Parents! If your child is a skateboard enthusiast, you know how important it is to keep their skateboard in top-notch condition. Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced skateboarder, regular maintenance is key to ensuring their safety and prolonging the life of their board.
In this article, I’ll provide you with a skateboard maintenance checklist for kids that will help you and your child stay on top of maintenance tasks and ensure that their skateboard is always ready for a ride. So, grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!
Clean grip tape regularly
Keeping the grip tape clean is an essential part of skateboard maintenance.
Regularly cleaning your skateboard’s grip tape not only makes it look new but also helps maintain its grip.
To do this, you need a grip gum or eraser that helps remove dirt and debris from the grip tape.
All you have to do is rub it gently over the grip tape to clean it. Regularly cleaning your grip tape will help extend its life and keep you safe while skateboarding.
Remember, a dirty or worn-out grip tape can cause slips and falls, so it’s crucial to add grip tape cleaning to your skateboard maintenance checklist.
Inspect trucks and hardware
When it comes to maintaining your child’s skateboard, it’s essential to inspect the trucks and hardware regularly. Over time, the bolts and nuts on the trucks can loosen, leading to a wobbly ride or even causing accidents.
That’s why it’s crucial to check that all the hardware is tightened correctly and replace any damaged or worn-out parts. You can use a skateboard tool to inspect and tighten the trucks and hardware.
By doing this simple maintenance task, you’ll ensure your child’s skateboard remains safe and in good condition for their next ride.
Check skateboard bearings
Regarding skateboard maintenance, one of the most crucial things to check regularly is the bearings.
Over time, these small components can become clogged with dirt and debris, causing them to slow down or even stop working altogether.
To check your skateboard bearings, simply remove them from the wheels and clean them thoroughly with a lubricant or solvent.
Then, reassemble the bearings and spin them by hand to ensure that they are spinning freely and smoothly.
By taking the time to check your skateboard bearings regularly, you can ensure that your child’s skateboard remains safe and performs at its best.
Apply lubricant and wax as needed
When it comes to keeping your skateboard in top condition, applying lubricant and wax is crucial.
This will not only help your skateboard run smoothly but also increase its lifespan.
You can apply lubricant to the bearings, which will reduce friction and ensure your skateboard rolls more effortlessly.
Applying wax to the board’s surface will protect it from water and other debris, which can cause damage over time.
I recommend that you inspect your skateboard regularly and apply lubricant and wax as needed to ensure it’s always in excellent condition.
Tighten loose bolts
Loose bolts on a skateboard can be a real problem, leading to instability and potential accidents.
That’s why it’s important to regularly check and tighten any loose bolts on your board.
You don’t need any special tools for this – just a skate tool or a simple wrench will do.
First, give all the bolts a quick once-over to see if any are visibly loose. Then, use your tool to tighten them up until they’re snug, but not too tight.
Remember, overtightening can cause damage to the board or the hardware. By making sure all the bolts are secure, you’ll have a safer and more enjoyable ride.
Check cracks or damage
As part of your skateboard maintenance routine, it’s important to check your deck regularly for any cracks or damage.
Over time, skateboarding can take a toll on your board, causing it to wear down and potentially become dangerous to ride.
Inspect the board carefully, paying close attention to any areas that seem weaker or more worn than others.
If you notice any cracks, splits, or other damage, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to avoid any accidents.
Remember, a little bit of preventive maintenance can go a long way in keeping you safe while skateboarding.
Store skateboard properly
When you’re done skating for the day, it’s important to store your skateboard properly to help prolong its lifespan.
I recommend keeping your board in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture.
You can store it vertically, leaning it against a wall, or horizontally, with the trucks facing up. Just make sure it’s not in a spot where it can get knocked over easily.
And if you have any accessories like stickers or grip tape, make sure they’re removed before storing your board. With proper storage, your skateboard will be ready for your next ride in no time.
Check for proper wheel alignment
When riding your skateboard, it’s essential to ensure your wheels are properly aligned to ensure stability and control. Checking for proper wheel alignment is a crucial step in maintaining your skateboard.
You can easily check the alignment of your wheels by flipping your skateboard over and looking down the length of the board from the back.
The wheels should be perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the board.
If you notice any misalignment, you can adjust the trucks to fix the issue. By regularly checking your wheel alignment, you can ensure a smooth and safe ride every time you step on your board.
Check the skateboard deck condition
When it comes to skateboard maintenance, it’s essential to pay attention to the condition of the deck.
Over time, the deck can wear down, crack or split, which can make it unsafe to ride.
As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s skateboard is in good condition, so it’s essential to regularly inspect the deck for any signs of damage.
Look for cracks, splits, or delamination of the layers. If you find any damage, it’s crucial to replace the deck immediately.
By checking the skateboard deck’s condition regularly, you can ensure that your child can ride safely and with confidence.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned how to maintain your skateboard using our skateboard maintenance checklist for kids.
Remember that taking care of your skateboard is important for both performance and safety.
Clean your grip tape regularly, inspect your trucks and hardware, check your skateboard bearings, apply lubricant and wax as needed, tighten loose bolts, check for cracks or damage, store your skateboard properly, check for proper wheel alignment, and check your skateboard deck condition.
With these simple steps, you can keep your skateboard in top condition and enjoy your ride safely.
So go ahead, grab your skateboard, and have fun!
FAQ: frequently asked question
Why is skateboard maintenance important for young skaters?
Skateboard maintenance ensures that the skateboard is safe to ride and performs well. Regular maintenance extends the life of the board, prevents accidents, and allows kids to enjoy a smoother and safer skating experience.
What should be included in a basic skateboard maintenance routine for kids?
A basic maintenance routine includes tasks like checking the tightness of trucks and bolts, inspecting wheels and bearings for wear, cleaning the grip tape, and examining the deck for cracks or damage. This routine helps maintain optimal performance and safety.
How often should kids perform skateboard maintenance?
Ideally, kids should perform basic maintenance every few weeks, or even after every few skate sessions, depending on how frequently they skate. Regular checks help catch issues early and keep the skateboard in good condition.
What tools are needed for skateboard maintenance?
Kids will need a skate tool (a multipurpose tool with various sizes of sockets and a screwdriver) for adjusting trucks and tightening bolts. Additionally, a rag or old toothbrush, bearing cleaner, and lubricant are useful for cleaning and maintaining wheels and bearings.
What signs indicate that a skateboard needs maintenance or repair?
Look out for signs such as wobbly trucks, squeaky or slow-spinning wheels, uneven wear on the deck or wheels, or any cracks or splinters on the deck. If the skateboard feels less responsive, bumpy, or less stable than usual, it’s time for maintenance or potential repairs.
Remember, teaching kids proper maintenance practices not only helps them take care of their equipment but also instills a sense of responsibility and ownership. Regular maintenance also teaches them valuable skills that can extend beyond skateboarding into other areas of their lives.
