Speed Up Your Skating Game -10 Reasons Why Your Skateboard is Slow and How to Fix It?

In this article, we’ll look at ten reasonsWhy Your Skateboard is Slow may need to be faster and how to fix them. Without further delay, let’s go into it.

Skateboarding is a thrilling and fast-paced sport loved by people of all ages. However, it can be frustrating when your skateboard suddenly slows down, hindering your ability to perform tricks and stunts. Several reasons your skateboard may be moving slower than usual, ranging from a dirty bearing to worn-out wheels. Luckily, most of these issues are relatively easy to fix, and you can have your skateboard speeding up again in no time.

Why Your Skateboard is Slow and How to Fix It? (Reasons and Solution)

The most typical causes of your skateboard’s slowness are as follows:

Dirty Bearings

Dirty bearings can significantly slow down your skateboard. Bearings are small metal rings that fit inside the wheels and allow them to spin freely. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can build up inside the bearings, causing them to slow down or stop spinning altogether.

To fix this problem:

• Remove the bearings from your wheels and clean them thoroughly.
• You can use a bearing cleaner or rubbing alcohol to remove dirt or debris.
• Once the bearings are clean, lubricate them with skateboard-specific bearing lubricant to ensure they spin smoothly.
• Regularly cleaning and lubricating your approaches is essential for keeping your skateboard rolling smoothly and at maximum speed.

Worn-out Bearings

Worn-out bearings can also slow down your skateboard. Over time, the metal rings in your direction can become worn down or damaged, causing them to spin less smoothly and slowly. This can affect your speed and overall performance.

To fix this problem:

• Replace the old, worn-out bearings with new ones.
• Make sure to choose skateboard-specific approaches that match the size and style of your wheels.
• Installing new techniques is a straightforward process that involves removing the old ones from the wheels and inserting the new ones.
• Regularly checking your bearings for wear and tear and replacing them as needed is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Dirty Wheels

Dirty wheels can also slow down your skateboard. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can build up on your wheels, reducing their grip and making it harder to roll smoothly. This can affect your speed and overall performance.

To fix this problem:

• Remove your wheels from your skateboard and clean them thoroughly.
• You can use soap and water or a specialized wheel cleaner to remove dirt or debris.
• Once the wheels are clean, dry them off and inspect them for damage or wear.
• Reinstall the wheels and make sure they are appropriately tightened.
• Regularly cleaning your wheels and reviewing them for wear and tear is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Worn-out Wheels

Worn-out wheels can significantly slow down your skateboard. Over time, the rubber or polyurethane material on your wheels can become worn down or damaged, reducing their grip and making it harder to roll smoothly. This can affect your speed and overall performance.

To fix this problem:

• You need to replace the old, worn-out wheels with new ones.
• Make sure to choose skateboard-specific wheels that match the size and style of your board.
• Installing new wheels is a straightforward process that involves removing the old ones and inserting the new ones.
• Regularly checking your wheels for wear and tear and replacing them as needed is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Loose Trucks

Loose trucks can also affect your skateboard’s speed and performance. The trucks are the metal components that attach the wheels to the skateboard deck. If the trucks are too loose, they can wobble and cause the board to feel unstable, slowing you down and affecting your ability to control your board.

To fix this problem:

• Tighten the kingpin bolt on each truck to the desired level.
• Tighten them evenly to ensure a balanced ride.
• If your trucks are too tight, loosen them a little until you find the right level of tightness.
• Regularly checking and adjusting your truck tightness is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Worn-out Deck

A worn-out deck can also affect your skateboard’s speed and performance. Over time, the wood on your patio can weaken or be damaged, causing it to lose shape and stiffness. This can affect your ability to perform tricks and reduce your overall speed.

To fix this problem:

• You need to replace the old, worn-out deck with a new one.
• Make sure to choose a skateboard deck that matches your riding style and preferences.
• Installing a new deck involves removing the old one and attaching the trucks and wheels to the new skateboard deck.
• Regularly checking your deck for signs of wear and tear and replacing it as needed is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Wrong Wheels for Terrain

Using the wrong wheels for the terrain can also affect your skateboard’s speed and performance. Skateboard wheels come in different sizes, shapes, and hardness levels, and each type is suited for specific terrain types. For example, softer wheels provide better grip on rough surfaces, while harder wheels are better for smooth surfaces. Using the right wheels for the terrain can reduce speed, cause poor traction, and create a more enjoyable riding experience.

To fix this problem:

• Choose the right wheels for the terrain you’re riding on, and switch them out as needed.

Loose or Damaged Grip Tape

Loose or damaged grip tape can also affect your skateboard’s speed and performance. Grip tape is the sandpaper-like material on the top of your skateboard deck that provides traction and helps you stay on your board. Over time, the grip tape can become loose or damaged, reducing its effectiveness and making it harder to control your board.

To fix this problem:

• Replace the old, loose, or damaged grip tape with new tape.
• Make sure to choose grip tape that matches the size of your skateboard deck.
• Installing new grip tape involves removing the old tape and applying the new tape evenly.
• Regularly checking your grip tape for wear and tear and replacing it as needed is essential for maintaining your skateboard’s speed and performance.

Wrong Riding Technique

Skateboarding requires a particular skill and technique, and using the wrong methods can reduce speed and poor performance.

For example, riding with your weight too far forward can cause your skateboard to slow down or even stop. On the other hand, hanging with your weight too far back can make your board unstable and challenging to control. Similarly, not bending your knees enough can make it hard to generate speed and make it challenging to absorb shocks.

To fix this problem:

• Practice proper riding techniques and form.
• This includes keeping your weight centered, bending your knees, and maintaining good posture.
• You can improve your speed and overall skateboarding performance with appropriate design and practice.

Not Maintaining Your Skateboard

Finally, maintaining your skateboard can prevent it from slowing down. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning your bearings and wheels, tightening your trucks, and replacing worn-out parts, is essential for keeping your skateboard in top condition.

To fix this problem:

• create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Regularly inspect your skateboard, replacing worn-out or damaged parts as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a slow skateboard can be a frustrating obstacle to overcome, but it’s a problem that can be easily fixed. Regularly maintaining your skateboard can prevent many of the issues that cause your board to slow down. However, when problems arise, it’s essential to identify and fix them immediately. Whether cleaning your bearings, replacing your wheels, or adjusting your trucks, taking the time to care for your skateboard will keep it in top condition, allowing you to enjoy a fast and thrilling ride every time. With these ten reasons and fixes in mind, you can speed up your skating game and take your skills to the next level.

FAQs

Can I use any bearing on my skateboard?

No, make sure to use skateboard-specific bearings, as they are designed for the unique demands of skateboarding.

How often should I clean my bearings?

It depends on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in, but generally, you should clean your bearings every few months.

Can I use soap and water to clean my grip tape?

No, soap and water can damage your grip tape. Use grip tape cleaner or rubbing alcohol instead.

Can I use any wheels on my skateboard?

No, use wheels that match your riding style and terrain.

How often should I replace my deck?

It depends on how often you ride and the conditions you ride in, but generally, you should replace your deck every year or when it becomes worn out.