Deck

• The deck of a longboard experiences constant stress and wear when riding. The torque from constant motion and stress from the pressure your feet exert can cause cracking within the wood or layers of the deck to separate. Inspect your deck before every use for signs of wear and replace when necessary. Grip tape placed upon the deck surface needs to be replaced regularly to maintain optimum grip. It also provides extra support to the wood by holding the surface wood grain tight.
  
  

Wheels

• The wheels on a longboard should be cleaned off after every ride to remove dirt, rocks and debris which can damage the surface. Wipe the wheels down with a wet cloth or mild cleaner to remove all chemicals that have accumulated on the surface which can penetrate the rubber and cause it to dry out and crack. If wheels show signs of excess wear, have cracks or chunks missing, replace them immediately as wheel failure can cause you to wreck.
  
  

Trucks

• The trucks on your longboard continuously move and accumulate dust and debris from the surface on which you’re riding. Inspect the trucks after every use and wipe clean with a clean cloth. Take the wheels off by removing the axle nut and clean the inner hub of the wheels. Remove the bearing and wipe down with a cloth to remove any debris that could enter the bearing if left on the surface. Wipe down the axle to remove all debris and reassemble by replacing the bearings and wheels. Cleaning the axle assembly completely after every use will extend the bearing and truck life. You will need to lubricate the bearings, truck assembly and axles periodically with a light oil or longboard specific lubricant.
  
  

Gear

• The longboard gear necessary to slide down steep turns has plastic pucks to prevent injury to your hands. Visually inspect the plastic pucks before every use and replace when necessary. The shoes you wear while longboarding wear quickly due to the constant abrasion of pushing off concrete or pavement surfaces.