Generally skateboards only require minimal maintenance but they will require some attention to perform at optimal levels
New Board Maintenance
- You have to break in your new board during the first few days. Take it on some easy runs and get all the parts worn in and working right before you take on the big stuff
- Always check and tighten your board’s nuts and bolts before you ride, even on new boards. The nuts are self locking and should stay tight but check it regularly anyway.
- Adjust your trucks kingpin nuts to your style and liking. By tightening the nut the truck will be stiffer and harder to turn but more stable. When loosening the nut the trucks will be looser and easier to turn (less stable at high speed).
- Your trucks will feel sticky on a new board and sometimes they will ride to one side more than the other, and sometimes one wheel will not sit on the ground. This is normal and won’t last long depending on use. The new urethane bushes in the trucks will be stiff and won’t have much play and will take some time to break in. They may also squeak a bit but It is important not to over tighten the bushes or they will split.
Decks
Skateboard decks are made of plywood veneers that are pressed and glued together. Due to the high impact and the nature of skateboarding at some stage the deck will need to be replaced when there are major cracks. Minor cracks in the veneer are quite common and not serious.
Wheels
Wheels are meant to be smooth and over time chunks of urethane may wear away and the wheels will need to be replaced.
Bearings
Make sure there is no play in your wheels by tightening your bearings to the point where they are tight but still turn freely. Replace your bearings when they stop spinning freely or start making noises.
Grip Tape
Make sure there is no play in your wheels by tightening your bearings to the point where they are tight but still turn freely. Replace your bearings when they stop spinning freely or start making noises.
KEEP YOUR SKATEBOARD AWAY FROM WATER
If you want your skateboard to last, keep it away from water. Riding in the rain, through puddles and leaving your skateboard out in the rain and weather will cause your deck to delaminate and crack and fall apart. It will also rust out your bearings and destroy your bushes and bolts.
