How Long Do Skateboard Trucks Last?

The skateboard truck is the foundation of a good skateboard. It helps the board glide smoothly on the ground and prevents it from sliding too far backward or forwards. These are perhaps the most important part of a skateboard. 

Whatever type of style you do, if you want to be able to land the trick you are trying to do, it is imperative that your truck does not break or bend. But how long do skateboard trucks last?

Here’s a little background information on skateboard trucks. They are usually made from metal, plastic, or wood and hold the axle that rotates around the center of the board.

In this article, we break down the key factors to consider when deciding how long your skateboard truck will last, and what you can do to prevent premature wear and tear. So, let’s get started.

The Lifespan of Skateboard Trucks – General Guide

When it comes to the lifespan of skateboard trucks, it depends upon the quality and usage of trucks. In brief, trucks are meant to last for about 2 years, but some manufacturers claim their trucks can last up to 4 years. But how can the quality and usage influence the lifespan of skateboard trucks? Let’s look at them below.

Quality

The quality of the trucks is important to know how long it is going to stay because a high-quality truck is going to last longer than a low-quality truck. So, you have to consider the material and construction of the trucks when you are buying them. 

Usually, they are made up of aluminum or other metal such as steel, alloy, brass, etc. Some of them are made up of nylon. 

We think that aluminum is best if compared to the rest of the material because it is the main component that is responsible for the strength and durability of your trucks. Positively, it is resistant to corrosion and has a high impact strength. 

Usage

Usage of trucks is another important factor that affects the lifespan of trucks. Hence, if you ride your skateboard every day, your trucks will get worn out faster than if you ride your skateboard once a week. 

So, the more you use your trucks, the shorter the lifespan of the truck. In general, it is better to ride your skateboard once in a period of three days than once a day. This is because you are using your trucks for a longer period of time, which makes it harder for them to withstand the impact of the skateboard.

How Can You Prevent Premature Wear And Tear to Extend The Lifespan of Skateboard Trucks?

You can maintain your trucks properly to extend their lifespan. Here are some of the ways that you can keep your trucks in good condition.

Tighten The Hardware After Using

Make sure your board’s truck nuts and bolts are completely snug after each skating session by using a screwdriver and a wrench. Additionally, inspect all of the nuts that hold your wheels to the axles. By doing so, you’ll ensure that they are securely fastened.

Replace Bushings

The bushings in your board’s trucks can wear out over time. Tricks, turning, and leaning on your deck are stressful for them! Check the bushings for signs of wear, including cracks, crumbling, and squishing on a regular basis. 

If any are damaged, remove the nuts and bolts holding them to the truck and replace them with new ones. Using this method, you will be able to extend the life of your skateboard’s trucks.

Clean The Trucks Regularly

Regular cleaning will help your trucks stay in good condition for a longer time. There are the following steps that will help you to clean your trucks.

• Step 1: Detach the trucks from the deck. Unscrew the nuts and discard them from bolts. This is because you cannot clean the trucks properly without separating them from the board.
• Step 2: There are 5 parts of the truck i.e. bushings, kingpin, kingpin nut, baseplate, and hanger. Excluding the baseplate, you have to remove everything to start cleaning.
• Step 3: You can use WD-40 as a lubricant for cleaning. Using a paper towel and a small amount of WD-40, wipe away rust from all of the parts.
• Step 4: Make sure that all the parts are cleaned properly. Look for the edges, if there is dust or dirt left then clean it again. Assemble the trucks, look for tweaking. Ensure that nuts are not too tight or too loose. 

Final Thoughts

The skateboard trucks are the parts of your skateboard that are responsible for your board’s steering and maneuverability. 

Hence, it is important that you take care of them and make sure that they are in good condition to keep the lifespan of your board. To make sure that your trucks stay in good condition, you can use the above tips and tricks to help you maintain your trucks.

We hope that this article helped you to know about the maintenance of skateboard trucks. If you have any other queries or want to ask for more information, please do not hesitate to ask us. We will be happy to clear all of your doubts.