Every experienced skater understands that keeping yourskateboardin top condition is crucial for an outstanding skating adventure that allows you to advance and break limits. Primarily, you should ensure your bearings and wheels are in good condition and operating smoothly. Additionally, it is important to check that your trucks are adequately tightened and balanced, and that the griptape on your board remains ‘grippy’ to prevent your feet from slipping unnecessarily, which could lead to injuries.
How do I know if my bearings need attention?
A clear sign that yourskateboard bearingsmight need some maintenance is if it feels like there is a bungee cord attached to your skateboard while skating, holding you back or preventing you from rolling smoothly.
Skateboard Wheels and Bearings
Most of your maintenance time will be spent ensuring yourskateboard wheels and bearingsare in good condition. Whether you skate indoors or outdoors, your wheels and bearings will accumulate dirt and attract grit, which can affect their performance and lead to a less smooth skating experience. Simply remove your wheel, but be sure to keep your washers in a safe place so you don’t lose them!
Generally, there are quick and more thorough methods to clean your bearings. The comprehensive cleaning method involves using acetone and a bearing cleaner. Alternatively, a bottle of speed cream, likeBones Speed Creamis available at an attractive price and serves as an efficient, cost-effective way to clean your skateboard bearings. You only need to apply a couple of drops to your bearing ring. After applying, give your bearing a quick spin to evenly distribute the speed cream.
Skateboard Deck
Regarding yourskateboard deck, there isn’t much to maintain, aside from the griptape. If you’re at a dusty or muddy skatepark, your griptape can become rough and dirty quite quickly. However, the only time you need to take action is if it starts affecting the grip on the board. You’ll definitely notice if the grip is compromised, as your foot will start sliding on the deck.
Skateboard Trucks
When maintaining yourskateboard trucks, it’s about balancing how loose or tight you want them. New boards usually have a ‘breaking in’ period, where you adjust your bushings to suit your trucks.
To keep your trucks balanced, you should tighten each one individually. Some skaters prefer their trucks tighter, while others like them a bit looser. You can now stand upright on your skateboard and shift your weight forward onto your toes and then back onto your heels. If there is an imbalance, you’ll feel the deck dip more on one side than the other. Simply retighten the looser truck and repeat until you have achieved complete balance.
We also offer complete skateboards in a wide range of sizes up to 8.5 skateboards.