A skateboard is rather your best friend, companion for rides, tricks, and adventures. With due care and attention, a skateboard will be able to deliver top performance and its service life can be extended for a longer period.
This should never mean that you will end up completely caring for your skateboard. Care for your skateboard to improve your ride with regular maintenance that will save you from unwarranted repairs or replacements. Here are the basic tips to keep your skateboard in good shape.
Keeping your skateboard as dry as possible is one of the most basic care rules that exists. Water and moisture can seriously damage the deck, bearings, and trucks. If your board gets wet, it might warp the wooden deck so it no longer will be as stable and could break easily. Water can rust your bearings, which will cause them to slow down and wear out quickly.
Take the time to dry your board immediately when you have been skating in the rain or through puddles. This includes drying your deck and hardware with a towel, then allowing it to air until use again.
Bearings are crucial to the smooth sliding of your skateboard wheels. If they are dirty or damaged, it simply won't roll as smoothly. Cleaning your bearings from time to time will extend their lives and keep your ride much smoother. Take the bearings off the wheels and soak them in a bearing cleaner or some rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and grime.
The deck is the heart of your skateboard, and it has to take so much abuse from a lot of tricks and rides. Give your deck a regular once-over to check for any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or delamination-these are when the layers of the deck start to come apart. Minor cracks and chips will not seem threatening initially, but can be the culprit that causes further weakening of the board.
The trucks are the metal parts that connect the wheels to the deck, and it is incredibly important for how your skateboard will turn and handle. After some time, the bolts which hold the truck in place can start to loosen, hence affecting your ability to control the board. Regularly check for the tightness of your trucks and change them according to your riding style.
Skateboard wheels wear down unevenly, especially if you are doing lots of tricks or slides. Sometimes, with much use, one side of the wheels gets to be completely flat, which affects your ride and does not make it as smooth. This, therefore, calls for regular rotation of the wheels. Rotation of wheels ensures that there is an even wear, which makes them last longer.
Regardless of how well one looks after their skateboard, some parts will eventually wear out over time and may need replacement. The secret to a safe and enjoyable ride is being alert to changes in one's skateboard and replacing worn parts before they become major problems.
Taking care of your skateboard doesn't have to be complicated, it is very important when you want to keep your board in good condition and enjoy smooth rides.
