Can You Use Wd40 On Skateboard Trucks? The Absolute Truth

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Skateboard maintenance can be tricky. You want your board to roll smoothly, and sometimes, that squeaky truck is just begging for some attention. Maybe you've got a can of WD40 sitting around, and you're wondering: "can you use wd40 on skateboard trucks?" The short answer is a resounding no, and this article will explain why. WD40 is great for some things, but it's not your friend when it comes to keeping your skateboard in top shape. We'll discuss why WD40 is a bad idea, what damage it can do to your board, and what you should use instead. We will also look at the right way to use WD40 on your trucks if you really want to, and when it can be helpful. Knowing how to properly care for your trucks can save you money and keep you safely rolling.

The WD40 Dilemma: Why It's Bad for Skateboard Trucks

The Siren Song of WD40

Okay, so you've got this squeaky skateboard truck, and it's driving you nuts. You look around your garage, and BAM! There it is: the trusty can of WD40. It's like the superhero of squeak-fighting, right? Well, not so fast when it comes to your skateboard. WD40 is not actually a lubricant, despite what you might think. It's more of a solvent, meant to loosen rusty bolts and displace water, not make things slide smoothly. Think of it like this: WD40 is like putting water on a dry sponge; it might make it wet, but it doesn't make it soft and squishy.

The Bushing Betrayal

Now, here's where things get serious. Your skateboard trucks have these little rubbery parts called bushings. They're what make your board turn and they're super important for a good ride. These bushings are made of urethane, a type of soft plastic, and they do not like WD40 one bit. WD40 is like a bully to the bushings. It attacks them, causing them to swell, crack, and even fall apart. Imagine your favorite gummy bear being soaked in chemicals, it'd get all weird and mushy, right? That's what WD40 does to your bushings. And if your bushings are ruined, your skateboard's turning will be all messed up, or worse, it could be unsafe to ride. Let's just say, that is not what you want.

• How trucks are made
• Do trucks come with bushings?

Not a Smooth Operator

You might be thinking, "Okay, so maybe it's bad for the bushings, but what about the metal parts of the truck?" Well, even there, WD40 isn't doing you any favors. It might make things feel slippery for a tiny bit, but it doesn't last. It will quickly evaporate and leave behind a sticky residue that will attract dirt. It's like putting a band-aid on a broken leg; it might cover it up, but it doesn't fix the real problem. You need a real lubricant, something that will actually make those metal parts glide against each other without attracting grime. WD40 is like a magician who makes things disappear... including your smooth ride.

Bushing Blues: How WD40 Damages Your Skateboard

Okay, let's talk about bushings. They're like the shock absorbers for your skateboard, those squishy bits that let you turn. They're usually made of urethane, which is a kind of rubbery plastic. Now, imagine you have a bouncy ball. You love that ball, right? It's fun to play with, it bounces great. But what if someone came along and sprayed it with some weird, harsh chemicals? It wouldn't bounce the same anymore, would it? It might get all sticky or even start to crack. That's what WD40 does to your skateboard bushings.

WD40 isn't a lubricant; it's a solvent. It's designed to break down stuff, not make things move smoothly. So, when you spray it on your bushings, it starts attacking the urethane. It's like a tiny, invisible monster eating away at your bushings. They might get swollen, or they might crack, or they might even fall apart. And once your bushings are messed up, your skateboard won't turn right. It'll feel weird and wobbly, and it could even be dangerous to ride. It's like trying to steer a car with flat tires; not a good idea. If you want to learn more about what the trucks are made of, you could check out .

Think of your bushings as the little heroes of your skateboard, they are always there to help you turn and have fun. They’re the unsung heroes of skateboarding, always working hard. They need love and care, and WD40 is the exact opposite of love and care. WD40 is more like a villain in a comic book, causing chaos for no reason. If you ever wonder The answer is yes, they do, so you need to protect them. So, please, for the love of skateboarding, keep the WD40 away from your bushings. There are better ways to keep your skateboard happy and rolling smoothly.

Alternatives to WD40: Keeping Your Skateboard Trucks Smooth

The Soap Solution

Okay, so we've established WD40 is a no-go for your trucks. Don't worry, there's an easy and cheap alternative. It's something you probably have in your bathroom right now: a bar of soap! Yeah, that's right, plain old soap. It's like a secret weapon for skateboarders. You just take your trucks apart, and rub the metal bits with the soap. It creates a nice, slippery layer, and it doesn't hurt your bushings. Think of it like putting on lotion when your hands are dry. The soap helps things glide smoothly without being sticky or damaging. It's a simple trick, but it works wonders.

Proper Skate Lube

Now, if you want to get a little fancier, you can use actual skateboard lubricant. These are made just for skateboards. They're designed to keep your trucks smooth and happy. You can find these in most skate shops, and they usually come in a small bottle with a nozzle. It’s like giving your trucks a special treat. It's not a magic potion, but it's definitely better than WD40. Just a few drops on the pivot cup and kingpin, and you're good to go. Think of it as giving your trucks a super-strength to roll smoothly, like how skateboard wheels are made for speed and grip.

It's crucial to keep your skateboard clean, just like why it's important to wear a helmet, even if you don't want to. It’s not just about looking good, it's about keeping your board in top condition. A clean board will help you ride better and last longer. So, next time your trucks get squeaky, remember, skip the WD40 and reach for the soap or some proper skate lube instead.

Cleaning vs. Lubricating: When and How to Use WD40 on Skateboard Trucks

Okay, so we know WD40 is a big no-no for *lubricating* your skateboard trucks. But what about *cleaning* them? It's like, if you spill juice on your shirt, you wouldn't use the same thing to clean it that you would to make it softer, right? It's the same with skateboards. WD40 isn't a lubricant, but it *can* be a decent cleaner for the metal parts of your trucks. Think of it as a tiny ability washer for grime. Just be super careful, like a surgeon, to keep it away from the urethane parts, especially those bushings! You don't want to accidentally create a sticky, squeaky mess when you are just trying to clean.

If you decide to use WD40 for cleaning, grab a cloth and spray the WD40 onto the cloth, not directly onto the trucks. Then, wipe down the metal parts. This way, you have more control and less risk of getting it on the bushings or other sensitive areas. It’s like using a sponge to clean a spill instead of pouring water directly from the bottle. Remember, a little goes a long way. After you're done cleaning, make sure your trucks are completely dry before you put them back together. You can use a dry cloth or just let them air dry. It's like giving your trucks a little spa day, but with caution. Keeping your board clean is also important, just like is essential.

So, to sum it up, WD40 is like that friend who's great for some things but not others. It’s okay for *cleaning* metal, but a total disaster for *lubricating*. If you are wondering , it's helpful to understand they have different parts that need different types of care. For lubrication, stick with the soap or proper skate lube we talked about. It's like choosing the right tool for the job; a hammer is great for nails, but not so much for screws. If you want to know will skateboarding help me lose weight, you will need a working skateboard.

Remember, keeping your skateboard in good condition isn't just about making it look nice; it's about making it safe and fun to ride. If you want to know about how skateboarding helps with surfing, you need to make sure that you can ride your board properly. So, treat your trucks right, and they'll keep you rolling smoothly!

The Final Roll

So, while WD40 might be a handy tool in your garage, it's best to keep it away from your skateboard trucks. It’s not a lubricant, and it can do more harm than good, especially to those crucial bushings. Instead of reaching for the WD40, consider the alternatives we've covered. A bar of soap, or proper skate-specific lubricants, will keep your trucks smooth and your ride enjoyable. Remember that taking care of your skateboard is a key part of the sport. It’s not just about landing tricks; it’s about keeping your equipment in good condition. So, treat your skateboard trucks right, and they'll keep you rolling for many skate sessions to come!