How to Care for a Skateboard

Keep your skateboard rolling smoothly by taking care of it. After a long day at the skate park, check your skateboard over for any wear and tear, dirt or damage that needs to be addressed. Do routine upkeep of your board before you put it away so it'll be ready to go when you feel like hitting the ramp again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Rag
• Soft bristle brush
• Screw driver
• Grease or oil
• Grip tape

1. Wipe dirt and mud off your board right away when you finish skateboarding. Use a damp rag to wipe the board clean. If it's stuck on, use a soft bristle brush, however, be careful not to scrape the cool paint job off your board.
2. Check the bearing on your skateboard. If you hear squeaking, chances are they are dusty or dirty. Clean them with the damp rag or use the bristle brush to get in spots you can't reach.
3. Grease or oil your bearings regularly to keep them moving smoothly. Whether you use grease or oil is your choice. Replace any bearings that are cracked or damaged.
4. Keep your wheels as clean as your board. Wipe them clean after every use. Rotate them often so they all get the same wear. If you notice a wheel that is flat in one spot, ripped, torn or cracked, replace it.
5. Look the bolts over. Tighten up any loose bolts or screws before skateboarding. Loose bolts holding your truck or axel, on the board can cause you to fall off easier. Although many skateboarders that do tricks like the trucks a little loose for better performance.
6. Check your grip tape. If it's torn or falling off, replace it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've got a small chip on the deck of your skateboard, use a sander to sand it down. If you don't, the chip will just get worse.
• A sealed bearing should be free of dirt, while a bearing with only a shield covering it may get dirty easier. If the sealed bearings are cracked or damaged, replace immediately.
• Replace a deck that has any cracks, large chips or other damage immediately. A worn deck can cause serious injuries.