Skateboards take a beating. From dusty parks to gritty streets, your setup deals with a lot, and if you want it to ride like new, it needs a little TLC. Whether you're just learning or ripping ledges daily, basic skateboard maintenance is something every skater should know.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to care for your bearings, wheels, deck, and trucks, plus how to upgrade and customize your board for a smoother ride and longer lifespan.
Table of Contents
- Why Skateboard Maintenance Matters
- How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
- Wheel Maintenance Tips
- Deck Repair and Grip Tape Tips
- Customizing and Maintaining Trucks
- Essential Tools and Accessories
Why Skateboard Maintenance Matters
Skateboarding isn’t just about tricks, it’s about control, consistency, and feel. Regular maintenance:
- Keeps your ride smooth and responsive
- Prevents part failure or injury
- Saves you money in the long run
- Lets you personalize your setup
Plus, taking care of your board is just part of skate culture. It shows you respect your gear and your craft.
How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
Dirty bearings slow you down — literally. Sand, dust, and water are your bearings’ worst enemies. Here’s how to clean them:
What you’ll need:
- Independent Genuine Part Skate Tool
- Bones Bearing Cleaner (or your favorite bearing cleaner)
- Bearing lube or speed cream
Steps:
- Remove the wheels and take out the bearings.
- Pop off the rubber shields carefully.
- Soak the bearings in the Bones Bearing Cleaner with isopropyl alcohol or a skate-safe solution.
- Shake for a few minutes and let them dry completely.
- Add a drop of lube to each bearing before reassembling.
Pro tip: Clean your bearings every few months — or more often if you skate in dirty or wet spots.
Wheel Maintenance Tips
Wheels wear unevenly over time, especially if you favor one side or powerslide a lot. Here’s how to keep them in check:
- Rotate your wheels every few weeks to extend their life.
- Check for flat spots, cracks, or coning.
- Clean dirt with warm water and a toothbrush — don’t soak them too long or you might damage the core.
Deck Repair and Grip Tape Tips
Deck tips:
- Inspect for cracks or chips, especially near the nose and tail.
- Razor tail? That’s normal over time, but if your pop is gone, it might be time for a new deck.
Grip tape tips:
- Use a grip tape cleaner (or even an old toothbrush) to brush off dust and grime.
- For peeling edges, a little super glue can help extend its life.
Customizing and Maintaining Trucks
Trucks are where it all comes together — turning, grinding, and style. To keep your trucks tight (or loose, if that’s your thing):
- Check your bushings: cracked or flattened bushings should be replaced.
- Keep kingpins and axle nuts secure but not overtightened.
- Use an Independent Spare Parts Kit to replace washers, pivot cups, and nuts.
Want to personalize your setup with slide rails or new parts?
- 👉 Add some Powell Peralta Rib Bones Rails for retro flair and board protection.
- 👉 Browse Skate Trucks
Essential Tools and Accessories
Every skater should have a small toolkit ready. We recommend:
- Independent Genuine Part Skate Tool – covers all your basics in one
- Independent Spare Parts Kit – because losing a nut mid-session sucks
- Bones Bearing Cleaner – the easiest way to refresh your speed
Keep It Rolling
Skateboarding’s about flow, and maintenance keeps that flow going. From learning how to clean skateboard bearings to customizing your trucks and upgrading grip, the little things make a huge difference.
Got questions about parts or need help choosing the right gear? Come visit us in one of our store locations or hit up our crew online — we’re stoked to help.
See you on our next post!
