What Affects Tire Wear And When To Replace Skateboard Wheels

If the wheels are irregularly shaped and have signs of flats, cones, or large flats, they should be replaced immediately. Irregularly shaped wheels are very uncomfortable to ride and can also affect the fit.

You may need to replace your skateboard wheels from time to time. The main factors that determine how often you need to replace your skateboard wheels are the weight of the skateboard and the size of the skateboard wheels. There are other variables to consider such as the type of riding you are doing, but those are the 2 main factors.

Therefore, if you need to replace wheels, you will learn how and when to replace skateboard wheels in this article.

Factors Affecting Skateboard Wheel Wear

Grooves Or Gouges

It is so important to keep your wheels in good condition. If you start to see grooves or gouges, it’s time to replace them.

A benefit is that skateboard wheels are relatively affordable, so you don’t have to invest a huge amount.

Grooves and potholes must be monitored, and if in doubt, replace the wheels!

Changes in Ride: Softening Up Or Hardening

When your wheels start to change shape as you ride, they need to be replaced. This usually becomes noticeable first on rougher surfaces where the wheel begins to soften.The wheel will start to suck into the surface and you will lose the rebound you used to feel.

As the wheel gets softer, the grip also starts to decrease and you will slip.

Uneven Wear Of The Wheels

If you notice wheels wear, it may be time to replace them. This is usually a sign that you are putting too much weight on one side of the skateboard and the wheels are having difficulty keeping up with the load.

Also, hard wheels will “wear out” with pitting/tears. Softer wheels are more likely to tear/separate, literally wearing out. The rotation of the wheels helps to extend the service life.

Load and Speed Affect The Wheel Durability

The weight you put on your skateboard also matters. It is recommended to check the wheels periodically to make sure they are still in good condition. The bigger and heavier you are, the faster the wheels wear out.

But it’s not just about weight. Speed is also a cause of wear. If you are a speed lover, then your wheels will be beaten and will not last long, like those who ride softly.

The terrain you ride also plays a role.

If you skate on smooth concrete or asphalt, your wheels will last longer than if you constantly ride uneven surfaces like gravel or dirt.

Climate

Changes in air humidity, extreme heat, or sudden changes in temperature during the off-season also negatively affect the wheels, which lose their elasticity and strength faster.

How To Take Care Of Your Skateboard Wheels

To prolong the life of skateboard wheels, they need to be looked after and properly maintained. This means that they need to be cleaned regularly and kept clean.

If you notice any damage, it’s important to buy new wheels and replace them as soon as possible.

Skateboard wheels are relatively inexpensive, so it’s not worth risking your safety by riding on damaged sections of the road.

Rotating or changing wheels will prolong the life of your wheels and ensure they wear evenly.

1. Put the left rear wheel on top of the right front.
2. The right front should be where the left rear was.
3. Place the left front wheel on the right rear.
4. Then move the right rear wheel to where the left front wheel was.

When assembling the wheels, do it crosswise, crossing the rear wheels with the front ones and vice versa. Be sure to do this at least once every three months and/or when your bearings need to be cleaned/replaced.

How To Choose The Right Skateboard Wheels

There are a few things to consider when choosing wheels:

• Firstly, it is a durometer, which determines the hardness of the wheel. If you’re into street skating, you’ll need a harder wheel so it can handle all the bumps in the concrete. However, if you’re going to be upright riding, you’ll want a softer wheel so it can grip the ramp better. Softer wheels wear out faster.
• Another thing to pay attention to is the size of the wheel. The width of the wheel should be proportional to the width of your deck and the height should be proportional to the height of the truck’s axle. You don’t want the wheel to be too big or too small because it will affect your riding.
• Lastly, you want to make sure your wheel lasts a long time. Do a little research on different brands and find one that has a good reputation for making durable wheels.

Best Skateboard Wheel Size For My Weight

The rule of thumb is that the heavier you are, the bigger your skateboard wheels should be. This is because the larger wheels roll over obstacles more easily and provide a smoother ride.

If you are a beginner, it is recommended to use smaller wheels. They are easier to control and you won’t move as fast, which can be dangerous if you’re not capable.

As you gain experience, you can start experimenting with different sizes and see what works best for you. Remember that the larger the wheel, the more difficult it is to perform tricks.

Different Types Of Skateboard Wheels

The average life of a skateboard wheel is 80 to 90 hours. However, it depends a lot on how often you ride, on weight, the type of riding, and the hardness of your wheels. Also, keep in mind that if you skate a lot on the street, your wheels will wear out faster than if you ride in a skate park.

Different types of skateboard wheels are better suited for different riding styles. For example, if you’re into downhill skiing, you’ll need stiffer wheels.

This is because stiffer wheels will give you more speed and stability when going downhill quickly.

However, if you like doing skate park tricks, you will need softer wheels. Because they will cling to the ground better when performing tricks.

Advantages Of Soft Wheels

Soft wheels have several advantages.

• First, soft wheels provide better traction, which can be helpful if you’re a beginner or riding in a high-traffic area.
• Another advantage is that they are usually less expensive than harder wheels. And finally, they tend to be more durable than hard wheels so you don’t have to replace them as often.

What To Look For When Changing Wheels On A Skateboard

When you need to replace skateboard or longboard wheels, it’s important to know what to look for.

• The first thing you should pay attention to is the size of the wheel. Skateboard wheels come in a variety of sizes, so choosing the right size for your riding style is important.
• Second, you have to think about the hardness of the wheel. This is measured in durometers and it is important to choose a wheel that is neither too soft nor too hard. If the wheel is too soft, it wears out quickly. If too stiff, it will be more difficult to control.
• Finally, pay attention to the shape of the wheel. Skateboard wheels come in many forms, each designed for a specific riding style. Choose the shape that best suits your riding style and needs.

Wheel Replacement

1. Using a wrench or skate tool, remove the hex nuts from your truck axle nuts to remove the wheels.
2. If you want to keep the bearings, remove those as well. Bearings are fragile, so don’t push too hard on them. Remove the bearings with a puller and carefully pull them out.
3. Place the bearing in the new wheel and drive it in with a skate tool or truck axle. Try to install them straight, aligning with the surface of the wheel. Add another bearing and click on it.
4. Add the washer back to your truck axle and place the wheel. Add another washer and screw the nut back onto the axle nut.
5. Repeat 3 more times until all 4 wheels are attached to your trucks.

FAQs

How do I know when I need new skateboard wheels?

There are some signs that the wheels need to be replaced: when the wheels are out of shape, showing signs of flat spots, cones, or large flat spots.

How long should my skateboard wheels last?

In general, the average life of regular skateboard wheels is about 3 months.

When should I replace my skateboard bearings?

The bearings need to be replaced if they are not spinning after cleaning and relubrication. Replace them immediately if end shields and/or ball bearings are missing to prevent blockage and accidents.

How long do skateboard wheels and bearings last?

The average life of bearings is 1 to 2 years with proper care and maintenance. Too much moisture, slipping, and jumping fast will wear the skateboard bearings faster.

How often should you change the wheels on a skateboard?

You can change your wheels about every 2 or 3 months, depending on how often your skateboard.

Are Harder skateboard wheels faster?

Yes, harder wheels are better for speed and riding on smoother surfaces. They also tend to last longer than softer wheels. Be aware that flat spots will appear on the harder skateboard wheels after some use. Flat spots create rough vibrations through your board, compromising your ride and slowing you down.

What can you do with old skateboard wheels?

Do not throw used skateboard wheels in the trash. Instead, take them to collection centers.

Do wheels affect skateboard speed?

Bigger wheels mean higher top speed, making them more efficient when sliding on the ground. Larger wheels also make skateboarding easier and more fun for taller skaters. Make sure you get the right size wheel for your skateboard – this will make a huge difference.

Should skateboard wheels be smooth?

Companies use the durometer scale to indicate the hardness of the wheels they manufacture. The lower the number, the softer wheels.

Conclusion

Wheels play a huge role in skateboarding and should be replaced when needed. Rotating skateboard wheels periodically is a good way to extend the life of your skateboard and ensure even wear over time.

Most manufacturers test skateboard wheels on the A durometer scale and use a wheel abrasion machine that mimics prolonged use of skateboard wheels. It measures the wear and durability of the wheels. And you cannot worry about the quality of your wheels before buying. Watch for any signs of wear and replace them if necessary.

Read More About Changing Skateboard Wheels