How Long Do Skate Wheels Last? 4 Factors That Shorten Their Lifespan

Skateboard wheels are essential to the performance and longevity of your skateboard. But how long do skate wheels last?

They can disintegrate in a month if you don’t care about the skateboard wheels. Skateboard wheels made of low- and medium-quality materials last three months on average. Your riding style affects the skateboard wheel’s life because performing tricks reduces the lifespan of the wheels. When used repeatedly, the wheels also quickly lose their durability.

With that said, let’s jump into the details, talk about the factors that shorten your skateboard wheel lifespan, and explore some tips on how to make them last longer.

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4 Factors That Shorten The Wheels’ Lifespan

Skateboard wheels’ lifespan is determined by their quality, composition, and durability. Premium-quality wheels manufactured from adaptive materials have a longer lifespan than their inferior versions.

Skate wheels are made of polyurethane or urethane, which balances grip and durability. The materials used in construction and composition influence the skateboard wheels’ quality and lifespan.

The following factors shorten the lifespan of skate wheels:

1. Weight

If the skateboard cannot support your weight, other skateboard components are also at risk with its wheels. Putting too much weight on the board could break it in two, especially when you fall after doing tricks like ollies.

Choosing skateboard wheels and a board appropriate for your weight category is crucial. Some skateboards are made primarily for heavier riders, while others work well for casual users. So, to achieve the best performance and longevity, selecting wheels and a board that can support your weight is essential.

2. Riding Level & Style

Skateboard wheel composition and quality are essential for deciding longevity. High-quality wheels can last years whether you cruise or ride on the streets. But in addition to skating technique, skating time is essential.

The caliber and make-up of your skateboard wheels should also be considered, in addition to your riding technique. High-quality wheels constructed of sturdy materials will endure the demands of various riding styles and survive longer. The skate wheels’ overall performance, grip, and durability are influenced by their composition, such as using high-quality polyurethane or urethane components.

3. Cleaning Of Wheels

The life of a skateboard wheel can be affected by how clean it is, which is another vital part. Do you plan to skate in the rain or like to? But it is not a good idea to do skating when it is wet and muddy. Because it could hurt someone and ruin the whole board, it will break if you don’t clean the board immediately after riding.

Make cleaning a habit or a regular part of your routine, but be careful to do it right so you don’t break anything. Also, you will find it hard to carry skates in such dirty conditions, so make sure to consider that as well and always keep them neat and clean.

4. Swift Riding

High-speed skating causes friction, which hastens the wear and tear on your skateboard wheels. Change how you ride to make the least damage to your wheels.

Tips To Make Skate Wheels Last Longer

Here are some suggestions for prolonging the skate wheels:

Regularly applying a thin layer of oil to the skateboard bearings is advised. The lifespan of the wheels can be increased with proper lubrication.
Prevent the wheels from touching the surface, as it could result in ultimate damage to them.
To avoid flat areas and preserve the best ride quality, rotate the wheels at a 90° angle when sliding.
Balance weight evenly during complex tricks and slides to avoid skateboard wheel strain.
Skateboard wheels’ lifespan and performance are increased by routine cleaning.

When To Replace Skate Wheels?

Replacing skateboard wheels becomes necessary when flat spots appear, as they indicate a need for immediate replacement. The riding experience could be smoother and more enjoyable with flat-spotting wheels, especially while performing tricks. Keep an eye out for any observable shifts in the ride’s quality.

When changing skateboard wheels, look out for signs of wear and tear. If your skate wheels have big flat spots, a lot of wear, a narrow grip, or damage that you can see, you should replace them. To put safety and efficiency first, you must change worn-out wheels immediately.

The answer to how long skateboard wheels should last is debatable because it depends on several variables and personal preferences. But, the lifespan of your skateboard wheels can be extended with the proper care and upkeep. Clean and rotate your wheels regularly to prolong their life.

Things To Consider To Get The Best Skate Wheels

When Looking for the best skate wheels, There are some things you should consider, such as:

Price Of Skateboard Wheels

You should always choose quality over price, no matter how much something costs. If you do enough research, you can find superior wheels at a reasonable price. Choose wheels made of superior materials to ensure they will last a long time and require little maintenance over their lifetime.

Material Used

The quality of the material is essential to maintain the functionality of the wheels because it plays an essential role in doing so. Choose wheels made of polyurethane rather than synthetic rubber, considered one of the best materials for skateboard wheels.

Wheel Size

If you only want the wheels of a skateboard, you should ask the manufacturer how much weight they can hold. If you concentrate only on the wheels, this information is extremely important because you could suffer challenges and possible limitations in your skateboarding experience if your wheels can’t hold your weight during tricks like flips or ollies.

Riding Objectives

You can’t get wheels that only help you while riding, but you like doing tricks, right? So, you will have to choose the wheels based on how you want to ride. For tricks, wheels that are smaller and lighter are used. On the other hand, bigger wheels are used for smoother surfaces.

How Long Do Skate Wheels Last: Final Words

Understanding the lifespan of skate wheels is crucial for assessing their performance. Knowing how long skate wheels last lets you plan your skateboarding and maintenance plan to ensure a smooth ride. Today, we shared 4 factors that play a role in the overall lifespan of your skateboard wheels’ lifespan.

Also, we shared some tips on making them last longer with factors indicating you need to replace your skate wheels.

Let us know in the comments if you still have any questions left.

Goodbye & Keep Skating Like A Pro With SkatersDen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know I need to replace my skate wheels?

The answer depends on a few factors. First, consider the age of your wheels. Skate wheels wear down over time and can become uneven, making it harder to control your movements. Additionally, look at the durometer (hardness rating) of your wheels.

Softer wheels may wear down faster than harder ones, and depending on how often you skate, you may need to replace them more often. Finally, pay attention to any unusual noises or vibrations when you skate. If something doesn’t feel right, it may be time for new wheels!

Q: Can I make my skate wheels last longer?

There are several ways to make your skate wheels last longer. Regularly clean the wheels with a solution of dish soap and warm water. Additionally, rotate your wheels regularly to even out the wear. Avoid skating on rough surfaces whenever possible, as this can cause your wheels to wear down faster.

Q: What mistakes decrease skate wheel lifespan?

One common mistake is neglecting to rotate your wheels regularly. As you skate, your weight and pressure are mostly placed on the outer edges of your wheels, causing them to wear out more quickly. Rotating your wheels evenly distributes the wear and tear, preventing premature damage.

Another mistake is skating on rough, uneven surfaces. Skating on surfaces with rocks, cracks, or debris causes increased friction, can easily damage your wheels, and may even cause you to lose balance and fall!