Why Do Skateboard Wheels Turn Yellow? | Causes and Prevention Tips”

The best thing about skateboards is that they come in different colors. You can even choose what colors of skateboard wheels you want. Since the white color shines brighter in the sunlight, most skateboarders go for this color’s wheels. However, after a while of skating, the skateboard wheels begin to turn yellow. Oh, man! Why is that so? Why do skateboard wheels turn yellow? It makes you ask questions like these.

Quick Answer: The urethane fades and breaks down when exposed to sunlight, which is the primary cause of the skateboard wheels turning yellow. The wheels can eventually turn yellow as they absorb dirt, oils, and other substances from the ground over time.

There are, however, a number of other factors to consider. More information about them can be found in this article.

Getting to our topic without being late will be helpful.

Here Are The Main Reasons Why Your Skateboard Wheels Turn Yellow.

There are several factors that can cause yellowish wheels. Let’s take a closer look at each of them!

1) UV Exposure

Plastic is one of the materials to which UV rays are harmful. UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun are usually the main reason for turning your skateboard wheels yellow. 

Because skateboard wheels are made of plastic, UV rays break them down, giving them a yellowish and brittle appearance.

2) Chemical contact

Skateboard wheels can be discolored by certain substances in the same way that friction and UV rays can. If you repeatedly ride your skateboard in the rain, the chemicals in the water could affect the plastic of the wheels and turn them yellow. 

Chemicals such as cleaning agents and paint fumes can also discolor your skateboard’s wheels.

3) Friction

The other factor that may cause skateboard wheels to turn yellow is friction. The wheels of your skateboard spin quickly as you move along, rubbing against the surface as you do so. As a result of constant friction, the plastic of the wheels degrades over time, causing discoloration.

4) Heat

Most of the riders love to ride on mountainous roads in the sunlight. And the heat of the road and the weather keep breaking down the plastic, which then makes your skateboard’s wheel look brittle and yellowish.

5) Urethane Degraded

The most common cause of skateboard wheels turning yellow has deteriorated urethane. Urethane is a synthetic polymer used in a variety of products, including skateboard wheels. 

A skateboard is made of this material since it is strong and impact-resistant. The material, however, is not impervious to deterioration over time.

6) Age

As skateboard wheels age, they will inevitably begin to deteriorate. UV exposure, friction, and chemical exposure, along with the previously mentioned elements, are responsible. As a result of these elements, the wheels will gradually turn yellow over time.

7) Dirty Ground

If the ground that you ride on is dirty, then that may be the reason why your skateboard wheels are getting yellow. Because things that we might not see are touched by the wheels as they move across the ground. 

Various substances stick to the wheels, such as oils, wax, grime, etc. Various things stick to the wheels, such as oils, wax, grime, etc. Time absorbs them, leaving an abhorrent yellowish tint.

Your skateboard wheels becoming yellow and brittle is most likely due to these reasons.

Do Yellow Skateboard Wheels Affect The Performance?

Is it okay to have yellow skateboard wheels? Will they just ruin the appearance of the skateboard or affect the performance as well? 

So, the answer is no; the yellow wheels of your skateboard have nothing to do with your skating performance. It’ll only make your skateboard look a little bad, but the performance won’t be compromised in any way.

Also, read; Soft Wheels VS hard wheels

What wheels won’t turn yellow?

There is no skateboard model currently available on the market that has concrete proof that yellow tints on the wheels can be prevented. Keeping your board off the ground or in the shadows is impossible when skating on the street.

Invest in high-quality wheels or regularly clean your wheels to keep them in pristine condition. Less expensive products age faster than more expensive ones.

How To Bleach Yellow Skateboard Wheels?

Bleaching yellow skateboard wheels can be done using a simple process. Here are the steps:

1. Remove the wheels from the skateboard and wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2. Create a bleach solution by mixing equal parts water and household bleach in a bowl.
3. Soak the wheels in the solution for 30-45 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of whiteness. Check the wheels periodically to make sure they are not over-bleached.
4. Remove the wheels from the solution and rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any residual bleach.
5. Dry the wheels with a clean towel and let them air dry completely before reinstalling them on the skateboard.

It’s important to note that bleaching skateboard wheels can weaken their structure and affect their performance, so it should be done sparingly and only when necessary. It’s also recommended to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling bleach.

How to Clean Your Yellowish Skate Wheels

So, now comes the most important part, which is to learn how to clean your yellow skateboard wheels. So, the procedure is simple. Everything profound has been mentioned above. Just go through the steps and apply them.

Also, read; Can skateboard wheels be used on roller skates?

Get Rid of Dirt

Warm water is great for getting rid of dirt, so you should be using it for the cleaning process. To avoid any damage to the skateboard, go through the user manual that comes with your skateboard. 

That guide tells you how to clean your skateboard without damaging it. The other important instructions will also be mentioned there. just like what part should not touch the water, and so on.

So, go through the guide so that you may not end up doing something that you shouldn’t. Once you do that, you can now go ahead with the steps.

Disassemble the wheels and bearings

After removing your skateboard’s wheels and bearings, you must remove its wheel. Hold your skateboard in one hand and the socket wrench in the other to remove the wheels. 

The process involves removing each bolt from the outside of your truck’s wheels and axle. Once the skateboard wheel has been removed, disassemble the skateboard wheel bearings. In order to assemble the wheels, you’ll need to store the two bearings safely.

Clean The Skateboard Wheels

You can move on to the cleaning process as soon as you have completed the following steps.

When cleaning skateboard wheels, you should first determine the material of the wheels to determine what cleaning product you should or shouldn’t use.

Usually, polyurethane is used to make the wheels of skateboards. Cleaning this material with warm, soapy water is also possible. So, let’s do that. In a pail of soapy water or with a particular cleaner, soak the wheels. 

A piece of old rag should be used to carefully clean both the interior and exterior sides of the wheels. It is possible for dirt and small rocks to become jammed in the deck and wheels.

Wrap The Wheels

Once the wheels have been washed, wrap them in a cotton cloth or piece of paper towel to completely dry them. Because a wet environment attracts more dirt and debris, damp wheels move slower in their bearings. When storing wheels, make sure they are dry and open before use.

Put the Wheels And Bearing On Your Skateboard. 

Assembling the wheels in reverse allows you to attach the bearings. You should firmly reposition the bearings on your skateboard so that you won’t have any trouble riding it. 

Reattach the wheels to the axle of the truck once the bearings have been installed. Using a socket wrench, insert the axle nut correctly and tighten it securely. By doing so, you will be able to prevent your wheels from slipping off when you skate.

After assembling everything properly, take a look at all the parts carefully once again. Make certain that no part of the skateboard, whether a nut or another small part, has been overlooked. 

Every part of the skateboard contributes to its performance. In other words, if you forgot to put anything back, please do it as soon as possible.

Some of your most frequently asked questions are answered here.

 FAQ

Final Words

Why do skateboard wheels turn yellow? Now you know the reason why they turn yellow. Not only that, but you also know how to clean yellow skateboard wheels. Still, if you have any questions related to the topic, please let me know in the comment section below. I’d love to help you out.