When It's Time To Give Your Skate Some TLC

Skateboarding is a hobby, career, and also a way of life, but your skate also requires some maintenance and care from time to time. You don't want to ride a board that is damaged or worn out, because it can affect your performance and safety. Here are five signs that it's time to replace some parts on your skateboard:

Deck

Your deck is cracked, chipped, or delaminated. The deck is the wooden part of your skateboard that you stand on. It can get damaged from impacts, moisture, or temperature changes. If you see any cracks, chips, or peeling layers on your deck, it means that it has lost its strength and stiffness. You should replace your deck as soon as possible because it can break or snap while you're riding.

Wheels

Your wheels are flat-spotted, coned, or chunked. The wheels are the round parts of your skateboard that roll on the ground. They can get worn out from friction, sliding, or hitting obstacles. If you notice any flat spots, cone-shaped edges, or missing chunks on your wheels, it means that they have lost their shape and smoothness. You should replace your wheels when they start to affect your speed, grip, or balance.

Bearings

Your bearings are rusty, noisy, or seized. The bearings are the metal parts inside your wheels that allow them to spin freely. They can get dirty, wet, or corroded over time. If you hear any grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises from your bearings, it means that they have accumulated dirt or rust. You should clean and lubricate your bearings regularly to keep them in good condition. If your bearings are seized or stuck, you should replace them immediately, because they can damage your wheels or axle.

Trucks

Your trucks are bent, loose, or stripped. The trucks are the metal parts that connect your deck to your wheels. They can get damaged from landing hard, grinding, or over-tightening. If you see any bends, cracks, or dents on your trucks, it means that they have lost their alignment and stability. You should replace your trucks if they start to wobble, vibrate, or steer poorly. If you have trouble adjusting your trucks because the nuts or bolts are stripped or rounded, you should replace them as well.

Griptape

Your grip tape is torn, dirty, or peeling. The grip tape is the sticky layer on top of your deck that provides traction and control. It can get ripped, stained, or worn out from use and exposure. If you see any tears, holes, or bubbles on your grip tape, it means that it has lost its adhesiveness and texture. You should replace your grip tape when it starts to slip, slide, or flake off.

Make sure to check all your parts, even if they're new sometimes they need a good shakedown before getting adjusted and tightened. Yes, we all want to avoid looking like newbies but safety is first.