power lines, or other structures, pruning can prevent potential damage.

Tree Trimming

1. Aesthetic Reasons:

  • Overgrown Appearance: If your tree looks unruly or overgrown, trimming can enhance its appearance and shape it to fit your landscape design.
  • Uneven Growth: Trimming helps maintain a balanced and aesthetically pleasing shape.

2. Seasonal Growth Management:

  • New Growth Control: Regular trimming helps manage new growth, ensuring that the tree does not become too dense or overgrown.

3. Safety and Accessibility:

  • Obstructing Pathways: If branches are blocking walkways, driveways, or obstructing views, trimming can clear these areas.
  • Interference with Utility Lines: Trimming is necessary if branches are growing too close to utility lines to prevent power outages or damage.

Tree Hedging

1. Privacy Needs:

  • Creating or Maintaining Privacy: If you need a natural barrier for privacy or noise reduction, hedging services can help establish or maintain a dense, continuous hedge.

2. Windbreaks and Boundaries:

  • Wind Protection: If you need protection from strong winds, a well-maintained hedge can act as a windbreak.
  • Defining Boundaries: Hedges are ideal for marking property boundaries in an attractive and eco-friendly manner.

3. Aesthetic and Functional Landscaping:

  • Ornamental Design: If you want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden with neatly shaped plants, hedging can create formal lines and shapes.
  • Plant Health: Regular hedging helps maintain plant health by promoting dense, healthy growth.

How to Decide

1. Assess the Condition of Your Trees and Shrubs:

  • Inspect for Disease or Damage: Look for signs of disease, decay, or structural issues in your trees.
  • Evaluate Overgrowth: Determine if your trees or shrubs are overgrown or uneven in appearance.

2. Consider Your Goals:

  • Aesthetic Goals: Decide if you want to improve the appearance of your landscape.
  • Functional Needs: Identify if you need to address safety concerns, provide privacy, or define boundaries.

3. Professional Evaluation:

  • Consult an Arborist: If you’re unsure about the specific needs of your trees or shrubs, consulting a professional arborist can provide expert advice and a tailored maintenance plan.

Grasping the nuances of pruning, trimming, and hedging, along with assessing your landscape’s unique needs and objectives, enables you to choose the right service to keep your trees and shrubs healthy, safe, and attractive.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between pruning, trimming, and hedging is key to keeping your trees and shrubs in top shape. Pruning is all about keeping your trees healthy and structurally sound, trimming is for looks and safety, and hedging sets up those neat and tidy boundaries. Check out your trees and shrubs, think about what you want for your garden, and pick the service that fits the bill.

Whether it’s boosting tree health, playing it safe, or just making your garden look good, these methods are crucial for a lively, well-kept outdoor space. And you might want to get advice from a pro arborist like AB Tree, they are the cherry on top for giving your trees the VIP treatment they deserve.

The post What is Tree Pruning, Tree Trimming and Tree Hedging? Which One Do You Need? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

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Are car ramps safer than jacks? What size car ramps do I need? Are car ramps worth it? https://hokiejoint.co.uk/car-ramps-safer-than-jacks-what-size-do-i-need-are-they-worth-it/ Fri, 27 Jan 2023 08:30:18 +0000 https://hokiejoint.co.uk/?p=7688 While some people prefer to leave their car maintenance and work to the experts and spend more money, if you know what you are doing and like to tackle it yourself, having the right equipment is key. If you are looking to do some work on your car and want to be able to get […]

The post Are car ramps safer than jacks? What size car ramps do I need? Are car ramps worth it? appeared first on Hokie Joint.

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While some people prefer to leave their car maintenance and work to the experts and spend more money, if you know what you are doing and like to tackle it yourself, having the right equipment is key.

If you are looking to do some work on your car and want to be able to get greater access in safety, a car ramp is the best way to do it. Here we will take a better look at car ramps and why they are worth the investment for you.

Are car ramps safer than jacks? 

One of the top criteria to consider when choosing between car ramps and jacks is safety. When you are lifting up your car, and planning to take a look underneath, nothing is more important than knowing that it is safely and securely held and that you aren’t in harm’s way while you work.

A jack is a mechanical device used to lift your car. It is placed underneath, and then the height is adjusted using hydraulics to get the space that you need. Jacks are commonly used to change tires, and are reliable and safe when used correctly and with the right weight. You should never use a jack on a car that is heavier than its stated weight.

If you are using a jack to raise your car to carry out further work, you should back up your jack with a jack stand. This further secures and stabilises the vehicle. Again you should check and double-check that they are placed correctly, and are being used for the right car weight.

You should always consult your user manual and only use jacks to raise the car, not to hold it in place for longer periods that need proper jack stands as well. Never go underneath a car held up only by a jack. They should be used on a level surface and you should double-check that they are holding rather than just trusting that they are.

There are many different types of jack and they should only be used for their specified purpose. They are the best choice for changing a tire, but for other more prolonged work, you may find car ramps to be the top choice.

Car ramps, for one thing, are much easier to use. You simply place them in front of each of the wheels, drive up, and brake. You once again need to know the maximum load before you start, but the process is altogether much less tricky than using a jack.

Further, they are safer as they spread the load far better. A jack lifts the car up from one point and needs jack stands to keep the car level and secure. Car ramps can instantly get your car up where you need it without a lot of fuss, safely, and securely.

They are quick and easy to set up and can raise your car to a higher elevation than a jack can alone. This means that you have more space to work, which again can be safer altogether. Wheel riser ramps by SureWeld are also fantastic when loading and unloading freight, lifting up the vehicle to a more helpful height and getting the job done safely.

The big downside to car ramps is that you cannot change the tires or remove the wheels while you are using them without trying to jack the car up further – something that is highly dangerous. If you need to work on the wheels, go for a jack. If you are looking to change your oil or carry out pretty much anything else, car ramps are the safer and superior choice.

What size car ramps do I need?

The kind of car ramp you need will vary based on the type of car you have, why you want it, and the weight of the vehicle among other factors. If your car sits low to the ground, for example, you will need a longer ramp to prevent it from getting damaged. If, however, you want to change the oil you will want ramps that give you as much space as possible under the car. 

The big one is once again all about weight. Never use ramps on a car if they don’t specifically state that they can take a load even heavier than that. If in doubt, check your car manual and it should tell you everything that you need to know.

The figure stating how much weight the ramp can manage usually assumes that you are using two ramps, to raise the heavier end of the car, but again you should always double-check this before moving forward.

You should also ensure that the ramps are wide enough to fit the entire wheel, otherwise, the safety of the process can be compromised. If you are in any doubt, consult an expert before attempting to use car ramps.

Are car ramps worth it?

If you work on your car at times, or even like to carry out tasks like oil changes, then car ramps are most definitely worth it. They are much safer and simpler to use than a jack and jack stands, give you more space and can get your car up quickly and efficiently.

However, if all you really do is change the odd tire, you are better off keeping a jack in your car and leaving car ramps to those that might really use them. When you are working with something as heavy and potentially dangerous as a car, safety really is paramount. Car ramps are safer, so they are worth it.

Conclusion 

To Sum Up:

  • A jack raised up your car using hydraulics and is the best way to access your tires and wheels. 
  • You should never go under a car being held up with a jack alone, but rather use jack stands or car ramps.
  • Car ramps are easy to use, very safe if set up properly, and spread the weight of the car better.
  • The size of the ramp you need depends on the weight of the car, the size of the wheels, and more.

If you are thinking about doing work on your car, or wish to load or unload various items, check out the incredible car ramps available to buy today.

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