Your skateboard is going to last much longer if you take some time to perform routine maintenance. Many people don't take the time for it though and then the quality of their performance goes downhill. If you use your skateboard on a regular basis then doing this type of maintenance becomes even more important. Unless you are able to afford to get a new skateboard as you need one then you should make this a part of your schedule for it. The process isn't difficult and it doesn’t take very much time either.
The grip tape on the deck is one area that you want to pay attention to. Chances are this is the one item you will need to inspect and replace the most. It doesn't cost very much and it doesn’t take long at all for you to be able to apply fresh grip tape to the deck. At the same time though you will find that you are able to get plenty of additional benefit out of it. When you use your skateboard daily you may not realize that the effectiveness of the grip tape isn't as powerful as it used to be. Once you change it though you will notice a huge difference.
For safety reasons you should complete routine maintenance on your skateboard on a regular basis. You don't want the trucks or the wheels to become loose. If that occurs you will likely notice a wobble and that you don't have as much control while on the skateboard as you once did. Ignoring those early warning signs can result in a serous accident while on your skateboard though. Take some time to check that all of these pieces of the skateboard are tight. Then you won't have to worry about it.
Your wheels may start to wear out after plenty of use as well. When this occurs you need to get new ones. You can buy what you need from a sporting goods store or online. The cost of new wheels for a skateboard is very affordable. You can also put them on yourself in very little time. This will make a huge difference in the overall operation of your skateboard too.
The bearings of your skateboard also need some routine maintenance from time to time. You can usually tell as they will slower than normal. If there is debris in them they may make a strange noise when you ride as well. Many people try to clean their bearings without removing them from the skateboard. Yet this really doesn’t offer them the level of maintenance that they really need.
Keep in mind that you want to use clean towels to wipe them off. There are also special products you can buy to lubricate them. Don't just reach for anything in your garage as many products including WD-40 aren't a good match for your skateboard bearings. Make sure you get rid of all the dirt and the debris before you lubricate them though. If you don’t what you didn't remove will not be permanently stuck to the bearings.
If you really enjoy riding your skateboard then take care of it. A bit of your time to evaluate these things and to update them when necessary will help you get the most out of the experience. A skateboard that is well maintained will last you much longer no matter what the quality of it happens to be. Taking care of your equipment is a key part of the skateboarding sport. Make sure you give it the attention it deserves.
