Skateboards are durable, but they take a lot of beating. Without proper care, they can fall into disrepair, making them unsafe to use. In order to keep your skateboard in good working order, read the following tips in Caring for Your Skateboard.
1: Keep the bearings clean and lubricated
Ball bearings are the heart of your skateboard. It keeps the wheels running smoothly. Make sure that every time you finish skating, you clean and lubricate the bearings. This can be done by first cleaning the wheels and bearings of any dirt or grit, and then applying lubricant. You can do this without having to remove the bearings. However, in order to clean and lubricate the skateboard bearings, it is best to remove them. Have some rags or paper towels handy, as it will be a messy job, then remove the bearings. Next, take some lubricant designed for bearings that leaves no residue behind, shake it well, and then run the lubricant over the bearing. You will likely have a lot of black mud residue from the bearing, which is fine. Use plenty of lubricant to clean and lubricate the bearings, making sure to do both sides. When the bearings are running clear, wipe off the excess lubricant, and put it back on your skateboard wheels.
2: Learn how your forum is built
Take the time to learn how your skateboard is constructed, in order to get a better working knowledge of your board. Learning how to build your own board will help you troubleshoot any potential problems that may arise. Knowing how to build your own board will mean that you can easily replace any parts when needed. The right replacement parts are much more cost effective than having to find the money to buy a brand new board and can be purchased at most local skateboarding stores or online skateboarding stores.
3: Take care of the surface
After each skating session, check the surface of the board for any signs of wear. Make sure to clean off any dirt and debris and if it got wet in any way, make sure to dry it off. Do not leave your board in damp conditions, as this can crack and damage the surface. Small repairs can be made easily, but if your deck is showing signs of splitting or has cracks that are too big to repair, it’s time to replace it. Ski pads and boots can be purchased at specialized ski stores. One way splitting and cracking occurs is through improper foot placement, so be sure to use the correct skating techniques to extend the life of your deck. Waxing your deck can also help extend its life, but be careful that it’s been stored properly, as you don’t want to make your skateboard’s deck area slippery anyway. For stubborn stains or marks, use soap and water. If soapy water doesn’t do the trick, dab some mineral spirits on a clean cloth and rub the stained area as vigorously as you can. This should keep your deck looking good for a long time.