Why is my Skateboard so Slow? Skateboarding is a great way to get around, have fun, and stay in shape, but it can also be frustrating when your board doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere.
Why is my Skateboard so Slow?
Here are four common reasons why your skateboard might be slow and suggestions on how to fix them.
The wheels are overly tight
There are a few reasons why your skateboard might be feeling a bit sluggish. One of them is if the wheels are too tight. When the wheels are too tight, they rub against the ground and create friction. This makes it harder for your skateboard to move, and it can also cause damage to the wheels over time.
If you think that the wheels might be too tight, you can test this by trying to spin them. If they don’t spin very easily, then they’re likely too tight. You can loosen the wheels by using a wrench to turn the nut on the axle that’s holding the wheel in place. There’s usually a mark on the nut that shows how tight it should be.
If you’re having trouble getting your skateboard to go fast, try loosening the wheels a bit. You might also want to try greasing them up a bit. This will help them spin faster and make your skateboard go faster.
Dirty bearings
One of the most common issues with skateboards is dirty bearings. When they get dirty, they start to grind and slow down. This can be a real problem when you’re trying to get somewhere quickly or if you’re in the middle of a trick and need all the speed you can get.
Thankfully, there are a few ways to clean your bearings and get them spinning like new again. In this section, we’ll discuss the best methods for cleaning your bearings as well as how to prevent them from getting dirty in the first place.
How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
There are a few different ways to clean your skateboard bearings. The most popular methods are using a bearing cleaner or using dish soap and water.
Bearing Cleaner:Â
A bearing cleaner is a chemical that helps dissolve the built-up gunk on your bearings. It can be purchased at any skate shop or online. To use it, just squirt it into the inner sides of your bearings and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub them clean. Be sure to rinse them off with water when you’re done.
Dish Soap and Water:Â
Another option for cleaning your bearings is to use dish soap and water. This is a simple method that anyone can do at home. Just fill up a bowl or sink with warm water and add some dish soap. Submerge your bearings in the water and let them soak for about 5 minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub them clean. Be sure to rinse them off with water when you’re done.
Type of skateboard wheels
There are a few different things that could be causing your skateboard to slow down. Wheels are the most common culprit.
One of the most common reasons a skateboard slows down is because the wheels have worn down and lost their grip.Â
When this happens, it becomes more difficult for the board to move across the surface. You can tell if your wheels need to be replaced if they start to look faded and lack their original color.
Another common reason is the type of wheel that is used. Below are three types of wheels and how they can affect the speed of a skateboard.
Concrete Wheels
The roughest and most durable type of wheel, concrete wheels are perfect for skateboarding on concrete or asphalt. They offer the best grip and can be used for tricks and cruising. However, they do make the skateboard a bit slower.
Street Wheels
Street wheels are designed for skateboarding on streets and sidewalks. They offer a good amount of speed and grip and are perfect for cruising or doing tricks.
Smooth Wheels
Smooth wheels are designed for skateboarding on smooth surfaces, such as wood or plastic. They offer the least amount of grip and speed. They are perfect for longboarders who want to cruise down a hill without worrying about losing their grip.
Bushings
Bushings are small pieces of rubber or metal that connect the truck to the wheel. If these are worn down, it can cause the skateboard to slow down. You can tell if your bushings need to be replaced if they start to look cracked or damaged.
Damaged Trucks
There are a lot of reasons why your skateboard might be slow. One of the most common culprits is a damaged truck. If you don’t know how to fix a skateboard truck, you could be in for a long ride (literally).
Luckily, we’re here to help. In this section, we’re going to show you how to fix a skateboard truck that’s damaged.Â
We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, keep reading for the information you need.
If your truck is slow, it’s important to determine which of these issues is causing the problem. Once you know what’s wrong, you can start to address the issue.
How To Fix A Skateboard Truck That’s Damaged
If you have a skateboard that has a damaged truck, there are a few things that you can do to fix it. The first thing that you need to do is remove the nut that is holding the truck together. Once you have removed the nut, you can then remove the bolt that is holding the truck together.
Once you have removed the bolt, you can then remove the washer and the bushing. You will then be able to replace the washer, the bushing, and the bolt. You will then need to put the nut back on the truck and tighten it.
The following steps should help:
1. Remove the Wheels and Bearings
Before you can fix a skateboard truck, you first need to remove the wheels and bearings. This can be done by unscrewing the screws that hold them in place.
2. Check the Bushings
Once you have removed the wheels and bearings, take a look at the bushings. If they are worn down, you will need to replace them.
3. Replace the Bushings
If the bushings are worn down, replace them by following these steps:
- Remove the old bushings by using a chisel or screwdriver to pry them out.
- Insert the new bushings into the truck.
- Use a hammer to tap them into place.
- Place the wheel and bearing back on the truck and screw them in place.
Skateboard Is Unsuitable For Your Weight
Skateboarding is a great way to get around, have fun, and stay in shape. But if you’re carrying too much weight, your skateboard won’t be able to keep up. The extra pounds will cause your skateboard to slow down, making it difficult to get where you’re going.
Here are four reasons why your skateboard is unsuitable for your weight – and what you can do about it.
- Excess weight makes it harder to balance
If you’re carrying too much weight, your skateboard won’t be able to stay balanced. This will make it difficult for you to keep your balance while you’re skating, which could lead to a fall.
Eliminating some of the excess weight can help you stay balanced on your skateboard. Start by evaluating your diet and swapping unhealthy foods for healthier ones. Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals, and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.
In addition, try to get regular exercise. Skateboarding is a great way to get exercise, but it’s not the only option. You can also try swimming, running, or biking. When you exercise regularly, you’ll burn more calories and lose weight over time.
- Excess weight makes it harder to move
If you’re carrying too much weight, your skateboard won’t be able to move as quickly as it normally would.
This is due to the excess weight making it harder for the skateboard to glide over the surface.
- Excess weight can lead to wheel bite
Wheel bite is when the wheel of the skateboard comes into contact with the deck, which can cause the board to stop abruptly and potentially cause you to fall. This is more likely to happen if you’re carrying excess weight, as this will make the board harder to maneuver.
Cheap skateboard
A cheap skateboard is also a reason your skateboard is slow because it is made of low-quality materials, which are worn out easily and quickly, making things frustrating for you. That’s why it is important to invest in a good skateboard.
Improper Pushing Technique
One reason your skateboard may be slow is improper pushing technique. Improper pushing technique can cause you to expend more energy than necessary and can decrease your speed. Additionally, improper pushing technique can make it difficult to control your skateboard.
Some tips for proper pushing technique include:
- Keeping your arms close to your body
- Keeping your back straight
- Pushing from the balls of your feet
- Pushing in a smooth, consistent motion
Other technique problems are:
- Inexperienced riders tend to put too much weight on the back foot, which causes the skateboard to slow down.
- When turning, skateboarders often put all their weight on one foot, which makes the skateboard turn slowly.
- Not using the proper foot placement can also cause the board to slow down.
- If you’re going up a hill, you’ll need to use more speed than if you were going downhill – otherwise your board will slow down.
Rusty Hardware
Rusty bolts and screws can also cause your board to move more slowly. Make sure to check all of your hardware regularly and replace any rusty parts.
Lack of Lubrication
Not lubricating your skateboard can also lead to a slower ride. Make sure to apply lubricant to your bearings, trucks, and wheels on a regular basis.
Dirty Wheels
Dirty wheels can also cause your skateboard to move more slowly. Make sure to clean your wheels regularly with soapy water and a brush.
Heavy Deck
There are a few reasons why your skateboard might be slow. One reason is that your deck might be too heavy. This is because the heavier the deck, the more resistance it will create against the wheels. This means that you will have to apply more force in order to get the board moving, which can make it difficult to do tricks and can also wear you out more quickly. Try switching to a lighter deck to see if that makes a difference.
Do Wheels Affect Skateboard Speed?
There are a lot of variables to consider when it comes to skateboard speed. Wheels are one of them. Some people might think that the size or type of wheel doesn’t make a difference, but it actually does. Larger wheels tend to roll faster than smaller ones, and softer wheels grip the ground better and create less friction than harder wheels. So, the type and size of the wheel you choose can definitely affect your skateboard speed.
There are a lot of factors that affect skateboard speed. Wheels are one of them.
The size, shape, and durometer of wheels all affect how fast a skateboard will go. Larger and rounder wheels will move more slowly than smaller, sharper wheels. Harder wheels will also move more quickly than softer wheels.
So, if you want to go faster on your skateboard, you should switch to smaller, sharper, harder wheels.
Do Skateboard Trucks Affect Speed?
There are a lot of factors that go into how fast a skateboard can go. The wheels, the bearings, the board itself—all of these things play a part. But what about the trucks?
Do skateboard trucks affect speed?
Some people say that the trucks don’t make a difference, while others swear by them. So, what’s the truth?
Truck width is one of the most important factors in determining how fast a skateboard will go. Wider trucks make it easier to turn and are better for cruising and carving, while narrower trucks are better for speed and tricks. Skaters who want to go fast should use narrower trucks, while those who want to do tricks should use wider trucks.
What To Do When Skateboard Gets Wet?
Skateboarding is a great hobby and a fun way to get around, but what do you do when it starts to rain? Skateboarders often have to take their boards indoors, but this can damage the skateboard. Here are some tips on how to keep your skateboard in good condition even when it gets wet.
The first thing you should do is make sure that your skateboard is completely dry before you put it away. If it’s not, the moisture will cause the wood to warp and the bearings to rust. You can dry your skateboard with a towel or by leaving it in a warm place.
You can also protect your skateboard from the rain by using a skateboard cover. A skateboard cover is a waterproof sleeve that you can put over your board to keep it dry.
If you do get your skateboard wet, make sure to dry it off as soon as possible. You can use a towel or a hairdryer on low heat to dry it off.
Skateboarding in Rain
Skateboarding in wet weather can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a little dangerous. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe when skating in the rain:
- Make sure your board is dry before you ride in the rain. This will help you avoid slipping and falling.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Make sure your clothes are waterproof and won’t get wet and heavy when they’re wet.
- Be extra careful when skating around puddles. These can be really slippery, and you don’t want to fall and get wet and cold.
- Try to avoid skating in areas that are likely to be wetter, like near rivers or lakes.
Conclusion
This article has looked at some of the reasons why your skateboard might be slow and what you can do about it. By understanding the factors that influence skateboard speed, you can take steps to get your board moving faster.
