It is important to maintain your skateboard if you want to keep it in good condition and ensure that it performs well. By regularly cleaning and checking your skateboard, you can extend its lifespan and prevent issues from occurring. In this blog post, we will explore some of the essential steps to maintaining a skateboard.

Statistics on Skateboard Maintenance

According to a survey conducted by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), approximately 74% of skateboarders maintain their boards themselves. The most commonly performed maintenance tasks include replacing worn-out grip tape, tightening bolts, and replacing worn-out wheels.

The survey also found that the average skateboarder replaces their deck every six months, while trucks and wheels are replaced every four months. Skateboard bearings, on the other hand, are replaced every two months on average.

How to Maintain Your Skateboard

Keep it clean

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your skateboard is to clean it regularly. Dirt, debris, and moisture can damage your skateboard’s components, so it’s essential to keep it clean and dry. To clean your skateboard, use a damp cloth or a skateboard-specific cleaning solution to wipe down the deck, wheels, and trucks. You can also use grip gum to clean your grip tape.

Tighten the Bolts

Skateboards endure a lot of wear and tear, which can cause the bolts to become loose over time. This is also a potential safety hazard and leads to decreased performance. It’s important to regularly check and tighten the bolts to ensure your skateboard is safe to ride. Use a skate tool or a wrench to tighten the bolts as needed.

Store It Properly

When you’re not using your skateboard, it’s important to store it properly to prevent damage. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing your skateboard in a car trunk or garage, as temperature fluctuations and humidity can cause damage to the board.

Keep Your Bearings Clean

 Bearings are an essential component of your skateboard, as they enable the wheels to rotate smoothly. Over time, bearings can become dirty or damaged, leading to slower performance and potential safety hazards. To keep your bearings clean, remove them from the wheels and clean them using a bearing-specific cleaning solution. Once they are clean, lubricate them with a skate-specific lubricant and reinstall them onto the wheels.

Check Your Wheels

 The wheels on your skateboard can also become damaged or worn out over time, leading to decreased performance and safety hazards. To maintain your wheels, regularly check them for signs of damage or wear and replace them when necessary.Store Your Skateboard Properly: How you store your skateboard can also impact its performance and lifespan. Avoid storing your skateboard in areas with high humidity, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight. Instead, store it in a dry, cool place, such as a closet or a garage.

Avoid Riding on Wet Surfaces

Riding on wet surfaces can cause damage to your skateboard’s components and decrease its performance. To maintain your skateboard, avoid riding on wet or damp surfaces, and always dry off your skateboard if it gets wet.

Replace Components When Necessary

No matter how well you maintain your skateboard, eventually, some components will need to be replaced. The lifespan of your skateboard’s components can vary depending on the frequency and intensity of your use. When components such as wheels, bearings, or grip tape start to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them to ensure that your skateboard performs at its best.

Summary:

Maintaining your skateboard is essential if you want to keep it in good condition and ensure that it performs well. By following these tips and regularly cleaning and checking your skateboard, you can extend its lifespan and prevent issues from occurring. Remember to replace components when necessary and store your skateboard in a cool, dry place. With proper maintenance, your skateboard can last for years and provide you with endless hours of fun and excitement.